Free Alternatives to Essential Multimedia Tools

On his 10,000 Words blog, Mark S. Luckie offers free alternatives to seven of the most commonly used software programs used to create multimedia stories.

His roundup includes programs for Web design, video editing, audio editing, photo editing, audio-slideshow creation, word processing, and even a substitute for Flash.

So if you want to save some money, and don't mind working with less familiar versions of Photoshop or Final Cut, you might want to start looking here.

BONUS: 10,000 words also offers invaluable tips for shooting better videos, here and here.

Multimedia News Reporting Workshop

The Knight Digital Media Center's Multimedia Reporting and Convergence Workshop, May 17-22, 2009, offers intensive, short course multimedia training for mid-career journalists.

The UC Berkeley workshop covers all aspects of multimedia news production, from basic storyboarding to the incorporation of multimedia features in storytelling.

Participants are taught the technical skills they need to produce quality multimedia stories including audio/video recording and editing, Flash graphics, digital cameras, Photoshop and web design concepts. Guest speakers discuss the future of journalism, the role of technology and the importance of audience engagement.

The application deadline is March 13. Info here: