Are Talking Heads Necessary Any More?

Charlie Tillinghast, President of MSNBC.com spoke to Beet.tv

He told them that online, you don’t want or need ‘talking heads’ to deliver the news.

Tillinghast seemed to imply that text would take the place of narrative and that the video would only be for ‘things that work wellin video’.

I think Charlie is has the right idea, but he’s headed in the wrong direction.

The web (and after effects) can take delivery of non-visual material to a whole new place, and one that works on the web.

Talking heads used to deliver all the ‘factual information’, but take a look at this work by Australian based editor Patrick Clair

THIS is what replaces a ‘talking head’, I think.

At least on the web.

Michael Rosenblum

For more than 35 years, Michael Rosenblum has been on the cutting edge of the digital video journalism revolution. During this time, he has lead a drive for video literacy, and the complete rethinking of how television is made and controlled. His work has included: The complete transitioning of The BBC's national network (UK) to a VJ-driven model, starting in 2002. The complete conversion of The Voice of America, the United State's Government's broadcasting agency, (and the largest broadcaster in the world), from short wave radio to television broadcasting and webcasting using the VJ paradigm (1998-present). The construction of NYT Television, a New York Times Company, and the largest producer of non-fiction television in the US. Rosenblum was both the founder and President of NYT TV, (all based on this paradigm (1996-1998). The President and Founder of Video News International, a global VJ-driven newsgathering company, with more than 100 journalists around the world. (1993-1996). Other clients include Spectrum News, Verizon and CBS News.

1 Comment
  • Eric B April 11, 2012

    That video is fascinating. Certainly more than a talking head would be. (Although I could hear that guys voice giving an NPR report.) That video was concise and interesting to watch. (Content=10 / Creativity = 10 / Craft = 10 / Commitment = 10) Thanks.