The Video Activist Handbook

Acknowledgements Glossary Preface 1. What is video activism? A brief history of video activism - The camcorder revolution 2. Strategy of video activism Finding a purpose - Types of video activist strategy - Differences between video activist and video-maker approaches - Problems with the video activist approach 3. Equipment Where do I find a camcorder? - The basic kit - Choosing a camcorder - Sound equipment - Advanced equipment - Looking after your equipment - Powering up in silly places 4. Getting started - A basic introduction to using a camcorder The Psychology of videoing in public - Getting good images- Getting good sound - Teach yourself to video in five easy steps - Your first big day of videoing - Getting better 5. Witness video: Legal work Different types of witness video - Working with the legal system - Appearing in court - Tips for shooting witness video - Issues of security - Videoing covertly - Counter camcorder 6. TV Work 1: Supplying footage to News Why bother supplying footage to TV news? - What is TV news looking for? - Issues faced when supplying to TV news - Tips on supplying footage to TV news 7. TV Work 2: Going beyond news footage Different ways of supplying footage to TV- Producing a Video News Release (VNR) - Archive sales to TV- Documentary making: becoming a TV professional 8. Making a campaign video 1: Production Different types of campaign video (educational, empowerment, fundraising)- The process- Preparation and research- Shooting 9. Making a campaign video 2: Editing Political editing- The editing process - Equipment - Tips 10. Distribution 1: Screenings Different types of screenings - Tips - Screening equipment 11. Distribution 2: Other outlets Community terrestrial broadcast - Cable - Video magazines - CD Rom - World Wide Web 11. Training Different types of video activist training - Issues and problems - Tips - Example of workshop schedule Resources - Recommended reading - Video activist organisations - TV contacts Index