2017 Documentary Outreach Ebook

2017

documentary outreach

.

. .

. .

.

Roses are red, violets are blue, I’m schizophrenic, and so am I. Laugh and the world laughs with you, snore and you sleep alone.

1

Program

overview

To

study abroad with Actuality Media, students travel internationally to a developing community. On location they will work with their fellow crew members to produce a short documentary film. All Actuality Media films focus on a local changemaker: an individual or organization working to solve a chronic social or environmental problem in an innovative way.

2

After researching

Travel. Learn. Shoot. the changemaker on location, crews select a real life character to focus on, and a storyline from within the world of their changemaker. With guidance and lessons from Production Supervisors, the crew will decide exactly what story to tell.

Working as a Producer, Director, Cinematographer, Editor or Audio Designer, crew members collaborate to make a short film from research to delivery in one

month‘s time.

On location, the instructors from Actuality Media will act as educators and Production Supervisors. They will coordinate travel logistics, lead educational briefings, conduct training workshops, oversee research, managing operations and approving outlines, shot lists and other benchmarks along the way. A local liaison and translator will be provided by our changemaker partners.

3

Your time on location...

The

production schedule

week 1 -

week 3 -

Instructors and crews meet for briefings, screenings and exercises on documentary filmmaking. Each day crews will visit locations, scout operations, and conduct preinterviews to gather more information. The goal is to find the right people to take part in the story that the crews want to tell.

Crews will shoot on location to capture the people, events sounds and environments necessary to tell their chosen story. Each crews‘ schedule will be different based on Changemaker accessibility and preference. Dailies will be reviewed and critiqued in group sessions every evening. Editors will work to complete a visual assembly.

week 2 -

week 4 -

research

preparations

Crews will prep for shooting week by developing a story outline, shot list and meeting other benchmarks with oversight and approval of production supervisors.

Crews will conduct a camera and sound test while creating a micro-doc for another local changemaker.

4

Production

editorial

While the Editors focus on taking the film from rough cut to picture lock, the rest of the crew helps with interview selects, music and sound design, as well as any graphics and titles. Before crews leave locals will be invited to join them at a wrap/premiere party.

5

Briefings are led by Production Supervisors at Basecamp. Student crews are instructed in documentary storytelling that has a focus on visual, character driven narratives. This method has a basis in fundamental story structure that is rooted in the way humans have told stories throughout history.

In each stage of production there are hands-on workshops and classroom instruction. Briefings cover research methods, casting, dramatic elements, creating meaning, story outlines, shooting for visual motivation, interviewing techniques, ethical concerns, digital workflow, visual assembly, sound design and more.

6

Every crew makes a micro-doc in Week 2 that serves as an on-set training day - the first time the crew will film together, and a day for instructors to oversee film production.

training and

equipment

For reference and to facilitate repeating the process in the future, students will receive reading suggestions, worksheets, and checklists. Both short format and feature length documentaries will screen throughout the program. Every student will be actively involved in constructively critiquing the work of all crews for each milestone of the documentary production process.

Actuality Media provides all the recording equipment and processing software that is necessary to complete production and the editorial process during the program.

Students may choose to bring additional equipment for shooting or editing, but will be reminded that the focus is on good storytelling over stringing together flashy shots.

Documentation will be provided to all crewmembers to advise them on what gear they may want to bring, and how to keep it safe.

7

quick

facts The Plaza de Armas is a great summation of all that is Cusco today – an ancient square built of Incan stones with Spanish walls built upon them. Churches, restaurants and vendors line the open square that gives a small summation of what the city has to offer.

Cusco, Peru

june 3rd, - July 2nd, 2017

F

ormerly the capital of the Inca empire, Cusco is a preserved example both of ancient and colonial history as well as a wonderfully living example of Quechua culture. High in the Andes, the city is surrounded by ruins and clouds, as well as growth that has brought forth many changemakers.

8

Far up in the Peruvian highlands moisture is uncommon, and crew members will arrive as the dry season gets underway. Though the sun may seem closer than normal at this altitude, days will be chilly – averaging in the high 60’s°F (~19°C) – and nights may hit freezing temperatures, with lows in the 30’s°F (~1-2°C).

Expect to stay dry, but come prepared with gear to keep warm.

Markets and museums dot the city, but the Inca ruins in Cusco and spread across the surrounding mountains will draw as much interest in your time off.

For the active explorer there is rafting and biking, and an official post-Outreach exploration trip to Machu Picchu you can add to your travels.

9

quick

facts Many consider Kathmandu to be the gateway to Nepal, but the city is loaded with culture. A rickshaw ride through town will take you past temples, shops, medieval-age buildings, ongoing earthquake reconstruction, and a plethora of fascinating people.

Kathmandu, Nepal

june 10th, - July 9th, 2017

N

estled in the Kathmandu Valley with Himalayan peaks rising beyond, the capital of Nepal is a hub for travelers and economic development. Once a sparse collection of villages, the Kathmandu is the only major metropolitan area in the country, a center for powerful changemakers.

10

Once thought to be Shangri-La, the city has a strangely warm climate for its place in the mountains. The average temperatures will reach the mid-80’s°F (~29°C) with nights and mornings sinking to the mid-60’s°F (~19°C).

Humidity is always high, and the rainy season will be ramping up while we are on the ground so come prepared with gear to keep cool and dry.

Making your film will definitely take you to parts of Kathmandu you wouldn’t have otherwise explored, but you’ll definitely want to use some free time to hit the hotspots like the Monkey Temple and Durbar Square as well. Don’t forget that beyond the lines of the city are hiking, rafting, and even a one-hour sightseeing flight over the Himalayas.

11

quick

facts Estelí is a university town whose youth revolted in the 1970’s civil war, which brought on air raids and attacks by the national guard. The city has rebuilt and the university still operates, but bullet scars can be found on the occasional old building.

Estelí,

Nicaragua

july 8th - August 6th, 2017

T

he smallest city to host a Documentary Outreach in 2017, the Villa de San Antonio de Pavia de Estelí – or simply Estelí – is a rural Nicaraguan town and also the third largest city in Nicaragua. The population of this progressive city is growing quickly, and many new changemakers have come to the area.

12

Sitting in forested foothills near the northern border of Nicaragua, Estelí has a pleasant climate without many extremes. In the daytime, temperatures should average about 68°F (~20°C) and only drop to 60°F (~16°C) at night, though the lower temperatures that come with rain September may arrive early. If not, be prepared for some rainy days but nothing to heavy.

Outside of Estelí there is much to see, especially numerous nature reserves on high plateaus in the nearby mountains. Farmers regularly flock to the city to sell goods at awesomely large and picturesque markets – most goods are crops, but the local tobacco growers are descended from Cuban refugees and their products are world renowned.

13

Quick

facts The heart of the city is the Djemaa El-Fna, the main square in the center of the Medina. Navigating the twisting walkways of the Medina is an adventure in itself, but some paths open to Gueliz where the modern has taken hold – with malls, grocers and things that feel like home.

MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

july 15th - august 13th, 2017

A

city contrasting many ages and cultures, Marrakech is a place of

fascination. Here locals and foreigners mix with an ease not found elsewhere in Morocco, making an easy entry for visitors to experience local culture – and for changemakers to get a foothold.

14

Days in Marrakech are unsurprisingly hot, with average high temperatures of about 98°F (~37°C) and very low humidity.

Being not far from desert and mountains, the temperature tends to drop at night to about 68°F (~20°C) so come prepared for the temperature shift, but bring a swimsuit because some hostels have pools to cool off in.

Between souks, tanneries, mosques and gardens there is much to see within Marrakech proper, but many hikes and adventures are an easy drive away, with the white city – Essaouira (aka Astapor) – as a full day trip, or head East past the Atlas Studios for an overnight trip on the edge of the Sahara.

15

For every Documentary Outreach we coordinate with local changemakers who are working to solve social or environmental issues to make their community better.

The documentary films our crews create are not promo videos, but rather the powerful stories of people involved with the work of the changemaker.

potential subjects

2017 documentary Outreach

Program Fee

Peru - $3350 Nepal - $3000 nicaragua - $3100 Morocco - $3000 All prices in USD Program Fee Includes: PRE-DEPARTURE MATERIALS DOCUMENTARY INSTRUCTION/SUPPORT

We have no doubt that the film you make will inspire others worldwide.

The work that each of our changemaker subjects is doing is meant to address issues immediate to their community, however.

This means the possible themes and topics for your documentary will vary by location.

PRODUCTION AND EDITORIAL GEAR SHARED LODGING IN A TRAVELERS HOSTEL OR HOTEL TWO MEALS EACH DAY GROUND TRANSPORT FOR PRODUCTION OFFICE/MEETING FACILITIES GROUP EXCURSION PRODUCTION DOCUMENTATION VISA DOCUMENTATION A TRANSLATOR FOR PRODUCTION TRAVEL HEALTH INSURANCE

In 2016, our crews addressed issues of youth housing and urban development in Bolivia, water and education in Guatemala, as well as youth empowerment and women‘s education in Tanzania.

16

For 2017, our preliminary research shows we’re likely to work with human rights in Nepal, social enterprise and environment in Nicaragua, women’s rights in Morocco and indigenous rights in Peru. All of these are subject to change as we continue our search for potential changemakers.

ONE LOCAL CELLPHONE PER CREW 24/7 EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

Additional Expenses: AIRFARE TO PROGRAM LOCATION VISA FEES ADDITIONAL FOOD AND DRINKS ADDITIONAL TRAVEL/EXCURSIONS SOUVENIRS 17

talk about a sendoff

18

Every documentary outreach comes to an end with a premiere screening on location - an event to bring together all of the subjects you worked with and all of the friends that you made. It‘s a time to show off the product of all your hard work and to say goodbye.

So while your day-to-day wardrobe focus should be on clothes to be out in the field, being comfortable back at basecamp, or out on an adventure definitely bring something snazzy for that final night in town when you’ll be showcasing your work and showing off.

19

’ FAQ s Who can apply?

Our past crew members have included enrolled university students, young professionals, and adults interested in expanding their knowledge about documentary production. Anyone 18 years or older with an adventurous spirit may apply.

’ I m no longer a student, can I apply?

Yes. Anyone over the age of 18 can apply.

Is production experience required?

No. Actuality Media programs are educational in nature. We will teach you what you need to know.

Is there a cost to apply?

No. There is no cost to apply.

When is the application deadline?

The early decision deadline is December 12th, 2016. The final deadline is March 27th, 2017.

How can I apply?

Visit actualitymedia.org/apply to begin your application.

What are the costs involved?

See Page 17 for the cost of each Documentary Outreach in U.S. Dollars. You also need to budget for airfare, a visa fee, additional food and drinks, and extra tourist excursions you want to arrange.

Do you offer financial aid?

No. We keep costs as low as we can, and so keep the participation fee as low as we can, so we cannot offer financial aid.

What does the program fee include?

Students receive documentary instruction and support, shared housing, two meals each day, ground transportation for production and on arrival/departure days, use of production and editorial equipment, use of group meeting facilities, one tourist excursion, legal documents, visa documents, translator access, a local cell phone per crew, and access to emergency assistance.

Do we need to bring equipment?

No. A production package is provided to each crew that includes all production and editorial equipment you will need.

20

’ FAQ s

What kind of equipment do we use?

Each crew receives a production package that includes a Canon XA10 HD camera, standard tripod, shotgun microphone with XLR input, wired lavalier microphone, boom pole, multidisk light reflector, 13” Macbook Pro, Adobe Premiere CC, various hard drives, and an equipment backpack.

Can I bring my own equipment?

Yes. You can bring any of your own equipment to use in addition to the production package. You will be responsible for your own gear and we highly recommend purchasing personal property travel insurance to cover loss or damage.

Should I bring my laptop?

It is not required but you will find it helpful for completing research and writing assignments.

There are also internet cafes available to use in every location.

’ What is the Producer s role?

The producer is the leader of the crew, in charge of keeping everything organized and is the liasion with the changemaker. ’ What is the Director s role?

The director is in charge of the story, has final call on the main character and ensures that the issues are explored in the most engaging way.

’ What is the Cinematographer s role?

The cinematographer designs the look of the film, captures all the needed footage and brings visual motivation to the story. ’

What is the audio designer s role?

The audio designer is responsible for the final sound of the film - this includes finding and recording sounds that are important to the story, overseeing all sound recording during shooting, and taking a hand in the editing process. ’ What is the Editor s role?

The editor helps research and plan for shooting, and supervises post production, managing all the media and cutting the final film.

Can I choose the crew I work with?

If you and your friends are applying, indicate on your application and you can choose to work together on the same crew.

Can I choose my Changemaker?

Our Advisory Board selects the the changemakers that we work with on each outreach. From those chosen you can select which you would prefer along with your crew position, in the order you are confirmed.

What is the production schedule?

Crews will work Monday - Friday with weekends off. The first week is focused on research. The second week is focused on prep. The third week is focused on shooting. The fourth week is focused on editorial. The day to day schedule will vary based on crew, changemaker and subject requirements. Students can expect 8 - 10 hour work days during the week.

Will I have any time off?

Yes. Weekends will be free for students to plan additional excursions on their own.

What is the housing like?

Students will stay in a secure traveler’s hotel or hostel, in multi bunkbed, mixed gender dorm rooms. Bathrooms and showers are usually communal.

What is the food like?

The meals provided willl be typical local style food that varies each day. Most locations can accomodate vegetarians, but the fare may be less varied.

Do I need to speak the language?

No. A translator will be made available to each crew by their changemaker.

Is it safe to travel to ...?

Each program location is chosen after a careful security review. Every location is clear of any travel restrictions and is deemed safe for tourists by the governments of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Austraila.

Do I need travel medical insurance?

Each student is enrolled in a comprehensive travel medical insurance plan for the duration of the program as part of their program fee.

Who owns the rights to the films?

Films are Creative Commons licensed so that every stakeholder can screen and benefit from it.

Actuality Media retains official copyright in order to ensure compliance with creative commons licensing as well as Fair Use protection under United States law.

Can I screen my film at my school?

Yes. Students are encouraged to arrange any kind of screening of their film and may choose to feature others from the Actuality Media library as well.

How will the films be distributed?

Crews are asked to collaborate on a distribution strategy unique to the goals of their film. Actuality Media has provided films to many TV and online outlets. Also, the top 2 films of the season will each receive $500 backing for festivals.

Can I submit the film to festivals?

Yes. Film Festivals are an important part of any distribution strategy. However, the festival needs to accept short documentary entries that are also distributed online. This does exclude some festivals, but each year more and more update their policy.

What vaccinations do I need ?

Ask your doctor or local travel clinic about recommendations for the location you are traveling to.

What happens if I get sick or hurt?

An instructor on location will make sure that you seek medical attention from a trusted hospital or doctor if needed. In the unlikely case of an extreme emergency you will be flown home for medical attention. Travel insurance included in the program fee will reimburse all medical costs.

Can I earn University credit?

Yes. We are happy to work with students individually to arrange for you to earn academic credit from your own school for based on your completion of a program.

Should I travel after the program?

Yes. Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the plane ticket and plan travel in the region either before or after the program.

Still have a question - info@actualitymedia.org

21

we are a band of storytellers

armed with cameras out to reveal the good in our world

22

.

www.actualitymedia.org

.