We started a new video series a few weeks ago at Zeit Online: Foto-Momente (engl.: Photo Moments; feed readers please click here for video players). The idea is quite simple: Find compelling pictures about a single topic, build a video around them no longer than 90 seconds and add music or a soundtrack that is in harmony with the visuals. Let people escape their daily routine for a wee moment.

So far, the series works pretty well from a video views perspective.

The biggest challenge? Audio. Finding music that really fits and that doesn’t sound embarrassing is tricky. People have different expectations in terms of music. A score that sounds good or at least unobtrusive to most viewers might be too kitschy for others. ( We use Stockmusic.net or Shockwave-Sound.com among others and a few Netlabels)

Then there’s a misconception that is not uncommon for classically socialized journalists: Everything should come with a “real” story; and it better refrains from happiness. No surprise here – I respectfully disagree on this one.