Workshop: Writing and Storytelling for TV Journalists

Join us for a day long masterclass, moving from the basic elements of television packaging through to the most sophisticated techniques, making extensive use of tape material. It is designed to work for both newcomers and experienced professionals who want to improve their storytelling.

The session will be led by Vin Ray, a former BBC Foreign Editor, Executive Editor and the founding Director of the BBC College of Journalism. During his time at the BBC, Ray was in charge of on-air talent and recruited and developed many of the corporation’s best known journalists. He was described as ‘a revered teacher’ by Andrew Marr, one of the many journalists Ray trained. In 2004, he was awarded the Dart Centre’s ‘Distinguished Media Leadership Award’ at a ceremony in New York. He left the BBC in 2010 and now works as a writer, consultant and trainer.

Here’s what participants had to say about Vin’s recent masterclass at the club:

“Truly inspirational and motivating.”

“Just an excellent, informal course.”

“Everything and more than I expected.”

“I learnt more in one day with Vin than I have in three years at college.”

“Really enjoyed the course. The way he presented things was easy to understand.”

“So much to know, so very interesting.”

“Brilliant.”

“I can’t wait to apply what I’ve learnt!”

You will learn a range of essential craft skills and techniques: how to write sentences that work for TV, techniques the great writers use, how to use natural sound, how to script pictures, how to make stories flow, and how to achieve clarity. You will learn some powerful techniques for structuring stories. We will also look at what makes a good piece to camera, and more personal issues like vocal delivery. Along the way we’ll look at issues like using humour and reporter involvement.

Image Credit: BBC College of Journalism