Journalists enhance skills at smartphone journalism workshop in Brussels
- An immersive three-day workshop took place in Brussels focused on mobile journalism for journalists.
- Participants learned video production techniques using smartphones, including planning, shooting, and editing.
- The workshop concluded with attendees producing fully edited video stories, demonstrating the effectiveness of mobile journalism.
In November 2024, nine journalists from four different agencies participated in an intensive three-day workshop in Brussels aimed at enhancing their skills in mobile journalism. The event was part of the European Newsroom’s commitment to upskill their member agencies and was facilitated by Laurent Kalfala from Agence France-Presse (AFP). The workshop combined theoretical lessons on storytelling and visual composition with hands-on practice, empowering the participants to learn how to effectively plan, shoot, and edit video content entirely on their smartphones. The workshop commenced with essential theoretical insights, focusing on key principles of storytelling, including how to structure narratives and employ visual elements to capture audience attention. Following the theoretical discussions, the participants engaged in practical sessions that covered the technicalities of setting up professional interviews. Using various equipment such as lighting, tripods, and microphones, attendees learned to create conducive environments for high-quality video production. The practical exercises extended beyond set environments to include outdoor shooting, where journalists practiced capturing engaging footage in real-world situations. This aspect of the training was crucial as it provided participants the opportunity to hone their skills under varying environmental conditions, further reinforcing their learning. By the end of the workshop, participants had successfully produced fully edited video stories, demonstrating proficient use of mobile journalism tools and techniques. The outcomes of the workshop not only enabled journalists to create compelling content using the devices they always carry, but also highlighted the growing relevance of mobile journalism in contemporary reporting. Overall, the workshop showcased an innovative approach to journalism training, aligning with the evolving landscape of news media where agility and accessibility play pivotal roles.