YourThurrock hyperlocal films 4K videos in four years

YourThurrock, an online-only news site, has reached two significant milestones: it celebrated its fourth anniversary this weekend (1 September) and published its 4,000th film.

The Essex site was launched in 2008 by husband and wife team Michael and Sally Casey who opted to focus on video reports, with the majority filmed by Michael Casey after he took a short course in video production skills.

Speaking to Journalism.co.uk, Michael Casey, a former newspaper reporter and now editor of YourThurrock, said the site is financially sustainable and attributes much of its success to getting local schools on board.

YourThurrock has arrangements with 10 secondary schools which provide revenue in return for Casey making eight short films a term, focusing on subjects including exam results.

"We've effectively become the media arm of the schools", Casey explained, after "headteachers saw how it would benefit their schools" as they consider a film report is more effective for telling a story about a school than a "grainy photo on page 73 of a newspaper".

Casey believes that producing a high volume of films can assist in the sustainability of hyperlocal websites.

"Much of our revenue is accrued through being able to offer film as a way for a number of organisations delivering their messages/news in the borough," he added in an email. "The ability for them to use the YouTube feeds on their own websites as well is a key offer."

YourThurrock averages 100,000 page views and 20,000 uniques per month, according to Casey, with 3,300 followers on Twitter (@YourThurrock). Its YouTube channel has 2,000 views per day.

The site "has one eye on delivering traditional local news but also has an eye on the advent of internet TV".

Casey added: "I would advise every trainee journalist and every aspiring hyperlocal reporter to get the relevant equipment, learn how to make films in iMovie or Final Cut and then get out there. If it took this middle-aged hack 20 lessons, then anyone can do it."

YourThurrock is now working with organisations in Greenwich and Bromley and has plans for Harlow in Essex. Casey also hopes to work with a local journalism training provider.

He added: "I would also like to give a hat-tip to people such as Philip John at Lichfield Live, Simon Perry at Ventnor Blog, Will Perrin who (as well as others) have blazed a trail for hyperlocals."

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