* Golden rule I learned in high school (before becoming a news editor/cameraman) is ensure the story is written/read in a way that a 12 year old could understand what is going on.

* Contrary to the guide, don’t use music unless its directly relevant. Its tacky for news items, and with online podcasting can create a heap of copyright issues. In my country, we’re allowed to use copyrighted tracks for legitimate on-air news items, but we do so VERY sparingly, and only if its directly relevant to the current item.

* With news stories, try and do your interviews before shooting your overlay. Quite often, the responses people give you to questions can point you in the direction of the most relevant overlay. Example, if you’re talking to a doctor about a problem at a hospital, and they mention the problem is isolated to the Emergency department, you know what area you need to shoot the most, as opposed to generic exteriors of the hospital. When shooting overlay, start wide to establish, then follow with a mid shot, then something tight. Give your editors something to work with. Also, hold each shot for a minimum of ten seconds.

* Lastly, if you’re going to be creative with your shooting, that’s fine. But shoot ‘saver’ shots as well. As in shoot a level-horizon shot of the building after you try that wicked zoom/pull focus maneuver off the 10th story window.

Most of all, enjoy what you’re doing.