Filming viral videos: journalism training at the Mediabaza Odesa, Kherson

Creating a screenplay and frame composition that resonate with the audience helps shoot a video that will go viral, said More Lyudey founder and CEO Veronika Polyakova and director Oleksandr Kats during a training class at the IMI hub Mediabaza Odesa, Kherson.

The December 18 training class was attended by journalists and freelancers from Odesa oblast.

Veronika Polyakova discussed creative issues and artistic approaches to filming short videos. She focused on keeping the viewer’s attention throughout the video.

The trainer stressed the most important tips for creating a short and dynamic video:

• Start by defining the idea or point of the video.
• Use the three-second rule, i.e. change dynamic frames more often.
• Make cuts! Better to remove all unnecessary details (pauses, frames).
• Use visualization: action, text on the screen, diagrams.
• Close concisely.

Veronika Polyakova. Photo by Victoria Yaslyk

Oleksandr Kats gave tips on working with lighting and frame composition:

• The more light, the better, but it is important not to overlight the shot.
• Divide the frame into three parts or use automatic grid adjustment. The main objects should be at the intersection of the lines.
• Avoid overcrowding the shot, each object should matter.
• A clean and minimalist background helps emphasize the main object.
• Give the object space so that it does not feel "crammed in".

Participants in the training class. Photo by Victoria Yaslyk

“Remember that the professionalism of your video depends not just on technical equipment, but also on your understanding of the basics,” he added.

Victoria Yaslyk, Mediabaza Odesa, Kherson communications manager