A training video aimed at guiding trainees and journalists through the maze of shooting film is now available online.

The eight-minute film has been produced by Lloyd Bracey, chief examiner for online and video journalism at the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

The body says the new project comes in response to changes in newsrooms where more and more reporters are being asked to shoot film.

Video reports can now be submitted for NCTJ qualifications.

Lloyd said: "You can't pick up a camera and make watchable video from a standing start any more than you can pick up a violin and play a recognisable tune.

"There are techniques to learn - things that work and things that don't.

"I've concentrated on the faults I encounter most commonly when I mark coursework videos – things that jar and make a story hard to watch.

"Of course, there's a lot more to it that only experience and a critical eye, and ear, can teach, but it's a start."

The NCTJ says it's encouraging all its course providers to deliver video journalism training and the film has been distributed to centres to offer support and guidance to tutors, trainers and trainees.

The film can also be used as a guidance tool by journalists who are learning the ropes of video journalism.

To accompany the video, the NCTJ will be offering a video journalism training workshop for tutors during the autumn.

The video can be seen on the NCTJ website.

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