I came across a video contest that IFC is conducting and the content of the video speaks for itself.

But there are some things the video touches on that I disagree with - especially if we as Solo Video Journalists want to be taken seriously when we talk about shooting and delivering our content via the Internet.

I don’t agree completely with what the video says regarding the standards of web video (or the lack thereof). I prefer to think of there not being as many constraints for producing web video as video content for broadcast - yet we still need to adhere to certain technical standards as a part of our work as professionals. That means Solo VJ shooters should aspire to a certain level of technical proficiency when shooting, editing and posting their content online.

The reduced number of constraints still means we should/need impose high standards on our work that will raise the bar of quality so to speak. By calibrating our editing monitors to display accurate colors and adjusting our monitors gamma settings to more closely reflect what we want others to see will in many sense, bring more credibility to those working in the Solo VJ paradigm looking to utilize the Internet as a viable broadcast platform for serious content distribution. Using shooting techniques that bring a level of professionalism to our work is also needed. White balancing, correct audio levels, exposure control - all play a part in portraying Internet content distribution as a viable platform for those trying to develop a niche for themselves.

Why reduce all the things that have been learned by others and throwing them out the window? I think not.

Watch the video and try to comprehend what I’m talking about. I take the middle ground - shoot video for the web - but do so with as high a quality your skills will allow to reflect your commitment to portraying your craft as a professional solo video journalist as possible.