MED4158 - Facebook Lives

This week, we had the opportunity to speak to Coilin Duffy, a freelance journalist who specialises in producing Facebook live videos. Via Microsoft Teams, he gave a great insight into the work behind the camera on how to produce a quality video for Facebook Live.

One example was the briefing he gave to guests on the basics of how to answer the call and how to use their camera and microphones if they are not confident using technology. This gave his videos seamless transitions between introducing and talking to a variety of guests, particularly on his "Small Business Focus" video, where he spoke to a variety of guests from small businesses who have been effected by the Birmingham German Market not being opened this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Although this was highly insightful, he persistently drove for the importance of preparation before a live video. By doing vital checks for camera quality, lighting, sound as well as other checks on the technology he was using, he was able to create great quality and informative live videos. Although I doubt I personally will use Facebook Live for a large proportion of my career, it was extremely useful to understand the works and importance of producing effective live journalistic videos.