Introduction to the AJ+ Video Journalist Network on StoryHunter
Below is an outline of the VJ program and a link to what has been produced so far. Note that it is very different from other AJ+ content. Videos are less than 120 seconds and character driven. We expect the VJ to pitch, shoot, and send us in best footage. (Generally VJ's do not write and edit their own work). We think of the videos as one small personal angle of one character, shot in one day, in one location. VJs do not appear on camera or in narration. Rates vary by the type of video, work needed, equipment needed, proven skill level of the VJ, location, and any expenses needed. Rates are generally between $600-1,500 dollars based on different factors.
We are using StoryHunter to add new VJ’s and make assignments. They are an online service that connects VJ’s with news organizations.
If you are interested in signing up, go to: StoryHunter.com
They will add you to their network if you meet their basic standards for professionalism and journalism. Once on there you will see our assignments and open projects, which you can apply for. We will not
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Regards,
Tupac Saavedera
Tupac.Saavedra@aljazeera.net
AJ+ VJ GUIDE
AJ+ VJ stories are not normal news. A straight-forward look at who, what, when, where doesn’t work for us. We are looking for stories that are made interesting by the unexpected angle, human side, or visually captivating. Ask yourself does this story move me or does it just inform me?
Here are some aspects of what makes an AJ+ story:
- Unique side angle on a major story. Also a story that connects two things not commonly associated with each other.
- Pushback to conventional wisdom on how the mainstream media (including AJ+) or governments frame an issue.
- Emotional or compassionate side of a story. Show specifically how people are directly affected by the issue (Emotions go beyond sadness can be awe, humor, anger, love, inspiration, etc…).
- Direct from the ground. Hear directly from people in the city/town/village where the bigger story is taking place.
- Incredible visual. Is there something we need to see (and hear) to believe? This is video, so let’s leverage those stories. It doesn’t have to be “hard news.”
Here’s a playlist of VJ videos, keep checking back to see what stories we are covering and how:
STORY FORMAT
There is not a template for the stories. Creativity is needed. It needs to be as close to 90 seconds as possible. We use on-screen text instead of narration and subtitles for non-English sound bites. We write the young adult audience, keeping the writing informal and conversational and not too heavy with jargon or formalities.
Here is “What Works” for our format: https://medium.com/@1andOnlyGD/aj-vj-production-watch-what-s-working-38bdbdecb2ba
We often say “visually engaging” what we mean:
- Tight shots that show details
- Video shot in Sequences
- Rich colors
- Faster edits/ in sync with the emotion of the story/ music/ nat sound
- Natural sound (very important)
- Make the first 0-10 seconds pop visually. Don’t save your best for the end. Begin with your best video. (If it needs to be elsewhere a quick montage could work)
As for interviews:
- Unless there is other action it should be shot head-on. We want the audience and interviewee to have eye contact instead of looking off screen..
- Generally we cover at least half of the interview with b-roll unless something very important is being said.
- Limit the number of subjects/voices/characters in the story to a maximum of 2
- Drill down into specifics and how the issue is specifically affecting them. Ask the “how” and “why” question repeatedly and eventually they’ll open up. Ask what the subject finds most surprising about the issue.
- Use sound bites for why/how/emotion/feeling. Use text slates for information.
THE PITCH
We’re not looking just for stories but for stories that people will engage with (comment, share, Tweet, like) and that starts with the pitch for the type of story above. We need unique angles to the big stories and told in a visually special way. Each week we get dozens of pitches, so please do the following to make your pitch stand out and get through a tough screening process. We usually review all non-urgent pitches once a week.
If we like your pitch, we'll reply asking for
- Your Twitter handle (so we can share when finished) and phone number (for quicker discussion):
- Clickable story title: (so we can frame the story and produce the same manner)
- Expected turnaround time:
- What camera you shoot on and audio equipment:
- Location:
- If any extra expenses above the flat fee that should be expected:
- Specific angle:
- Who is the character, language speaking, and age (if not a purely visual story)
- If the character is under 18, will their parents give permission?
- Do you speak the language of the character? If not, what is your translation plan?
- Visuals /Treatment plan: (not a script but what we should expect to see and how it will be done creatively)
- 3 “influencers” (websites/groups/journalists/celebrities): with 20,000+ followers that would likely share the video:
- Supporting links:
WHAT TO SEND FOR “RUSHES/FOOTAGE ONLY”
- Video Scene b-roll
- Video Interviews
- Upload text file of shot sheet
HOW TO SEND IT:
(will be provided on assignment)
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