If you define video essayism as the use of audiovisual strategies to critically and analytically engage with audiovisual material, it is unsurprising that there are overlaps between journalism and video essays. This video by British newspaper The Guardian illustrates those connections.

Reporters Henry Dyer and Michael Goodier examined a cache of Cameo clips made by Nigel Farage, the obnoxious leader of the rightwing UK political party Reform. Cameo is an online platform where users can purchase personalised video messages from public figures and celebrities. Farage recorded and sold more than 4000 such messages, many of which are problematic. The Guardian identified videos containing extremist slogans, misogynistic remarks, antisemitic references, and even endorsements of neo-Nazi events.

The reporters present their findings in a well-produced video that uses visual strategies commonly found in video essays. They place multiple Cameo videos side by side to illustrate the scale of Farage’s greed. Animated on-screen text highlights messages of concern, and motion graphics draw attention to specific details within amateur video recordings. A variation of the desktop video format is used to explain how Cameo works. Overall, this is a strong example of how audiovisual elements can enhance and support both journalism and videographic analysis.