
Course Instructor Michael Knight touches on his credentials and what you'll gain from this course.
An updated (May 2025) preview of the free software and other items you will need for the course. Some previous recommendations have been superseded by new better options, or are no longer required.
Updated, with latest free (and some paid) software and hardware (microphones, headphones, editing software). What it will cost as a minimum to complete this course and be prepared to establish your own Internet channel/s, and/or a website (not factored in here) including a newsletter and blog. You will be pleasantly surprised.
Instructor Michael Knight introduces the section in which suggested and recommended software and hardware is explained as to its purpose within your "toolkit." There is a pdf at the end of this section (Lesson 16) which includes associated links so you can start your Course Workbook. But please watch all these first.
Updated:- Learn how mind mapping software can assist and enhance your video productions. It may not be essential, but this lesson explains the importance of creating an outline of your current production - even if you use this method by simply jotting down a sequence on a notepad so you keep track of things the video will include.
Updated:- Be it Libre Office or any other word processing software, this is an essential element in Video news production. Note that the suggestion at the end of this updated lesson recommends that you wait till you have mastered the video production techniques before practicing the creation of a pdf from your script.
This lesson is now redundant. Skip it. What it was, was....While not absolutely essential for this course, a teleprompter that works on your PC or Laptop can help smooth out voice-over delivery. Forget it - MK.
Updated - A look at the benefits of having a website and/or newsletter plus blog in conjunction with your video channel.
An in-depth appraisal of microphones, cardioid and dynamic, recording acoustics and purchase choices.
This lesson explains why certain headphones are recommended for this work, while others simply do not make the cut.
Audacity is free software, quick and easy to learn, and especially suited to voice-over work.
Snip and Sketch is an invaluable utility when it comes to harvesting images from the Internet for use in video reports.
Update - A basic run-through of Paint.Net which is free image editing software, every bit as good as others that are very expensive. Downloadable at paint.net.en.softonic.com
Updated:- Formerly two versions of video downloading software were recommended each having distinct advantages. But these have now been superseded by just one product that does more than those used previously. Search for Wondershare Uniconverter as suggested.
A close-up review of the Filmora video editing software which is the foundation of this course.
Start your Course Workbook by downloading these PDF files, check out the links to suggested and essential software and hardware, and start a filing system if you wish that will keep things in order as you go on to establish and add to your own Internet channel/s.
Michael introduces this section on Social media, which he calls the happy hunting grounds.
This lesson demonstrates how you will be able to capture and download clips from Twitter, which of course is now X. However the process is the same today, and applies to all social media sites, and on the Internet as well.
Learn How to frame and capture, Internet and social media clips.
The bad and the good about Facebook
Michael introduces this lesson on how to create a filing system to store your work.
These are suggestions, and a template, for a dedicated filing system, with a complementary pdf for your workbook.
Michael Knight introduces the benefits and use of Audacity for recording and editing scripts.
If you do choose to use Audacity, this lesson delves into the editing process.
Michael Introduces the section on using image software and explains what you will learn.
Updated May 2025 - This video demonstrates how to copy images from the Internet and how to add text, underlines, and outline shapes, with a mirror Workbook PDF to assist your essential practice.
Updated May 2025 - Note added text:- Practice this and you will be able to quickly create a picture-in-picture or a montage of several images. The downloadable Workbook pdf shows how step-by-step, but review this video often to see it demonstrated as well.
Updated May 2025 This lesson continues the use of Paint.Net, but in conjunction with Snip and Sketch and now replaced by free ShareX (and demo) which enables copying of text as an image.
Update not required, but practice this:- There are times when you want to change canvas size to add images above, below, or beside the original. This lesson shows you how to do that.
Michael introduces all things Filmora – the course "backbone." All lessons Updated as required
Updated May 2025:- Becoming familiar with the Filmora workspace, and how to import media files, with associated Resources pdf.
Learn the basics of editing in Filmora, how to open, edit and save, with associated pdf for your workbook.
Updated - Watch in real time as Michael demonstrates how to add images to a pre-recorded voice-over, a simple but very effective way to create a quality news report.
Fully Updated and extended. Study how to add an active video clip with a static snapshot introduction.
See how to Superimpose images on video clips with a voice-over in this real-time demonstration.
