By: Pauline Millard Web video is all the rage in newspapers today, and one concern that keeps coming up over and over again is the cost of production.
For anyone who's concerned that their small paper and limited staff wouldn't be able to handle this technology, then they should check out the folks at
the Cullman Times in Cullman, Alabama.
This paper has a circulation of 10,000 but puts together a daily Web cast of the days top stories. According to Derek Price, the paper's editor, they push it out everyday thanks to simple equipment, such as cheap work lights from Wal-Mart, a light diffuser made from PVC and clearance-rack fabric, and an ancient Mac that serves as a TelePrompter. They have a $300 consumer video camera and a $100 shotgun microphone. They edit strictly in iMovie.
The production is good, the editing is sharp, and if Derek hadn't told me about the Wal-Mart lights I would have thought they had a real studio. I especially like that they use iMovie, which comes on pretty much every new Mac that you buy nowadays.
I give the Cullman Times kudos for really trying to stay up on what readers and viewers want. Even better, their news is hyperlocal, so if you want to know about the latest crime or flubs from the local water district, their site is the place to go.
Have you created Web videos on a budget? I'd like to see them. Or send along other web innovations.
Here are some of my past Picks:
'The St. Petersburg Times'
Sheds New Light on Old MurderBoston.com Uses
Photo Gallery to Explain Global Iraq Troop Withdrawal
Dueling Car Coverage! The 'Detroit News' Chimes In With Its
Dream Cruise Features'The Detroit Free-Press'
Shows Off The City's Cars
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