How to Film Protests | Work as a Team | Part 3 | witness.org

From http://www.witness.org | WITNESS uses video to open the eyes of the world to human rights violations.

This video is part of a five-part "How to Film Protests" series, which incorporates the best practices WITNESS has developed with over 300 partners in 80 countries who are using video for human rights documentation and to create lasting change.

From raw documentation of human rights violations in Syria to the Occupy protests and the range of police abuse and misconduct therein, citizen video is an increasingly powerful tool for human rights documentation.

Now more than ever we need to ensure that the footage that we capture as activists incorporates essential information like the exact date, time and location so it may best be used by the media, as evidence, and for advocacy. Additionally, we need to pay special attention to the unique safety and security risks that we face as filmmakers and activists, as well as risks to those we capture in our footage.

--- How-to Film Safely and Effectively for Human Rights ---

This video series is broken into small, two-minute videos, and focuses on how to best prepare to film, choose and test your equipment, get good footage, film as part of a team and conduct interviews.

Whether you're filming the May 1st Occupy Wall Street protests and events or just want to be prepared to best use your camera phone if you are in the wrong place at the right time, watch these how-to videos to be best prepared to capture good footage that will be engaging, informative and can be used for potential advocacy and evidentiary use.

We are excited to share these tips in video and text. Let us know how they are useful for you, and what you would add to make them even better by adding comments to the videos or at http://blog.witness.org

--- Credits ---

Produced By
Ryan Kautz
Chris Michael

Camera
Ryan Kautz

Additional Footage
Raja Althaibani
P A de Potestad
Chris Michael
Chris Rogy
WITNESS Partners

Script
Chris Michael
Chris Rogy
Marisa Wong
Ryan Kautz

Edited By
Ryan Kautz

Voice Over
Chris Rogy
Marisa Wong

Music
Amon Tobin
"Mighty Micro People"
Courtesy of Ninja Tune

Special Thanks To
Raja Althaibani
Taryn Crosby
Chris Rogy

Executive Producer
Sam Gregory

WITNESS
HOW TO FILM PROTESTS
WORK AS A TEAM
witness.org

Consider filming with a trusted partner who can watch your back as you film

guide you if you need to move while filming

help you stay aware of your surroundings

and alert you to opportunities for different and more important shots.

Also, filming as part of a team can have its advantages.

If it is safe, work in a team and determine roles before filming.

For example, in a team of three filmmakers

one person can film at a distance to capture the context

another can film different angles of the event and get closer to the action for detailed shots

while the third could conduct interviews to help explain what is happening.

In a high risk situation

team communication can help you coordinate your shots, protect each other, and your footage.

Always carry multiple tapes or memory cards.

If you shoot something important, remove the card or tape, and pass it off to someone that you trust will keep the footage safe.

Be sure everyone knows their roles, and is aware of all potential risks in advance.

REMEMBER

Film with a trusted partner
Determine roles and film as a team
Evaluate risks and develop a plan before filming

For additional training videos and resources, visit witness.org