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Video Viewfinder
Video Viewfinder is a series of column-length magazine articles originally written by Keith and Chris for Florida Media Quarterly. Video Viewfinder was published in every issue from 1996 to 2002, and sporadically thereafter. Florida Media Quarterly ceased print publication in 2004. Video Viewfinder columns have also been reprinted in several state and local educational media publications.
A menu of columns is listed below. Over the years, some columns have been deleted because changes in technology have made them obsolete. Other columns remain, and have been updated. If you see information presented in Video Viewfinder that needs updating, please send e-mail.
All Video Viewfinder columns are presented here with permission of Florida Media Quarterly. We hope you find Video Viewfinder articles informative and entertaining. (For permission to reprint Video Viewfinder in your educational media publication, click here.)
Nonlinear Digital Video Editing Here's an excerpt from Keith and Chris' Educator's Survival Guide to Television Production Equipment and Activities. This column describes several advantages of nonlinear editing. If you're still editing the old fashioned way, this column is required reading. (2002)
Video Formats - What's the Best Choice? In the market for a new camcorder, but you're not sure about the difference between VHS-C, Hi-8, and Mini DV? Then take a look at this column. (2002)
Our New Year's Video Resolutions Everybody makes a New Year's Resolution -- exercise more often, read more books, eat more ice cream! But have you made your New Year's Video Resolution? Here are some ideas for improving your school video program. Do your best! (2002)
The News Show Pledge Let's face it - many schools begin their news programs with the Pledge of Allegiance. That's a great way to start your day; now let's give it the outstanding treatment that it deserves! Here's how. (2001)
Music for Video Production Did you use "The Long and Winding Road" on your video yearbook? Are you looking over your shoulder for the copyright police? Maybe you haven't heard about the LEGAL alternative -- Production Music. Read this column - quick! We promise we won't tattle. (2001)
Making Magic with Microphones Ready to dive into the world of microphones? Don't know a shotgun mic from a PZM? Do your audiences say "huh?" when watching your news show? Then you need this column. (Spring, 2001)
A TV Studio Makeover Find out how Choctawhatchee High School in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, redesigned their TV Studio (includes additional photos.) (Fall, 2000)
Maybe It's Time to Have "The Talk" Are you satisfied with the way your TV program is going at your school? Here's a guide to having that all-important "talk" with your principal! (2000)
The Viewfinder is Your Friend Need to teach students how to use the camcorder? The viewfinder is your best friend. No, not Video Viewfinder! That little screen on your camcorder. (2000)
Adding Technology to Your School's New Show Ready to step forward with graphics, computers, and chroma-key? This column will get your started. (999)
A Video Mixer for Your News Show Thinking about adding a video mixer to your news show, but you're just not sure what it does, or how to connect it? Read all about it! (1999)
A Trip to the Video Viewfinder Mailbag This column features some of the best questions e-mailed to SCHOOLTV.com. Read and enjoy! (1999)
Talent...It Goes a Long Way Just how important is a good student anchor to your news crew? Well, try going a few days without one, and you'll quickly see their value! In this column, we tell you how to select and coach the students that will put the "face" on your program. (1999)
Keeping Your Batteries Charged! Are you having trouble with your camcorder batteries? Do they seem to die at the most inopportune times? Should you let them discharge completely before you re-charge them? What's the difference between a lead-acid battery and a Ni-Cad? If you don't know the answers, then you need to read this Video Viewfinder column! (1998)
Tips for Creating Great Graphics So, now that you have a character generator, how can you make informative and engaging graphics? This Video Viewfinder column offers 5 tried-and-true tips for making super graphic screens. (1998)
Character Generators: Features and Connections Thinking about buying a new character generator to your studio this year? Here's an article that gives selection criteria and connection tips, too. It has never been easier to add graphics to your students' productions. (1998)
The Most Important TV Studio Component: Your Students! The new school year will be upon us before we know it, and it's time to add new students to our TV production crews. Learn how Keith and Chris select their crew members, and even download a free, time-tested TV Production application, too. (1998)
Interviewing Skills for Television Production Have you ever sent a student reporting team to get an interview on videotape, only to be disappointed with the results? Most of us have. Interviewing is a skill that must be taught to the reporter and the videographer. Here's a great column. Print it and make copies for your students! (1998)
Three More Simple Techniques to Improve Your School's News Show Getting just a little bit high-tech: learn how to decorate your set, add graphics, and use a Teleprompting system. (1997)
Three Simple Techniques to Improve Your School's News Show Learn simple low-cost/no cost ways to make your show look and sound better. (1997)
Presenting Your Video Program You've worked countless hours on a video program, only to see it displayed in a less-than-optimum setting! Read about setting the conditions so that everyone can see (and hear) the fruits of your labor. (1996)
Summer Shooting Assignment Keith and Chris offer tips for learning about video production over summer vacation. (1996)
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