The New News

News has many paths to get from event to edit. From a phone to a satellite link covers a lot of different technology and technique. It also depends on what is being covered, how it is being covered, and for how long.

The traditional broadcast ENG workflow is expensive. A lot of online and print newsrooms try to emulate the broadcasters, but with cheaper equipment to control costs. Sony A1 and PD150 instead of 570 DV Cam and XDCAM HD cameras etc. The model involves some research, a shoot then back to base for an edit - or on laptop if freelance. And it's fine, but slow.

The reason for working like that is the traditional limitations of tape based workflow and the fact that the edit equipment is separate from the camera. But technology has mitigated these limitations. If you have a camera, audio, computer and data connectivity on the same device then you can shoot, edit and deliver complete packages very quickly. Here is our coverage of WAN-IFRA's Digital Media Europe 2012 conference in London.

For nearly two years I have been using the Voddio and 1st Video apps, from VeriCorder, on iPhones to do just this. The 4S shoots full HD and the image is better than ENG cameras of just a few years ago - accessories are cheap to give broadcast sound and steady pictures. When on my pace, I can turn 90 sec packages around in 20 mins or so. At the DME conference, our reports were published on our site around 30 mins or so after the speaker finished.

But this way of working does have limitations too. I'd not like to have to wade through long interviews and masses of B-Roll for an edit on the phone. This kit is best for short packages - maybe 90 secs to 2.5 mins. Beyond that the story inevitably become either boring or more complex, and you can't hold it all in your head.

So there is need for a change in the approach to story too. My solution is to have the story worked out so well in advance that I am effectively acquiring a shot list defined by what came from research, pre-interviews and an hypothesis. I also use a carefully structured set of questions to ensure I have covered everything . They are a variant on Kipling's six honest serving-men. In this way I know that I am getting a story which is complete.

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