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marginalized, mobilize social action, and advocate for change. Information and communication
technologies can be used in just about any context and instantly shared through global networks thanks to
the rise of social media such as blogs, Facebook, and YouTube.
Participatory video, photography, and audio in particular have become popular and effective methods for
telling community’s stories from their own perspectives. They are empowering processes that can help
convey concerns and local development priorities in the words, sounds, and images of communities
themselves rather than of an outside journalist or development worker. Films, photographs, and audio
interviews can be used as the basis of establishing dialogue with external actors, raising awareness, and
catalyzing strategic advocacy efforts. The following tools provide initial guidance and links to key resources
that contain more detailed information.
TOOL: Participatory Video
Purpose: This tool can be adapted and used to produce and share videos about and in support of the
community protocol. It could be used for documentation, awareness-raising and advocacy campaigns,
engaging with external actors, and reporting and evaluation.
Resource: Adapted from Video Advocacy Planning Toolkit (Witness)
See Part III: Section I for a community experience with participatory video in Eastern Canada
Video can quickly mobilize local support around the community protocol. It tends to generate a lot of
interest among youth and is a great way to get children and adolescents involved in community
storytelling and learning about their culture and environment. Since video is a powerful way to bridge
gaps in understanding and worldviews, it can also be used to present elements of the community protocol
to external actors and the broader public.
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Draw on Table 10 to brainstorm how video could be used in the protocol process and different
ideas for topics, interviewees, and questions.
The Key Resources below provide more detailed guidance and technical background based on
years of community experiences from around the world. Witness’ open source Video Advocacy
Planning Toolkit is particularly helpful, providing information on determining audiences and
objectives, developing storyboards and style, using new software and equipment, editing, sharing
the results with others, and evaluating impacts of advocacy campaigns.
Table 10: Basic tips and guidance for shooting a video
Before Filming
Identify the objectives and audience
Determine the structure and style
Prepare a storyboard (scene-by-scene plan of the
story and what will be included in the
accompanying visuals and audio)
Draft a script for narration
Prepare a list and schedule of locations,
interviewees, scenery, close-ups, and sound bites
to seek
Seek permission before filming or interviewing
people and be clear about how it will be used
Technical Tips
Familiarize yourself with the equipment and work
out any glitches beforehand
Do a test run before beginning filming
Label tapes and files
Record with headphones
Record everything, including small or background
Equipment
Video camera (formats include cassette, mini-disc,
High Definition, memory card, etc.)
Extra film or storage space and batteries
Tripod
Computer and editing software
DVD burner or internet connection
Microphone
Headphones
Relevant cables
Notebook and pens
Filming Tips
Learn how to do different shots such as close-ups,
wide-angle, zooms, and pans
For interviews, choose a quiet location and make
the space comfortable and non-intrusive
Record normal activities and events and try to
make people feel at ease