Editor’s note: In an ongoing series, INMA is profiling our most engaged members — our super fans. At a time when we have less face-to-face time, we hope this gives members a chance to learn more about each other. Today we profile Camille Brække, head of video innovations for Verdens Gang (VG) in Oslo, Norway. 

Camilla Brække, head of video innovations for Verdens Gang AS in Oslo, Norway, realises she is living in a pivotal time in history: “The war in Ukraine is changing the world, and the journalistic mission has never been more important,” she said. She is most proud the reporters and photographers from VG that went on the ground in Kyiv, covering the escalating war and giving eyewitness reports on what was happening.

In a time when there is an enormous need for information, Verdens Gang AS offered continuous live broadcasts. Brække said they developed an interactive video map to help users stay informed on the latest developments, and they have continued to provide ongoing short news updates on big digital screens across Norway.

INMA recently caught up with Brække to learn more about her. 

INMA: What big lesson have you learned over the past couple of years that helped shape your plans for 2022?

Brække: No one is bigger than the team and together we can move huge mountains. It is outside the comfort zone where the magic happens: building on what works and then experimenting with completely new ways of doing things — and always challenging the status quo. 

INMA: If you had your career to do over again, what would you want to know in the beginning?

Brække: I wouldn’t do anything different, but it would be nice to get a heads-up that I will never ever be fully learned. Growing up as a kid I thought all adults knew everything. The more I learn, the more I realise how little I know.

INMA: What makes you excited to get out of bed in the morning?

Brække: My family and not knowing what the day is going to be like. Creating results together with kind, fun, and talented people.

INMA: What is the craziest job or project you’ve ever done in media — and what did you learn from it?

Brække: The story on Donald Trump’s secret wig field hidden in Norway went completely viral back in 2016. The engagement went off the roof, reaching over 50 million views and was referenced in media worldwide. It taught me that 5 million Norwegians don’t necessarily have to be a limitation. Furthermore, I learned that we live in a totally new era: the age of digital storytelling and the power of social media.

As a reporter I’ve challenged myself and the forces of nature by flying an airplane without a motor, driving a car with tremendous speed, and jumping from a plane. I learned that I will never parachute again.

INMA: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career?

Brække: Being curious allows you to learn new stuff every day. Try not to let imposter syndrome pull you down.

INMA: What do you do to relax?

Brække: I lay horizontally on the couch and watch a TV series. Recent favourites include Inventing Anna, Tinderswindler, Ozark, Euphoria, The Morning Show, Just Like That, and Billions.

INMA: If you hadn’t gone into news media, what was your back-up plan?

Brække: Never had a back-up plan, but as a kid, I dreamt of becoming an astronaut or hairdresser.

INMA: What is your favourite thing to read?

Brække: Every night my 3-year-old twin boys request the Norwegian classic “Claus Climbermouse” and the other animals in the “Huckybucky Forest.” It is just as exciting every time the fox is going to steal a ham.

“Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman is another favourite because it challenges one’s own assumptions and ways of thinking.

INMA: What do you find the most challenging/interesting about the news media industry right now?

Brække: The major shift that is upon us — global tech giants leading, disrupting, and shaping the future with AI and metaverses. Platforms and social communities dominate digital business models, increasing people’s demands and expectations for engaging, seamless, and personalised user experiences. In this decade, our biggest advantage — and toughest challenge — is maintaining transparency and trust.

INMA: What are you most excited about in 2022?

Brække: Being together with people again! Standing in way too crowded elevators, drinking cocktails in way too crowded places, and hugging lots of people way too much. 

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