Now we may specialise in radio but it doesn’t mean we can’t venture into the world of video. Watching and making videos has become increasingly popular over the last few years especially with the help of YouTube.
YouTube is a video sharing website and one of the most used sites on the Internet. It allows people to watch and upload their videos for the world to see. Whether you’ve captured a special family event, filmed a video about your favourite hobby or got footage of something weird and wonderful – YouTube is the place to see it. You’ll find a wide variety of user-generated content on there including film and TV clips, music videos as well as homemade content such as video blogs and short original videos.
But how easy is it to create a video? We recommend you check out this website by Steve Rawling. Steve is a BBC TV Producer based in Manchester and this website offers some handy hints on producing a short video. It covers everything from ideas for your first video project to scripting, getting the right shots as well as the important safety stuff. Steve has used his experience to get community group members to make their first edited piece to camera in three hours flat. It took him half the time with volunteers from Wythenshawe FM because they were already well-versed in creating ‘content’.
But how can you use videos to benefit your station?
Well if you’re doing an outside broadcast why not video some of the goings on then pop it on the internet. If volunteers are chatting with members of the local community and everyone is having fun it would make sense to catch it on tape. Then when people visit your website or YouTube link they will see all the great interaction and want to be part of it.
If you invite local bands to play on your station you could film them doing a live session in the studio. It gives your audience an extra insight into the band in an intimate setting. And the band might even put it on their Facebook or Myspace page if you’re lucky giving the station even more exposure. If you have the kit, it should also be a no-brainer for you best interviews.
And earlier this year children from a school in the Scottish Highlands used a video on YouTube to find a new head teacher. Maybe you could think about recruiting volunteers on YouTube?
Here are some community radio stations that have had a go at video –
Future Radio use videos on YouTube to introduce their volunteer presenters and staff to their audience. Check them out here.
Preston FM film sessions in the studio with local artists and put them on YouTube. Have a look here.
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