TELLING WOMEN'S STORIES: A GUIDE TO IMPACTFUL MOBILE JOURNALISM
MODULE 5: Content Processing and Delivery

Lesson 501: Content Processing and Delivery

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Study the content below.

LESSON 501: Content Processing and Delivery

This will give you:

  • A solid understanding of professional content preparation and delivery standards.

  • The ability to efficiently organize files, manage metadata, and edit compelling rough cuts.

  • Skills to ensure content discoverability and accessibility through effective captioning.

Once complete, move on to Lesson 502.

IN THIS LESSON

📦 Organize & Prepare Content: Learn to structure files, add metadata, and create captions to meet international media agency standards.

🚀 Master Content Delivery: Explore file transfer platforms, optimize uploads, and ensure seamless delivery of your video, photo, and written content.

✂️ Edit Compelling Rough Cuts: Apply basic editing techniques, create shot sequences, and structure soundbites to craft engaging narratives.

🔍 Enhance Discoverability & Accessibility: Understand the importance of metadata, captions, and proper file organization for content distribution and reach.

Ready to polish and deliver your stories with agency-level precision? Let’s go 🚀

This module focuses on how to polish your video, photo, and written content to meet international media agency standards. It will guide you through the content delivery process, including file organization, uploading procedures, and essential editing techniques to ensure your work is polished, professional, and ready for distribution.

1. Content Preparation and Organization

    1. Specificity is Key: Don't just name a file "interview." Include the interviewee's name, the location, and the date if possible.

    2. Use Consistent Separators: Hyphens or underscores are preferred over spaces. This helps avoid issues with different operating systems and web servers.

    3. Include File Type: Always include the file extension.

      • Example: .mov, .mp4, .jpg, .docx

    4. Version Control: If you have multiple versions of a file, include a version number.

    1. Main Folder: COUNTRY-STORY TITLE-YOUR NAME

      • Create this folder on your computer or external drive as your central hub for all files related to the story.

    2. Sub Folder: VIDEO

      • Inside, create a "VIDEO" folder. This will house all your video footage.

      • Sub-Sub Folder (per character): Interviews+Cutaways

        • For each main character, create a folder labeled "Interviews+Cutaways."

        • Store all interview footage with that character and any cutaway shots used to illustrate their story within this folder.

        • Tip: If you have multiple interviews with the same person, number them (e.g., "Interviews+Cutaways-1," "Interviews+Cutaways-2").

      • Sub-Sub Folder (per location): B-roll

        • For each distinct location in your story, create a "B-roll" folder.

        • Place all your B-roll footage for that location in this folder.

        • Tip: Organize B-roll by activity or time of day within the location folder if you have a lot of footage.

      • Shot-list (document)

        • Include a shot list document (e.g., .docx, .pdf, .xlsx).

        • Tip: Use a spreadsheet for your shot list to easily track shot descriptions, timecodes, and notes.

    3. Sub Folder: PHOTOS

      • Create a "PHOTOS" folder.

      • Photos of characters

        • Include individual portraits and other relevant photos of the people in your story.

        • Tip: Ensure photos are high-resolution.

      • General photos about the topic

        • Include photos that provide context or illustrate the broader issues in your story.

      • Caption information (document or spreadsheet)

        • Create a separate document or spreadsheet for caption information.

        • Caption Information to Include:

          • Who: Names of people in the photo (first and last)

          • What: What is happening in the photo

          • Where: Location of the photo

          • When: Date and time of the photo

          • Why: Context or relevance to the story

          • Photographer: Your name

        • Tip: Accuracy is crucial for captions. Double-check all names and details.

    1. Video Metadata:

      1. Use software (e.g., video editing software, VLC media player) to add metadata to your video files.

        • Key Metadata Fields:

          • Title

          • Description

          • Keywords (use relevant terms related to your story, location, and gender themes)

          • Creator (Your name)

          • Copyright information

        • Tip: Be generous with keywords. They help make your content discoverable.

