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multimedia journalistFreelancers are used to ups and downs in the market, new trends in the publishing world and we’re always on the “job” hunt. We adapt, we evolve and we reinvent ourselves on a constant basis. And if we keep focus, we can end up receiving more work than ever before.

As more publications shift online and experiment with multimedia, editors expect writers to provide website content beyond the written word. We’re no longer simply content writers or journalists; we’re content producers who create photo montages, extensive slide shows, video and audio interviews.

In order to stay one step ahead, here are some strategies to become a full-fledged multimedia journalist.

  1. Learn new skills and tools: take a class in video or audio editing, partner up with other freelance professionals such as photographers or videographers and have them teach and mentor you on some of these media techniques. Consider volunteering at a local television or radio stations to get some hands-on experience. I f you’re willing to team up and split the pay, you could also have someone else edit the videos for you. Watch as they do the editing to learn how to shoot better footage.
  2. Buy the right equipment: To produce multimedia content, you’ll need a digital camera, video camcorder, or digital audio recorder, all of which are becoming more affordable. Ebyline contributor Dennis Nishi has reviewed several options, including the Roland R-26 Digital Recorder and Olympus LS-20 recorder. Many of these items come with easy-to-learn software on importing pictures, uploading videos, and more. In addition, you can view online series on how to create and edit videos with both Windows Movie Maker and iMovie. For a reasonable monthly fee, lynda.com has an excellent tutorial on both.
  3. Experiment: Try creating your own photo collages, audio slideshows, or videos. Are you a great home chef? Create videos showcasing step-by-step instructions on making your famous chicken marsala. You could then post the videos on your website, blog, or YouTube. Start working on developing an audience for the media aspects of your work. Editors may come looking for you.
  4. Offer multimedia packages: You can pitch and sell your work to online editors and perhaps become a regular digital contributor. As with print publications, you need to study the style, work, and needs of the online market to see if you can fill any gaps that they have. Learn what kind of multimedia content the site is already publishing, so you can identify what they most likely want from freelancers.

Nowadays more and more editors are requesting podcast or videocasts of interviews. As freelancers, we have to let go of our reliance on traditional methods and learn to embrace other forms of media and use them more creatively.