learning from a developing world- some of the best examples of digital engagement have come from the poorest areas in India
We are learning from the developing world in how to use video to increase community involvement
Using Digital Film in the Community live blog: #digifuture
www.scribblelive.comTrouble Sleeping - film with low budget - started as community theatre project, linked up with a commercial company -
www.britfilms.com community film model with practical outcomes - 24 people entered jobs in film industry - film was about inclusion as well as about learning and skills
Transformation Fund project in Birmingham - group of local women with English as second language, if at all - ESOL classroom using tech innovation - exploring how to make more use of audio visual tools like flip cams and looking at the problems of representation through film
He's talking now about using a flip camera in communities and it's much less intrusive - and perhaps you don't need to film peoples faces?
what started as a short film made by women (learners teaching learners) has expanded into broader role-play issues - language as empowerment through film
Extending from 'learners teaching learners' and then using role play and film to broaden the experience, fillming outside the class room and taking it out into the community.
Prison Radio and inclusion live blog
bit.ly #digifuture
integrating - if there's a henna workshop - working on filming the process on a flip camera etc.
The problems of white male middle class person walking into a female class of very different backgrounds - taking in small mobile tech is much less daunting.
by you
Working in the poorest areas of Birmingham (Handsworth etc.) with a group of women whose English was barely a second language. Introduced to audio/visual gear such as flips etc. Exploring the problems of representation.
Dr McCormick is using still image slideshow to show the 'poetic' side of the community engagment with film.
Engaging communities in the commercial film business - utilising existing networks
Tier 4 Addiction residential treatment centre being built in Birmingham - created virtual tour of building, day in the life of film - residents created the film about the rules within the centre - to highlight those which they felt most important and add own testimonials and stories
Now Ian says we need to remember that for every person in front of the camera there is a plethora of people working in the team to produce, organise, make things and be involved in the whole process of producing a quality output.
Ian McCormick's work on Digital film in the Community can be found at:
www.icfilm.info #digifuture
using video tools are more inclusive for those with lower writing skills
Need to feel confident, proud and involved in the whole digital process of production.
More on trouble sleeping film -
www.trouble-sleeping.co.ukWe are now using this blog to follow the live discussion circle
Digital film
worries - the cost of it
is that a common concern? yes, potentially very expensive
concerns over permissions - in general are you allowed to film people in the background without permnission?
1 minute film could be done for £50
entry costs are actually very cheap
Flip cameras are about £80, Windows Moviemaker is free editing software
Free uploads
Some worries about whether YT is actually easy to use if you're older than 12 years old
Is there a way of getting groups to create videos about creating videos - how to do each step
The funding is there for these sorts of things.
Really it's about the time, rather than the quality. If you can find one or two people who just love editing you can create an amazing product.
Remember there are lots of people out of work who may be interested in helping you.
Notion of concentration which a lot of groups find challenging. Try documenting the filming process with another camera. Footage can be used in many ways.
Discussing permissions of videomaking - responsibility of the filmmaker to think about how they are going to use the finished video afterwards, making subjects aware of the platforms it will be uploaded to. I suggest keeping contact details of subjects to keep them informed later on.
Discussion about danger of using YouTube because of cyber bullying, I suggest using Vimeo where the benefits of hosting off your own server are still there plus you have password protected options, plus the community is a different sort than YT.
Worries that what people are revealing are fine within a certain context but not to be shared in a wider context - I say this is the responsibility of the filmmaker again - things don't 'accidentally' find their way on to YT.
Would like to see more use of visual metaphors, maybe having someone's words read by someone else over images of something else. Can be more powerful anyway.
Different sorts of videos - videoing someone practising interview skills is v. different to a group of people coming together to create a piece. You have to be upfront with your filmmaking and tell people what you intend to do with it.
Talking about benefits of Flip cameras in breaking down peoples' fear / embarassment of being filmed.
Laptop libraries - adults get a laptop for 6 weeks and come to class once a week, truly engaging with their children at home. Given cameras and printers to share. Made a film at end of one of the courses to make a film with a filmmaker. Took part in writing scripts and filming but didn't take part in editing process. Promoting family learning.
Discussing group editing - is it possible?
Reducing editing choices down to yes or no options. Two or three month period of time should be enough to make a film in this manner.
What does editing mean? Soundtrack/voiceover, understanding what green screen or blue screen is, getting people understanding what the basics of editing is because they get a better understanding of how to put a spin on things, the way you choose a soundbite out of a whole day's filming.
Another group did the 60 60 project - talking heads piece asking local people for their memories of the war. Trained people to use the equipment, a lot of men volunteered. Worked on interview techniques too and then people went out and interviewed people in their own homes. All content kept in local heritage centre, clips edited together at the end too. Also put shorter clips on the community website. came in very different formats.
Recently as a service they've bought Busbies to use for various discussions (camera similar to a Flip or Zi6). Equipment has become a lot cheaper and people have probably got it in their pocket on their mobile phone.
The tutor did the editing for them as well.
Using local skills and FE colleges should be able to help with resources, let you come in and use the equipment too.
use of technology for storytelling -people remember stories they don't remember theories
using artifacts to help storytelling - memorabilia [archive content] to elicit start points
people often scared that filming means having a camera shoved in their face - using the technology in a less threatening way - ie filming their feet - can engage more people
Q - all of us can be film-makers - but what is the audience for the end product?
A - we would argue that looking at other products is part of the process- the product isn't necessarily the end goal. the market for a film might be the worldwide community of people who share the same condition / addiction etc - sharing film footage as part of the process- looking at different approaches
the reason films exist in DVD box format is to impress the funder!
why do we need it to be DVD format- possibilities of using closed networks within YouTube, Vimeo etc
once you've made the product how do you reach the audience - the only people who are going to be watching it are the people who have made it and the tutors - how do you take it further? Screenings etc are expensive
YouTube creates an audience for the content - ideas of how to use online communities to encourage spread
suggestions - think local - local colleges will probably have projectors and spaces, local businesses might be interested in getting involved..
amandagore
hannahnicklin
warriorgrrl_
brian_condon
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