Citizen Journalism Study Notes

Consciously plan recordings, composing clear, visually appealing images.
Visualize the final edited product and capture more footage than needed.
A shot list is helpful, including standup, medium, close-up, and interview shots.
Interview Techniques: Position the camera slightly to the side; use non-verbal cues to encourage subjects.
Lighting: Use natural light, avoiding harsh midday sun. If outside, subjects should face the light.
Hold the camera steady with both hands, bracing against your chest and holding horizontally.
Maintain less than four feet distance for good audio.
Avoid distracting pans and zooms; prefer steady shots of 15-20 seconds.
Use a variety of wide, medium, and close-up shots for storytelling.

Interviews are focused tools for gathering information, requiring attentive listening and identifying follow-up questions.

Use open-ended questions (e.g., "What do you think?") instead of closed ones.
Avoid interrupting; use pauses for more responses.
Prepare by researching, but play naive to get more info.
Clarify confusing statements to ensure audience comprehension.
Write questions but avoid rapid-fire or double-barreled approaches; always seek follow-ups.
Phone interviews are effective; email interviews are less so.
End interviews by asking: "What else is important to say?" and "Who else should I talk to?"

Apply the "rule of thirds": position subjects along grid lines or intersections, not centered.
Ensure "nose room" (space in front of a subject's nose or moving object).
Maintain "headroom" (appropriate space above the subject's head).
Ideally, a subject's eyes should align with the top horizontal line of the rule of thirds.
These rules apply to still photography too.

If a source says "No comment," continue asking; document their refusal if they don't answer.
Anonymity requires prior agreement. If a source requests anonymity post-discussion, information can typically be used unless agreed otherwise.
Key anonymity terms:
- "Off The Record": Not for public sharing.
- "Not for Attribution": Info usable, but not attributed to source.
- "On Background": Info publishable without source attribution.
- "On Deep Background": Info usable, source not revealed.
Always clarify how anonymous information can be used.

Reporters must disclose their organization.
Canadian law allows recording conversations (and phone interviews) without consent, but broadcasting recorded content without consent is illegal.
Check local laws if operating outside Canada.