Videographic Journalism - Student

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Video Journalism Project: Student Version

What You Will Do:

In this project, you will become a video journalist. That means finding a real story in your school or community, planning and filming it, and editing it into a short video that tells the story in a powerful and respectful way.

Objectives:

  • Find a story in your school or community that matters to someone.
  • Record video, take notes, and talk with people to learn more.
  • Create a 3–5 minute video story that is true to your subject.
  • Share your video with your class and with the people in your story.

Day 1: Getting Started

  1. Kick-Off Activity:

    • Look at an image, video, or sound.
    • Write a quick story about what might be happening just outside the frame.

  2. Watch & Discuss:

    • As a class, watch these examples of youth video journalism:

    • Talk about how these videos use images, sound, and story to make you feel something.

    • What’s the difference between photo and video journalism?

    • What is “B-roll”? Why is it important?

Your Project:

  1. Pick a story.

    • It can be about a person, place, group, or issue.
    • It should be something real, something you can film, and something you care about.

  2. Plan and record.

    • Interview someone involved in the story.
    • Take video clips that show what the story is about.
    • Take notes to help you shape the story.

  3. Edit your video.

    • Your story should be:

      • 3–5 minutes long
      • Titled and include credits
      • True to your subject (don’t exaggerate or change who they are)
      • Ethically responsible (ask for permission, be respectful)

  4. Get feedback.

    • Show your finished video to the person or group in your story.
    • Ask what they think and listen to their feedback.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How to find and tell real stories through video
  • How to use a camera, edit footage, and work with sound
  • How to connect with people and share their voices respectfully
  • How to use journalism to explore issues that matter in your community

Reflection Questions:

  • What did you learn from making this video?
  • What was challenging? What worked well?
  • How did your view of the community (or yourself) change?
  • How can you use storytelling to create change?

Important Reminders:

  • Keep your video honest and respectful
  • Give your subject the final say before publishing
  • Focus on showing, not telling—use visuals and sound to let the story unfold

Extensions:

  • How does editing affect the truth of a story?
  • What makes someone trustworthy when telling other people’s stories?
  • How could you use video journalism in the future?