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WITNESS HOW TO FILM PROTESTS A VIDEO FOR CHANGE GUIDE witness.org
Do you want to use video to help create change in your community?
Are you filming human rights violations
or personal testimonies to show the world what is happening and to support your call for justice?
If so, this video is for you.
Now more than ever, video is a powerful and accessible tool to create change.
If you are one of millions filming with a mobile phone or camera
the best practices in this WITNESS video guide will help you both prepare and plan before recording
and take steps to safely and effectively create powerful advocacy videos.
Prepare to film: How to film safely and effectively
Before you pick up a camera know what you want your video to accomplish.
It is good to know who your intended audiences are and how they will watch your video.
Keep them in mind as you plan and film your video to make sure they see and hear what you want them to.
By following these steps, you will save time and resources
and create a more compelling and effective advocacy video.
If you can, it's good practice to visit the location in advance
and know where you will want to safely position yourself to get the shots and sounds you need.
If you will film a protest, what direction will the march go?
And where will the speeches or actions take place?
Know where you can position yourself to get the best images and sound.
For example, filming from above can provide great context of the event
and show any police or military activity.
Learn the area to avoid potential harm or arrest.
The access points for a quick exit and safer places to film
like balconies, windows, or rooftops.
Before you film, always assess the risks to yourself, those you film, and the communities affected.
Freeze-frame shots can be used to identify participants, potentially putting them at great risk.
Videos made public can be edited and used by both supporters and adversaries.
Know if you need to protect peoples' identities
by filming them from behind, out-of-focus, or without any identifiable features.
Remember, it's your responsibility to protect those you film.
Once you know what you want to accomplish with your video and the shots you will need
determine what specific images and audio will best engage your audience.
Keep the viewer's attention by shooting different images to cover details of what's happening.
Establishing shots show the full context, location, and situation of the scene.
Medium shots show what is happening and who is involved.
Close-ups highlight details of a scene and the people present.
Film details and interactions to support your story.
One important best practice, if you plan to use your video as visual evidence
is to always record date, time, and locations in your video or images.
Film a watch, clock, landmark, street sign, or newspaper,
or jot down notes to accompany your footage and save for later use.
Filming first-person accounts of events can add emotion, credibility, or important details to your video.
For example, if you're in a confusing situation or are missing a key piece of footage
consider asking a witness to explain on camera what happened.
Remember: Know your goal and intended audiences
Develop a safety and security plan
Film details and always record date, time and location
WITNESS: See it, Film it, Change it
For additional training and resources visit witness.org