Essential mobile video skills for content creators

Trainer - Dan Mason

Summary

For content creators from any sector, mastering scroll-stopping, short-form video is an essential skill. It is even more important as audiences move increasingly towards vertical, mobile-first video on platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

The most engaging video for social media is authentic, catchy and created FOR mobile, ON mobile. And for time-pressured content creators in journalism, PR or marketing, working fast and avoiding steep learning curves is an important consideration.

Practice makes perfect. But this updated, hands-on workshop aims to provide a solid foundation for social media video success, using simple techniques and easy-to-learn apps. The primary focus is on vertical Reels, Shorts and TikTok-style video, adding text, subtitles, audio and effects. You’ll leave ready to shoot, share and make an impact with video.

A handy online toolkit, with tips and links, will be shared on the day.

Who’s it for?

Mobile video training has proved one of NUJ Training Wales’ most popular courses. It has now been revised and updated with new apps, hacks and examples. It would provide a valuable refresher for those who joined the training in previous years, as well as content creators, journalists, marketers and PR professionals in any field joining for the first time. No previous experience of video shooting or editing is required.

What will I learn?

• Create mobile video in a series of styles, incorporating ‘one-shot’ shareable moments, explainers and ‘selfie-style’ video.
• Learn techniques including overlays, green-screen, split screen and other techniques for keeping viewers engaged.
• Add overlays, titles, subtitles, music and transitions to video.
• Understanding shot framing, background, audio and lighting when shooting video.
• Convert and export video in different formats.
• Use AI to help write video explainer scripts.

Equipment

• Participants will need to bring a fully-charged iPhone or Android smartphone (with enough free memory to record video.
• Earbuds or headphones, plus charger.
• Free apps installed before the workshop.
• Tripods and mounts will be available during the training, but participants are welcome to bring their own accessories.

About Dan Mason

Dan Mason is an international trainer and educator, specialising in digital, mobile and social media. He has led projects with media, NGOs and civil society partners in over 25 countries, including launching and leading a Master’s journalism programme based in Baku, Azerbaijan. In the UK he works with unions, corporate clients and charities, and is proud to have supported NUJ Training Wales for over a decade.A journalist for over 40 years, Dan was an award-winning editor and CEO of daily newspapers and digital newsrooms in the UK before becoming a full-time trainer in 2010.

Full day face-to-face - Clayton Hotel. St Mary St, Cardiff CF10 1GD