      2. Photo Metadata:

        • Most photo editing software (e.g., Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop) allows you to add metadata.

        • Key Metadata Fields:

          • Caption (this is crucial)

          • Keywords

          • Creator

          • Copyright

          • Location (GPS coordinates if possible)

        • Tip: Ensure your camera's date and time are set correctly to automatically embed accurate time information.

2. Content Delivery

  • Internet Connection:

    • Tip 1: If possible, use a wired connection (Ethernet cable) for more stable and faster uploads compared to Wi-Fi.

    • Tip 2: If you have limited bandwidth, consider compressing your video files (while maintaining acceptable quality) before uploading. HandBrake is a free tool that can help with this.

    • Tip 3: Upload during off-peak hours when internet traffic is generally lower.

    File Size Management:

    • Tip 1: Shoot efficiently: Plan your shots and avoid unnecessary recording to minimize file sizes.

    • Tip 2: Use appropriate video codecs and resolutions. 4K is often required, but ensure that your equipment can handle it effectively. If not, shoot in 1080p.

    • Tip 3: Break down large video files into smaller chunks if your internet connection is unstable.

  • 1. Dropbox:

    • Tip 1: Ensure you have enough storage space in your Dropbox account.

    • Tip 2: Organize your files within Dropbox in the same folder structure you created on your computer.

    2. WeTransfer:

    • Tip 1: WeTransfer has file size limits for free accounts. Consider WeTransfer Pro for larger files.

    • Tip 2: Double-check that you have entered the recipient's email address correctly.

    3. Google Drive:

    • Tip 1: Similar to Dropbox, ensure you have enough storage space.

    • Tip 2: You can create a shareable link to a folder, which is convenient for sending multiple files.

    4. Massive.io:

    • Tip: Massive.io is designed for very large files and offers features like accelerated transfers. It may be a good option if you are dealing with extremely large amounts of data.

    5. General Transfer Tips:

    • Tip 1: Before uploading, run a virus scan on your files to ensure they are clean.

    • Tip 2: After uploading, double-check that all files have been transferred successfully.

    • Tip 3: Notify the commissioning editor as soon as your files are ready for download.

    1. Video Metadata:

      1. Use software (e.g., video editing software, VLC media player) to add metadata to your video files.

        • Key Metadata Fields:

          • Title

          • Description

          • Keywords (use relevant terms related to your story, location, and gender themes)

          • Creator (Your name)

          • Copyright information

        • Tip: Be generous with keywords. They help make your content discoverable.

      2. Photo Metadata:

        • Most photo editing software (e.g., Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop) allows you to add metadata.

        • Key Metadata Fields:

          • Caption (this is crucial)

          • Keywords

          • Creator

          • Copyright

          • Location (GPS coordinates if possible)

        • Tip: Ensure your camera's date and time are set correctly to automatically embed accurate time information.

3. Editing a Rough Cut

  • 1. Strongest Shot:

    • Tip: Choose a visually compelling shot that immediately introduces the main subject, sets the scene, or hints at the solution or innovation

    • Example: A close-up of a character's hands engaged in their craft, a wide shot establishing the setting, or a shot capturing a moment of tension or emotion.

    2. Rhythm and Flow:

    • Tip: Vary your shots to create a dynamic pace. Use B-roll to introduce characters and cutaways in between their soundbites.

    3. Strategic Soundbites:

    • Tip: Choose soundbites that are concise, powerful, and reveal key information or emotions.

    • Tip: Use soundbites to advance the narrative, provide context, or offer different perspectives.

    • Tip: Ensure soundbites are clear and audible and no more than 30 seconds in duration.

  • 1. Start with the strongest shot:

    • Action: Select your most visually engaging shot to open the video.

    2. 7 shot sequence:

    • Action: Cut together a sequence of 7 shots that establish the setting, introduce the main character, or set up the story's initial situation.

    • Tip: Vary the shot types (wide, medium, close-up) within the sequence.

