How to Do a Video News Package

With today's Internet video outlets, there are more places to air a news package than ever before. You could air news packages on your personal blog, or submit them to Associate Content or a similar website.

Putting together a video news package is not as difficult as it seems. You will need a video camera, mini DV tapes, batteries for the camera, headphones, and someone to operate the camera for you. You will also need editing software like iMovie or Final Cut Pro. Bonus items to have would be a tripod and a wireless lavalier microphone.

Step 1: Decide What You Will be Covering
Each day, there are thousands of potential events to cover as a video news package. Decide what subject you want to do a story on. Some possibilities are public events such as the Breast Cancer Race for the Cure, or seasonal topics such as getting a flu shot.

Step 2: Make Arrangements
Lets say that you have decided to cover a town hall meeting on a local controversy. You will have to call the town and find out who is in charge of the meeting. Call that person, and tell them you would like to come film the event for a freelance news story. Ask if there are some town officials who will be present that you will be permitted to interview. Find out who else is expected at the meeting and see if you can arrange a brief interview.

Step 3: Prepare Your Questions
Type out a list of the questions you will want to ask the subjects. Think of all the "who, what, why, where, when, how, how often, and to what extent" questions you can. Keep in mind, though, that you may only get a few minutes with each person.

Step 3: Arrive Early
Show up at the meeting early and set up your equipment. Go around and introduce yourself to the people in charge. Let them know what you will be doing.

Step 4: Get B-Roll
While you are waiting for things to begin, film as much B-roll as you can get. Get things like close-ups of people's hands, groups of people talking, and plenty of casual shots of anyone whom you will be interviewing later. Get the outside of the building for a context shot, and get a few shots of the whole room. When the crowd arrives, get shots of them. Get everything.