The Future of Storytelling

Hey there, Benchies!

Ever wonder how the best visual storytellers turn everyday moments into cinematic gold? Or how local news is keeping up in the streaming era? This week, we’re pulling back the curtain on the craft of journalism—with a special focus on video—from solo video journalist Forrest Sanders’ award-winning storytelling to Leanna Scachetti’s digital-first reinvention of local TV news. Plus, we’re spotlighting investigative deep dives that’ll make your blood boil (because nothing says “stuff we like” quite like exposing corporate greed and policy failures). And for a little throwback, we’re opening the vault to revisit how top journalists have tackled some of the biggest stories of our time. Buckle up—it’s a wild ride through the best in journalism. 

Let’s dive in. 🚀

Here is our featured content this week:

📹 How to be a creative visual storyteller with video journalist Forrest Sanders

Forrest Sanders is a one-man storytelling powerhouse—reporter, videographer, editor, and self-proclaimed horror movie geek. As a multimedia journalist for Nashville’s WTVF, he’s spent 17 years crafting compelling, visual stories that capture the heart of everyday life. Recognized as the National Press Photographers Association’s 2024 Solo Video Journalist of the Year, Sanders brings creativity, quick thinking, and a deep passion for storytelling to every frame. We sat down (virtually) with Sanders to reflect on the art of visual storytelling, the challenge of making the ordinary extraordinary, and the moments that have stuck with him along the way. Let’s see!

📺 How WCVB's OTT Content Producer Leanna Scachetti is Transforming Local TV News for Digital Audiences

What do digital audiences really want from local news? Leanna Scachetti, Emmy-winning journalist and former Reinventing Local TV News Project fellow, knows a thing or two about crafting stories that click. From producing digital content for WCVB in Boston to pioneering strategies for engaging younger viewers, Scachetti brings a fresh perspective to the rapidly changing world of TV news. In this interview, she gave us the scoop on her process, the hurdles of creating for digital platforms, and how she’s helping to reinvent local news for the streaming age.

From The Vault 🏛️

The TV Animator: Chris Chmura Breaking Ground in Traditional Video- Storytelling Methods to Grow Audiences

Ready to shake up the world of video storytelling? This 2022 read walks through how journalists were breaking free from traditional molds to captivate and grow new audiences. From innovative shooting techniques to fresh narrative approaches, these storytellers are rewriting the rules—and the results are anything but ordinary. Dive into the future of video storytelling and learn how these pioneers are turning the mundane into must-watch content. This is one oldie but a goodie that you won't want to miss. 

How the Wall Street Journal conducted a video investigation into the role of the Proud Boys at the Capitol

With the anniversary of the storming of the capital still fresh in our minds, it seemed high time to bring back one of our favorites from the vault. Brought to you by Storybench’s Tessa Davies, this piece explores the age-old question of how best to go about piecing together the story behind one of the most pivotal events in modern history? The Wall Street Journal's groundbreaking video investigation into the Proud Boys’ role at the Capitol siege reveals just that. Using meticulous reporting, video analysis, and creative storytelling, the team uncovers critical insights into the chaos. Dive into this behind-the-scenes look at how investigative video journalism is reshaping how we understand complex events. But don't take our word for it, see for yourself!

Stuff We Like 😎

Turning patients into profit: How Steward embodies the risk of private equity’s push in American health care.

We’re putting this under stuff we like because we ❤ ️ how the Boston Globe’s Spotlight does journalism, but make no mistake, everything that happened in this story is nothing short of repulsive. Learn what happens when healthcare prioritizes profit over patients in this piece, where Spotlight took a hard look at Steward Health Care, uncovering how financial motives can compromise patient care. From shuttered hospitals to neglected communities, this investigation exposes the high stakes of for-profit healthcare. Dive into the a that reveals the human cost of putting dollars before diagnosis.

Data: How many in New England could be impacted by mass deportations?

Here’s another under the stuff we ❤️, covering topics we hate to see. This week, the Boston Globe delved into the local impact of President Trump's intensified deportation efforts, revealing how New England communities are grappling with the administration's aggressive immigration policies. From personal stories to broader societal implications, this piece uncovers the human side of mass deportations in the region..it’s the news you hate to see but need to know. Take a look. 

Photo of the Week 💪🏼

This one goes out to all my sunset lovers. Ever been to East Boston? Well, if not, it’s time to change that. Even in the winter, Piers Park is a must stop for some of the best sunsets you’ll see in Beantown. But don’t take our word for it, grab your coat and see for yourself! 🌇

[ 📷 @Marian_Siljeholm_Photography ]

That's all we've got for this week! Thanks for reading, and let us know if there's anything you'd like to see in these newsletters or in our coverage at storybench@gmail.com.

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