Videos are a fantastic tool for activism and advocacy. Here are a few video guides to creating films of your own. Produced by Witness, you can find many more helpful videos and written materials on their website.
Part 1 - DSLR Basics: Shutter Speed
Digital Single Lens Reflex or DSLR cameras have become a weapon of choice for video activists who want to capture high-quality images. Geared towards activists, this training video will help beginner DSLR video-makers to improve their camera skills through a better understanding of shutter speed. This video provides an overview of different shutter speeds and guidance on when to use slow and fast shutter speeds. Learn strategies to make natural-looking motion, capture more useful evidentiary video and how to film in low light.
Part 2 - An Activist's Guide to Mobile Video: Sound Recording
When shooting video on a mobile phone, the quality of your sound is just as important as getting a good picture. Recording sound for video on a phone can be challenging, especially when filming interviews. The microphone on your phone is designed for picking up phone conversations and not for video production. This video provides an overview on how your phone records sound and provides tips and tools that you can use to make sure you capture clear audio.
Part 3 - Video as Evidence: How to Film a Secure Human Rights Incident Scene
This short video demonstrates a step-by-step approach that frontline documenters can use or adapt when filming a human rights incident scene also sometimes referred to as a crime scene.
Part 4 - Deconstructing Digital Video for Activists
In this video, archivist and writer of WITNESS' award winning guide, Yvonne Ng, provides an overview of the key technical characteristics of video for everyday users with visual examples.