Las Positas College
Video Journalism

Welcome to the Las Positas College Video Journalism class website.

Above are the links to the pages of our upcoming video journalists. Please feel free to watch the videos, read the biographies, and browse the content.

Class Assignments

1 Computer Basics

• Write an online biography.
• Edit a short video.
• Upload a YouTube Video.

2 Camera Basics

• Buy a camera.
• Create a silent video.
• Interview three students.

3 Advanced Topics

• Write an interesting story.
• Record and edit audio.
• Properly light a face.
• Create a video that flows.

4 Personality Profile

• Plan a personality profile.
• Add meaning with b-roll.
• Focus attention with close-ups.

5 Final Video: Telling the Untold Story

• Select a story angle.
• Understand journalism ethics.
• Create social currency.

6 Distribution

• Distribute videos with social media.
  
• Final Exam: Anthropological Introduction of YouTube.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use Final Cut Pro?

• How do I save the video from the camera to the computer?
  
• How do I set my scratch disks?
• How do I set my sequence settings?
• How do I export my video for YouTube?

• How do I add transitions?
• How do I add text overlays?
• How do I edit specific parts of my audio?
• Is there an easier way to edit with less rendering?

• How do I quickly adjust the audio on all my clips?
• How do I get rid of that annoying hiss?  Watch minute 6 of this video.
• How do I fix the color?
  

What equipment do I need?

• What camera should I buy?
• What equipment should I buy if I really want to pursue videography?
  
• How do I make a steady-cam?
• Why is sensor size so important?
  
• Is there an iPhone application that lets me transfer full-resolution video?
  
• Can I record audio with my iPhone?
  

How am I supposed to shoot this video?

• How do I shoot b-roll?
• If I only have one camera, how do I get good b-roll?

• How am I supposed to light my subject?

• How do I deal with a sensitive topic?
  

Where can I learn more about Video Journalism?

• What are other schools teaching in their video journalism class?
• Do young people even want news?
• What does professional video journalism look like?
• Are there any well-known video journalists?

How do I use social media?

• What's the big deal with social media?
  
• Is social media just a fad?

• How do people get famous on YouTube?
• How do I make my video go viral?
• How do I make money?

How do I use Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

• How should I layout my website?
• What is link trading?
• Where do I find Google Keyword Tool?
• Is there an easy way to make a website for my portfolio, blog, or journalism career?
  
• Is there an easy and free way to track my website?