Course Overview
In the ever-changing, fast-paced environment of news and information storytelling, from hyper-local to global, the Backpack Journalist on the ground is a vital link for a variety of audiences and platforms. In this introductory course, you will explore what it takes to find and tell that compelling visual story from conception to final edit. Initially, you will focus on the craft of using professional video cameras, both creatively and technically, along with the basics of digital video editing, to delve into the realm of the Video Journalist. Then you will discover how those skills apply to your smartphone to capture and edit professional video and audio in the world of the Mobile Journalist. You will begin to develop interview and on-camera skills, and utilize these skill sets to produce a news-style story as a final project. This is a hands-on course where you will write, shoot, edit, and present stories - so, strong English language skills are essential. In this career, you would work as a solo journalist, an industry communications specialist, or online storyteller, responsible for all aspects of producing compelling stories for a variety of platforms and audiences. Through this course, you will be equipped with many of the skills needed to begin exploring the world of the Backpack Journalist.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$518.92
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Research the content needed for a video story for television or online.
- Write a broadcast-style script for a video story for television or online.
- Shoot a video story using a video camera, smartphone, and related audio equipment.
- Perform on-camera and record a voice-over.
- Edit video footage into a compelling story using digital editing software.
- Produce the final video project for television or online that incorporates all of the necessary elements needed for a good story.
Effective as of Winter 2025
Related Programs
Backpack Video Journalism (BCST 1190) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
School of Business + Media
- Broadcast and Digital Journalism
Associate Certificate Part-time
- Radio Arts and Entertainment
Associate Certificate Part-time
- Video Production and Editing
Associate Certificate Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of BCST 1190 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 47269
Dates
Oct 17 - Nov 01 Loading
- CRN 47269
- $518.92 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
3 weeks
Instructor
Alan Waterman
Course outline
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- You will require access to the Adobe Creative Cloud to complete this course - registered BCIT students will receive further information via my.bcit.ca e-mail closer to the course start date. This course will be delivered synchronously in person, over three consecutive weekends, requiring your attendance and participation in ALL scheduled classes held at Burnaby campus SE10 building for the duration of the course. This is a hands-on course where you will write, shoot, edit, and present news stories, therefore a solid spoken and written command of the English language is essential for success.
Confirmation
Required
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Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.