Updated May 2025, in detail, how to set up your workspace in Filmora
This updated lesson demonstrates the creation of Titles (and why). You can also use the Quick Text and Quick 3d Text in the same way. All three offer a variety of creative options.
Update:- While it's called an Opener, it is also known as a Header, or Thumb. They are a static image with text of your choice. New ones are best made fresh for each new report, using the most relevant image about the subject behind a strong text headline.
Did not require updating, although there are some slight editing differences in the latest Filmora version. The use of transitions is very important in fine tuning your finished video. You'll have many choices. (Update) My three favorites are dissolve, page curl, and fade, usually at the end of a video. I also use box turn occasionally. After all your editing, be sure to play it back and watch as a first-time viewer BEFORE choosing to export.
Record a Voice-over in Filmora associated with still images - the "bug" mentioned in this lesson has been fixed in later versions of Filmora.
Updated:- Using screen capture from the "record" dropdown, you can select to record full screen, or customize to only encompass the area of interest, you can then cycle through pre-selected Internet tabs on your browser. The result will need editing, but it is one way to create a quick news video.
How to always save your video locally as an MP4 before uploading to the Internet.
Michael previews what you will learn about Internet Hosts and Monetization.
Updated - YT did shut down my channel without explanation, but probably because of political reasons. They have no doubt also updated their terms of service etc. `Despite my experience, you are encouraged to check it out for your own potential use. YouTube offers a Partner Program to monetize your videos. Terms and conditions change from time to time. They can also shut down channels without detailing specific reasons for doing so. Apparently there are certain words, subjects, and/or content that trigger a potential shutdown. You can appeal, but it didn't work for me. But don't let that dissuade you. Check it out for yourself.
Rumble offers monetizing options.
Bitchute overview - categories, monetization, donations.
What Brighteon has to offer as a channel and monetization and how you can benefit by checking out many options.
Some thoughts about your future as a Citizen Journalist - doing better than the mainstream media. And a parting gift - a complete and indexed workbook in PDF format; perfect for ready reference as you practice and progress.
This course teaches a proven video creation formula so you can become an Influencer on the Internet, or a "Digital Soldier" as Gen. Flynn has said.
Other than a desire to create your own Internet channel and create videos on any subject or category of your choice, you do not need past experience in any media, or any formal training as a reporter to become an Influencer or what some call a Citizen Journalist.
It's very simple.
If you want to stand out with exceptional videos, this course will guide you through all the necessary steps to achieving that goal.
About The Instructor and This Step-By-Step Course :-
Having worked in all news media, starting in 1960, over 10 years ago Michael Knight began specializing in Internet journalism.
In particular, since 2017 he focused on creating news videos as what is now known as a Citizen Journalist.
This then is a step-by-step course teaching you the unique video creation formula he developed and used on his YouTube channel.
Over time, those videos generated more than a million views, and as many as 20,000 subscribers.
In structuring this course, he started from the perspective of being a beginner himself - doing his best to see things from the student's point of view and then creating each of the many elements of video production.
He combines video lectures and illustrated downloadable transcripts so you can learn, step-by-step, and at your own pace.
Because you can be a citizen journalist or build an audience as an Influencer without formal training, this course focuses on the techniques that simplify the production of videos. Simple can be very powerful.
What You Will Learn
There are at least 2 1/2 hours of video lessons in this course, divided into articles and video tutorials that show you exactly what is involved with each new element of this unique video production formula.
You will learn
What free software is recommended.
What microphones and headphones are necessary.
What video editing software is required.
How to structure a news (or product) video report.
How to find essential supporting images and videos on the Internet.
How to recraft and edit those images and videos.
Creating overlays, montages and picture-in-picture stills and videos.
How to record and edit voice reports for your videos.
The use of teleprompter software (if you choose).
The use of video capture software.
Multiple tutorials on using the essential Filmora video editing software.
How to create an opening Title for your personal channel.
How to enhance your video with "lower thirds" (text bottom of screen).
How to save your work in a format suitable for uploading to any Internet channel.
How to safeguard your work by creating multiple channels on the Internet.
What hosting services and options are available for monetizing your work.
The potential for an ongoing passive income.
And much more ....
Michael Knight.