Supporting Material for Assignments
Video Production Glossary (important terminology, so you can “talk the talk”)
UGA Journalism Department Responsible Reporting Practices
While the COVID-19 pandemic has created circumstances unlike any we have experienced, journalism students will still report stories by interacting with sources and going out in the world to the extent that it is safe.
Journalism majors must adhere to these guidelines while reporting and producing content for Grady Newsource, journalism classes and any extra-curricular opportunities affiliated with the College of Journalism and Mass Communication.
For the safety of yourself, colleagues, faculty, and sources, follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control for preventing the spread of COVID-19.
- Practice social distancing. Stay at least six feet away from others.
- Wear a cloth mask that covers your mouth and nose.
- Wash your hands often using soap and warm water.
- Sanitize frequently used surfaces.
Safe in-person interviewing
Given current conditions, we strongly recommend interviewing sources remotely, using services like Zoom and FaceTime. If there is a compelling need to conduct interviews in person:
- Interviews should take place outdoors when possible (this is our strong preference).
- You may invite sources to the patio outside the Peyton Anderson Forum if other potential outdoor meeting places are less convenient for you or your source.
- If your interview must take place indoors, provide your instructor with a written explanation why an outdoor setting is not possible. Your instructor must sign off on your proposal.
- Wear a mask covering your nose and mouth at all times.
- Maintain a distance of at least six feet away from your source.
- Limit your time indoors with your interviewee to a maximum of 20 minutes.
- Do not share objects with others, and do not let others touch any of your video/photo equipment.
- If possible, use a shotgun mic mounted on your camera to record the audio, or attach your mic to a boom pole and hold it six feet away from the subject.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after shooting video or photos and gently clean equipment with sanitizing wipes. Avoid touching/wiping lenses, SDHC cards and other sensitive electronic components.
Faculty will not accept interviews that do not adhere to these guidelines, which means you will NOT receive credit for that work.
Shooting b-roll among crowds or at demonstrations
- Avoid crowds as much as possible. However, if you find yourself in a crowd (for example, covering a demonstration), get your image and move on as swiftly as possible.
- If you need a soundbite, ask anyone you want to interview to move to the perimeter of the event (this is good for your audio as well) and conduct the interview maintaining six-foot separation.
- Always wear a mask covering your nose and mouth.
Shooting b-roll indoors
- Follow the above guidelines for shooting in-person interviews.
- Indoor filming should remain an exception and subject to your instructor’s approval.
- Filming subjects in your own household in order to practice your skills is permitted but must also be cleared with your instructor.
- Unless you are shooting with people in your household, do not zoom with your feet. Instead, use the zoom and focus features on your camera or phone app to frame a subject that is at least six feet away.
In short, if your assignment involves interviewing, shooting photos/video or gathering b-roll, you must remain at a safe distance from your subjects and minimize the time that you interact with them.
If you do not follow these guidelines, I will not accept your assignment!
Video Journalism 