    3. Soundbite from the main character:

    • Action: Include a short (30 seconds), impactful soundbite from your main character.

    • Tip: Choose a soundbite that reveals something important about their personality, goals, or challenges.

    4. 7 shot sequence:

    • Action: Another sequence of 7 shots that builds on the previous one, perhaps showing the character in action or introducing a related element of the story.

    • Tip: Use this sequence to provide visual context for the soundbite.

    5. Another Soundbite from the main character:

    • Action: Include another soundbite from the main character.

    • Tip: This soundbite could elaborate on what was said in the first one or introduce a new aspect of the story.

    6. 7 shot sequence:

    • Action: A sequence of 7 shots that introduces another character or element of the story.

    • Tip: This sequence could show the main character interacting with another person or facing a challenge.

    7. Soundbite from impact character:

    • Action: Include a soundbite from a character who is impacted by the main character's story or who provides a different perspective.

    • Tip: This soundbite can add depth and complexity to the narrative.

    8. 7 shot sequence:

    • Action: A sequence of 7 shots that provides further context or explores a specific aspect of the story.

    • Tip: This sequence could show the setting in more detail or focus on a particular action.

    9. Soundbite from expert character:

    • Action: Include a soundbite from an expert who can provide analysis or context to the story.

    • Tip: This soundbite can add credibility and authority to the narrative.

    10. 7 shot sequence:

    • Action: A sequence of 7 shots that begins to wrap up the story or point towards a resolution.

    • Tip: This sequence could show the main character reflecting on their journey or taking action.

    11. Soundbite from main character:

    • Action: Include a final soundbite from the main character.

    • Tip: This soundbite can provide a sense of closure or leave the viewer with a lasting impression.

    12. 7 shot sequence:

    • Action: A final sequence of 7 shots that brings the video to a satisfying conclusion.

    • Tip: This sequence could revisit the opening shot or offer a glimpse of the future.

  • 1. What constitutes a shot sequence:

    • A series of related shots that are edited together to convey an action, a scene, or a moment in the story.

    2. Examples of different types of shots:

    • Wide Shot (WS): Shows the overall setting or the relationship between characters and their environment.

    • Medium Shot (MS): Shows a character from the waist up, focusing on their actions and expressions.

    • Close-Up (CU): Shows a specific detail, such as a character's face or hands, to emphasize emotion or importance.

    • Extreme Close-Up (ECU): Shows a very close detail, such as an eye or a small object.

    • Over-the-Shoulder Shot (OTS): Shows a character from behind another character's shoulder, often used in conversations.

    • Point-of-View Shot (POV): Shows the scene from a character's perspective.

    3. Tips for varying shot types within a sequence:

    • Start wide, then go close: Begin with a wide shot to establish the scene, then gradually move to medium and close-up shots to focus on details and emotions.

    • Use close-ups for emphasis: Use close-ups to highlight important details or to emphasize a character's reaction.

    • Vary the angle: Don't shoot everything from the same eye level. Experiment with high angles, low angles, and Dutch angles (tilted shots) to create visual interest.

    • Use movement: Incorporate camera movement (pans, tilts, zooms) to guide the viewer's eye and add dynamism to the sequence. Use these sparingly and purposefully.

4. Module Summary and Best Practices

    • File naming and folder structure are essential for organization and efficiency.

    • Metadata and captions enhance content discoverability and accessibility.

    • Choose the appropriate file transfer platform based on your needs.

    • Effective editing techniques create a compelling rough cut.

    • Tip 1: Double-check all your work before submitting it.

    • Tip 2: Communicate clearly and promptly with the commissioning editor.

    • Tip 1: Set realistic deadlines for yourself and stick to them.

    • Tip 2: If you encounter any problems, notify the commissioning editor as soon as possible.

The Fastest Way to Send Large Files Anywhere

All done with Lesson 501! Your trainers will take you through content delivery during the in-person workshops.