Cowra, NSW, Dec 2011
CHALLENGE:
Tallstoreez’ Change Media and Bell Shakespeare Company have collaborated with a selection of artists from recent refugee / asylum seeker backgrounds, and explored the creation of a cutting edge inter-artwork that speaks to the global issues of forced migration.
Located at the Corridor Project near Cowra, this laboratory trained all participants in digital media while developing creative responses to the current refugee debate through Shakespeare and Shakespearean equivalents from other cultures. We explored what unites and divides us in a rapidly changing world. Forced migration means millions of people are displaced to somewhere else. This global phenomenon affects us all. How do we live and share these stories? What is our vision for the future?
It is said Shakespeare speaks to the core of the human condition, but what role does ‘Shakespearience’ play for young refugees far from home, war and their own influential storytellers and cultural heritage? This 3-year project provides a framework for them to create their own stories, engaging with a Shakespearean filter.
Our key aim for this collaboration was to develop a high quality multi-art project in collaboration with Bell and various artists and mentors, most of whom have been refugees, to creatively re-frame the public discussion about refugee issues. It is in our interests that everyone collaborating in the Cowra lab has this as their core aim, and we will do everything possible to establish an inspiring, creative container to explore these ideas.
We are aiming for a deliberate collision of CACD and the ‘high arts’ sectors, facilitated through digital media, CACD and theater professionals, who bring a diverse range of skills and experiences. This exploration included ‘classical’ training [both digital media and theater] and ‘performing emergencies’ to develop a framework for representations of ‘Other’ and cultural difference. We want to create equitable relationships for a non-exploitative, safe yet high-risk creative collaboration. Our process playfully acknowledges our diversity of experiences [whiteness, racism, colonialism, classics vs new art etc] while pushing for fun, excellence and high quality outcomes. Out of the 14 concepts developed, we made 9 films during the 4.5 day laboratory, which will be available for online viewing soon.
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PARTNERS: Australia Council for the Arts Creative Community Partnership Initiative; Bell Shakespeare Company; STARTTS NSW; members of the Melbourne Asylum Seeker Resource Centre theater group; Tallstoreez Productionz, the Corridor Project Cowra
The Perfect Refugee, Minds Eye laboratory
Click on the image above or the link to watch - Coming soon: The Perfect Refugee – Cowra laboratory.
If your device can’t play the clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo soon.
Our team will also produce new peer-produced training videos, that form part of our A Penny For Your Thoughts initiative with OurCommunity.
Click on the link to watch our current training clips here.
OUTCOMES:
During the first stage of the project, we created a series of viral mock ads, short dramas, comedies and mini-documentaries, by exploring fun/ innovative/ disruptive ways to engage the public in the debate. The short films form part of a performance work that we are developing with all participants and partners, with the aim to develop a major cross-arts performance work by 2013-14 for national presentation.
For the first 4.5-day creative laboratory at the beautiful Corridor Project art space in Cowra, NSW, December 5-10, we were inviting refugee artists and their supporters from different groups in VIC, SA and NSW, to work with Tallstoreez creative team [theatre, culture jamming, digital media and film making] and Bell Shakespeare team, including 4 Bell players Belinda Hoare, Ivan Donato, Paul Reichstein, Francesca Savige, theater designer Christian Harimanow and artist in residence James Evans.
The selected artists from refugee background for this first laboratory in Cowra were:
Ubah Badi
Alfarid ‘Reyaz’ Musaddique Hussain
Yomal Krishan Rajasinghe
Elvan Alp
Mirhat Turan
Fadia Al Faris
Jiva Parthipan
Samuel Bullen Alier
This laboratory will be mentored by Change Media’s creative director Jennifer Lyons-Reid, producer Carl Kuddell, Bell artist in residene James Evans, Melbourne-based community theater director Catherine Simmons and Change Media camera operator Johanis Lyons-Reid.
SCREENINGS & AWARDS: Stay tuned for updates!
IMPACT & FEEDBACK:
April 20th, 2010: Tallstoreez’ Change Media founders invited for national arts curriculum consultation forum
Change Media creative director, Jennifer Lyons-Reid, and executive producer, Carl Kuddell, have been invited to attend the national forum for the first Australian arts curriculum, to advise on media in schools and community empowerment. The forum is organized through ACARA, the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, as part of their consultation process for the Shape of the Australian Curriculum.
On the ABC News website today, March 26th 2010, as part of our interview with ABC Radio earlier this week:
Indigenous struggle gains US screening
A film documenting the cultural struggles for Indigenous groups due to a shortage of water in the lower lakes and Coorong of South Australia will screen at an international film festival in New York.
