| INTRODUCTION |
The idea of "print to web" is fading fast. We just publish. Online is one of our mediums for delivery. And as we prepare and create content the one should not be a byproduct of the other.
So you want to make the leap. It's not that far a stretch to make.
You face the same questions:
What is the best way to tell this story?
You face some new challenges:
Who is your audience? Where will they logically get this type of information? Internet users are not passive readers. How can you engage them?
You have more choices on how you'll do it:
Put on the movie director hat but keep your ethical guide one underneath. Create an impression. Set a tone when appropriate. Provide an experience. Make them think. Allow them to participate.
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| INVESTIGATE, PLAN and ANTICIPATE |
Consider what may be appropriate:
.AUDIO:
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.VISUALS:
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.RESOURCES:
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• Interviews
• Commentary from reporter or photographer
• Music - set tone
• Ambient sound
• Narration |
• Photos
• Video
• Interactive exercise
• Static and animated graphics
• Timeline
• Databased information |
• Links related sites
• Cross link related or appropriate previous stories
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Looking for ideas? Scan the budgets, go to news meetings, talk to reporters, photographers, designers, artists.
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LEARN about
the tools: |
Artists - illustrator, photoshop, flash
Photographers - photoshop, audio editing, soundslides, video editing
Designers - html, photoshop, flash
Producers - ALL OF THE ABOVE
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TIPS
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Whether you have a counterpart in the web department or not, my best advise is that multimedia is not an island. And superheroes generally die young. If you don't want to get overwhelmed quickly or turned off by the amount of work you are now looking to generate, think in the way of teams or at least partners. Multimedia production takes time. Finding the balance and most efficient approaches is the mastery of this art.
Try to approach this new venture as redefining your existing role. This only requires a small modification to your thought process and your tasks. Gravitate first to what comes most naturally to you and your job function.
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