Mastering Mobile Journalism: Join AFP's Three-Day Hands-On Workshop in Brussels

In line with the European Newsroom’s goal to enhance the skills of journalists from its member agencies, an engaging three-day workshop combining theory and practical experience was held in Brussels.

Led by AFP’s Laurent Kalfala, the workshop guided participants through the entire video production process, utilizing smartphones for planning, shooting, and editing. Attendees received hands-on training in setting up professional interviews with various equipment, including lighting, tripods, and microphones.

This workshop, tailored for text journalists, saw participation from nine journalists across four agencies involved in the ENR project.

The event commenced with fundamental theoretical discussions on storytelling and visual composition. Participants then engaged in practical sessions where they learned to configure lights and cameras for professional interviews. Outdoor shooting exercises provided valuable real-world experience, enhancing their ability to capture compelling footage in varying environments.

By the conclusion of the workshop, participants had produced fully edited video stories, acquiring the skills and techniques necessary to advance their reporting through smartphone journalism, reinforcing the notion that the best camera is the one you have on hand.