Ruud Elmendorp is a video journalist working from East and Southern Africa. Equipped with a dvcam camera and a laptop for editing he travels across the African continent. While moving from place to place he makes video reports on news and current affairs.

‘For me it is only four years ago that we made reports with a cameraman, reporter, and some times a sound enginer. The editing we did ourselves, or assited by an editor. The big change came when affordable digital cameras with broadcast quality entered the market. It created the opportunity to do all of it by myself, and I took it.’

Elmendorp started his solo career in The Netherlands, and in 2001 he moved to Sudan, and then to Kenya in Africa. ‘Usually the making of television features is foreign countries is very expensive for television stations. With my one-man-band I can offer a cheaper alternative that can have the same quality.’ Furthermore Elmendorp believes that being a solo video journalist offers new ways of making television. ‘A small camera invites you to experiment with new ways of making television. As a reporter you can achieve a very close connection to your camera, which gives direct personal ways of shooting, since you don’t have to communicate anymore with your camera man. In addition to that I noticed that people who watch the features are charmed by a personal approach where the reporter gives his personal feelings and observations. The people you interview seem to have the same. They appear more comfortable in front of a small camera, and easily reveal their thoughts and opinions. The gap between the camera and the human disappears.’

Elmendorp admits that it’s still not easy to find commissions and to get all the reports sold for a reasonable price. ‘There is a stiff and growing competition in this business. The acquisition takes a lot of effort, especially because of its international scope. But after four years doing this I dare say I succeeded. New clients are presenting themselves, and every day I learn more about this wonderful job. It‘s all about television with soul.’

Ruud Elmendorp
Video Journalist
http://www.videoreporter.nl
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