| The 2008 presidential elections will be different from any of the earlier. The 'web video' has become a reality today. Even as politicians are exploiting the reach of the internet to effectively leverage their campaigns, web videos are enabling voters to scrutinize candidates more closely than ever before.
As a voter, the videos you shoot could positively impact the swing of the elections. As part of ElectionSpeak's Video Patrol, you can upload your videos to raise awareness, stir debate, or expose a candidate's doublespeak.
To sign up for the Video Patrol: Register with a 'screen name' on ElectionSpeak and select the 'Video Patrol' option on the registration form.
Some basic tips on effective video patrol:
- Do your homework: Become familiar with the crucial political issues determining the election campaigns. Research the candidates and the stands they have taken regarding these issues.
- Seek video opportunities: Make it a point to attend political meets where a politician is speaking. If you intend to interview a candidate, go prepared with the questions. Be alert for controversial statements or those that indicate a shift from the candidate's professed stand on an issue.
- Develop camera technique: Shooting a political video does not generally require tricky camera maneuvers; the simplest technique often works best. Take care to avoid panning or zooming in or out too much. Wherever possible, aim for an uncluttered background that will help focus attention on your subject.
- Edit videos to make them effective: For a web video to be effective, it is important that it should get the intended message across as directly as possible with the minimum of fuss. Edit your video to highlight the critical parts. Inserted text or a voiceover may be used to add value to your clip.
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