Press Association Diploma in Video Journalism

This new diploma is targeted at existing print journalists who wish to develop their skills to allow them to be able to operate effectively as a video journalist.
By the end of the programme, delegates will:

Understand how to use a video camera effectively
Learn how to tell news stories through video
Learn to shoot video effectively
Understand how to interview on camera
Learn which stories work visually and which do not
Understand the basics of sound, light and editing

Course Structure

The course starts with practical training based in The Manor, Howden. The emphasis is on learning the technical side of handling a camera, sound, visualising stories, simple editing techniques and the process of telling stories through video.

This is followed by a period of on-the-job development on the delegate's own newspaper during which time they will be required to undertake a number of post course, work-based assignments.

They will then return to Howden for additional advanced training where these assignments will be reviewed and more complex shooting and editing techniques will be learnt.

Delegates will also receive one day of on-site support from the course tutor as they seek to build up their experience.

At the end of the training, delegates will submit a portfolio of work for assessment. This portfolio will lead to the awarding of the Diploma in Video Journalism, which it is hoped will be backed by the Skillset, the sector skills council for the audiovisual industry.

Course Leader

The course is led by Christina Fox, a former BBC camera operator and trainer who has extensive experience in developing print journalists to become effective story tellers in video.

Her clients include The BBC, ITN, More4, News (Channel 4), The Research Centre (Channel 4), Endemol and MTV.

The follow-up days are run by David Dunkley Gyimah

David Dunkley Gyimah is an experienced broadcaster and academic who currently works for the University of Westminster as a senior lecturer in broadcast journalism.

His is also editor of www.viewmagazine.tv. He began his broadcast career at Channel One Television in London after training on BBC Radio Leicester and his video journalism has won several international awards.

How to Get a Place

Most trainees will be sponsored by the title they work for but there are a limited number of places available for individuals who wish to fund their own way through the training.

The course is only open to working journalists and is specifically targeted at writers and stills photographers who are looking to broaden their range of skills.

To apply for a place on the diploma, send a letter of application, your CV and two examples of any published work to Lorna Chaproniere, course administrator, Press Association Training, Innovation Centre, Highfield Drive, Churchfields, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, TN38 9UH.

Accommodation

The courses are held at the Bishop' Manor in Howden. Reasonably priced accommodation can be arranged close to the centre.

Price

The cost of the training courses, diploma and on-site support is £1,995 per delegate, excluding VAT.