You don't need a $5K camera. You don't need a ring light. You don't need permission to start.
After 20+ years in broadcast news, breaking stories, and brand communications, I've learned one thing over and over again: gear doesn't make the story. You do.
This series is everything I wish someone had handed me on day one — the real-world skills that turn your phone into a production studio and your ideas into scroll-stopping content. Whether you're a communications pro looking to level up, a team lead who wants to capture your next event, or someone who's been saying “I'll start when I'm ready” for way too long — this is your starting line.
New episodes drop weekly. Each one is built so you can learn at your own pace, practice with the tools you already own, and start creating content that actually connects.
What You'll Learn
- 📱 How to shoot compelling A-roll and cinematic B-roll — with your phone
- 💡 Where creative ideas actually come from (and how to find them faster)
- 🎙️ How to capture sound bites that make the story
- ✂️ Editing shortcuts that cut your production time in half
- 📲 The cell phone apps I actually use in the field
- ✍️ How to write news copy that hooks in 5 seconds
- 📰 How to pitch local media — from someone who's been on both sides
Who This Is For
Anyone who wants to tell better stories through video. No experience required. No fancy equipment needed. Just you, your phone, and the willingness to hit record.
Ready? Let's go. ↓
📺 Video Series
Quick Tips
Real skills. Real results. No excuses.
Showing 24 tips
🎬A-Roll(3)
A-Roll Basics: Your Primary Footage
A-roll is your main footage — the interviews, presentations, and on-camera talent that drive your story forward.
Multi-Camera A-Roll Setup
Use two or more cameras to give yourself editing flexibility and visual variety in interviews and presentations.
🎥B-Roll(4)
What is B-Roll and Why You Need It
B-roll is supplemental footage that adds visual interest and context to your primary footage. Learn the 5 essential B-roll shots every video needs.
Creating a B-Roll Shot List
Plan your B-roll before you arrive on location. A shot list saves time and ensures you don't miss critical coverage.
Cinematic B-Roll: Movement and Composition
Elevate your B-roll with parallax, rack focus, and motivated camera movement. Techniques used in documentary and brand films.
Shooting B-Roll That Matches Your Narrative
Learn to shoot B-roll that directly supports and enhances your story rather than generic filler footage.
🎙️Voiceover(4)
Home Voiceover Recording Setup
Record broadcast-quality voiceovers at home with minimal equipment. Covers room treatment, mic technique, and recording settings.
Writing Scripts for Voiceover
Write scripts that sound natural when spoken aloud. Tips for pacing, readability, and timing your narration to visuals.
Cleaning Up Voiceover in Post
Remove breaths, mouth clicks, and room noise. EQ and compress for broadcast-ready narration.
Directing Voiceover Talent
Get the read you need from VO artists. Communication techniques for remote and in-studio sessions.
🗣️Interviews(4)
Three-Point Lighting for Interviews
Set up professional interview lighting with just three lights. Key light, fill light, and backlight explained simply.
Asking Better Interview Questions
The quality of your interview depends on your questions. Learn to ask open-ended questions that produce usable soundbites.
Interview Audio: Lav vs. Boom vs. Both
Compare microphone options for interviews and learn when to use lavalier mics, boom mics, or a dual-mic setup.
Recording High-Quality Remote Interviews
Get broadcast-quality audio and video from remote guests using double-ender techniques and the right software.
📋Event Summaries(3)
Structuring a 2-Minute Event Recap
How to distill a full-day event into a compelling 2-minute summary video. Shot planning, interview bites, and pacing.
Run-and-Gun Event Coverage
Techniques for solo shooters covering live events with no second takes. Gear, settings, and workflow for one-person crews.
Live Streaming an Event
Set up a reliable live stream for corporate events. Covers encoding, redundancy, platform setup, and troubleshooting.
📡Broadcast(3)
Editing a Broadcast News Package
Professional workflow for assembling a 90-second broadcast package: track laying, SOTs, nat sound, and graphics.
Delivering a Strong Stand-Up
The reporter stand-up bridges sections of your package. Learn blocking, delivery, and when to use a walking stand-up.
Writing Broadcast Copy
Write narration that complements visuals rather than describing them. Broadcast writing rules for clarity and impact.
About Divina Mims
Emmy-nominated journalist, video strategist, and communications leader. From breaking news control rooms to corporate boardrooms — helping professionals tell stories that matter.
Visit DivinaMimsMedia.com →