Courses for reporters and camera operators
Five practical courses covering field camera work, on-camera delivery, live coverage, classroom craft and joint reporter and operator exercises, all taught in small groups in Reading.
Five courses, one working newsroom
Each course targets one part of television news work, from the first frame to the live cue. You can take one on its own or combine several as your role requires.
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Field Camera Techniques
Operators practise composition, exposure and handheld stability on real locations. Audio capture gets equal time, because poor sound ruins good pictures. Sessions finish with a review of your own footage.
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On-Camera Reporting
Reporters work on piece-to-camera delivery, writing to pictures and keeping their nerve when the clock is running. Each learner is filmed, watched back and coached on the spot. The aim is a natural, clear voice.
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Live Coverage Strategies
This course covers planning a broadcast from the field, cueing, timing and filing with a small crew. Learners rehearse the full chain from location recce to the final handback. Mistakes are made here, not on air.
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Newsroom Classroom Workshops
Classroom sessions focus on story structure, editing choices and interview technique. Groups stay small so everyone gets questioned, critiqued and heard. Exercises use real news material from recent weeks.
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Reporter and Camera Pairing Days
A reporter and an operator take a story from brief to edit together. They agree the shots, shoot on location and cut the result. It shows each side what the other needs and why.
Inside Field Camera Techniques
This course suits news camera operators who want firmer technique, whether they are new to the shoulder or have years behind the lens. It runs as practical sessions with short briefings, then shooting, then review.
Contact
- Shot composition
- You learn to frame for news: clean wides, usable mids and close detail that cuts together. Daniel sets simple briefs and you shoot to them, then compare choices with the group.
- Exposure in changing light
- Outdoor light rarely stays still. We work through shooting in mixed sun, shade and interiors, and how to set and adjust exposure quickly without losing the moment.
- Audio capture
- Clear sound is half of a news package. You practise microphone placement, wind control and monitoring levels while moving, so interviews and ambient sound are both usable.
- Handheld stability
- Steady pictures come from stance, breathing and movement. Exercises build habits for long takes and following action, so shots stay watchable without relying on a tripod.
Bring your own camera if you have one, wear weatherproof clothing and comfortable shoes, and tell us in advance about any equipment you would like to try.
How it runs
From first enquiry to a finished course day
We keep the route simple and clear. You tell us what you do and what you want to improve, we agree which course fits, and you receive the details in writing. Nothing is paid until you have a written confirmation and an invoice.
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Send an enquiry
Use the contact page to describe your role, your experience and the course that interests you. Tom reads every message and replies with questions where something is unclear, so we start from your real situation.
What you leave with
A short reply confirming we understand what you need.
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Agree the right course
We match your goals to one of the five courses, or a sensible combination, and explain what each session covers. If a different course would help you more, we say so plainly.
What you leave with
A recommended course and a clear outline of its content.
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Receive a written quotation
You get a written quotation showing the course, the dates offered and what the price includes. Take your time to read it and ask anything that is not clear before you decide.
What you leave with
A written quotation you can accept or decline.
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Confirm and pay by invoice
Once you accept, we send written confirmation and an invoice. Payment is by bank transfer, and cancellations and refunds follow the payment and refund policy.
What you leave with
Confirmation of your place and an invoice for bank transfer.
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Attend and review
You join the small group, work through the practical exercises and receive feedback from your tutor. Footage or recordings are reviewed together so you can see exactly what to change.
What you leave with
Notes from your tutor on what to practise next.
Tell us which course fits the work you do
Write via the contact page with your role and what you want to improve. We will suggest a course, from field camera to live coverage, and reply in writing.