Link to original video by WITNESS

Before Filming: A guide for video advocacy

Summary of "Before Filming: A Guide for Video Advocacy"

Short Summary:

This video provides a comprehensive guide for creating effective advocacy videos. It emphasizes the importance of careful planning and consideration of potential risks before filming. The video highlights the need for a clear goal, a defined audience, and a compelling story that resonates with viewers. It also stresses the importance of informed consent from participants and providing clear calls to action. The video encourages using various communication channels alongside video, such as online campaigns, reports, and legal actions, to maximize impact.

Detailed Summary:

Section 1: Introduction & Risk Assessment

• The video introduces the concept of video advocacy and emphasizes the importance of assessing potential risks before filming.
• Risks can arise during filming, editing, and distribution, affecting the individuals involved, the organization, and the people being filmed.

Section 2: Defining Your Video's Purpose & Audience

• The video stresses the need for a clear goal and a defined audience for your video.
• It suggests focusing on a specific change you want to achieve and identifying the audience that can help you reach that goal.
• Examples include mobilizing a community for action, influencing a judge's decision, or advocating for policy changes.

Section 3: Crafting Your Message & Story

• The video emphasizes the importance of a clear message and a compelling story to engage your audience.
• It encourages using a direct call to action and focusing on a story that is emotional, persuasive, and grounded in personal experience.
• It suggests including powerful facts and context-setting footage to help viewers understand the issue.

Section 4: Engaging Your Audience & Calls to Action

• The video stresses the importance of engaging your audience and providing them with clear options for action.
• It suggests using techniques like shame, motivation, hope, or outrage to evoke an emotional response and encourage participation.
• It encourages using video as part of a broader campaign that includes other communication channels and mobilization efforts.

Section 5: Informed Consent & Preparation

• The video emphasizes the importance of obtaining informed consent from all participants.
• It suggests explaining the risks and benefits of being filmed, allowing participants to make an informed choice, and respecting their wishes regarding identity concealment.
• It encourages thorough preparation, including planning the story, location, and filming team.

Notable Quotes:

• "Timing is everything."
• "Let the individuals affected by an issue talk about it rather than explaining it on their behalf."
• "Video is just a part of your campaign."
• "Go for informed consent."