The film Nukkan.Kungun.Yunnan explains some of the difficulties faced by the Ngarrindjeri people, including a shortage of reeds for their traditional basket weaving.
Meningie youth worker Edie Carter worked with young people to make the 22-minute film and says it has a role in efforts to retain local culture.
“Because of what’s happening with the drought we need to document our cultural history for our next generation so … our young people can see what we’ve got now and what we had back in the past,” she said.
“What my mum and dad done with me, I can’t do that with my children and it’s very sad.
“So I’m crossing my fingers and if we can make other states aware of what is happening in the lower lakes, especially around Meningie, you know, just hoping and praying that we get that flow back.”
Australian Refugee Association, March 2010
CHALLENGE: Change Media worked with 15 new arrivals and young refugees as well as ARA / Pt. Adelaide Council staff over 4 days, to train them in film narratives, interview techniques and digital media skills. They created a peer-produced, fun documentary DVD about their lives and the challenges of coming to Australia: Culture Shock! Order your copy in our online store here.
PARTNERS: Australia Council for the Arts Creative Community Partnership Initiative; Arts SA Partnerships for Healthy Communities; City of Port Adelaide Enfield; Australian Refugee Association; Tallstoreez Productionz; Apple Australia
Film: Culture Shock
If your device can’t play this clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo.
OUTCOMES: The training covered an introduction to screen narratives, file management and interview & reenactment techniques, documentary shooting and Final Cut editing skills. After an involved debate about the many issues faced by young refugees, the team (comprising of 15 young people from Kongo, Sudan, Bhutan, Belarus, Tanzania and Burundi) decided to use a mix of fun and serious examples of situations they were faced with as new arrivals. The team also created the original soundtrack in Garageband and recorded most of the behind-the-scenes documentations.
See also participant interviews: Interview – AJ, Interview – Bikram, Interview – Bunam, Interview – Chris, Interview – Damber, Interview – Graick, Interview – Devi Interview – Kangimo, Interview – Peter, Interview – Maxim, Interview – Priyanka.
SCREENINGS & AWARDS: Please watch this space for updates. The final film screened at ARA in April 2010 to huge applause. Several local councils and NGO’s have acquired copies of the DVD for their work with young refugees. Please order a copy of Culture Shock here. The project was one of the main reasons why Change Media was selected as winner of the Kookaburra Awards 2010 for Best Community Project.
IMPACT & FEEDBACK: The team managed to create engaging stories that raise awareness about issues faced by young refugees living in the Port Adelaide Enfield district and wider Adelaide area. The participants hadn’t worked as a team were able to produce one film together; everybody conducted several shoots, interviews and took part in the edit and music production. By the end of Day 4 the team finished a rough cut of a funny and engaging documentary about appropriate / inappropriate behaviors and other challenges. The whole team agreed on the changes they wanted for the fine cut, for the Change Media team to clean up the edit, add title cards and insert the participants self-made music. We have already been approached by ARA to conduct another project soon, as the participants are keen to build on their new skills. Read the rest of this page and add your comments »
Nukkan.Kungun.Yunnan screens on National Indigenous Television, February 2010
In January 2009 the Ngarrindjeri Youth Media Team formed and in four days they created their first documentary; Nukkan.Kungun.Yunnan, a 22 minute film about the water crisis. Congratulations to the team, their film has had an incredible impact across the globe and within a year it has screened on National Indigenous TV. This is a huge achievement and really demonstrates how we can all make a difference.
Two awards for Nukkan.Kungun.Yunnan at the MyHero International Film Festival 2009
On Nov 16th, Ngarrindjeri elder and community leader Tom Trevorrow was awarded the Special MyHero Award at the International MyHero Film Festival in LA, as part of the Nukkan.Kungun.Yunnan documentary. The film he appears in was produced during a workshop with the newly formed Ngarrindjeri Youth Media Team.
Nukkan.Kungun.Yunnan, won 2nd place in the International MyHero Film Festival’s community film category, selected from hundreds of entries from around the world.
Since then the film has been invited to screen at the International Human Rights Watch Film Festival in New York;
it screened during the Key Note opening speech at the Australian Community Broadcasters Conference;
OXFAM Australia has used excerpts of the film to promote their climate change campaign.
Directing the Hero Within – DVD RESOURCE
Directing the Hero Within is a step-by-step guide to digital video production for young people and their supporters.
WINNER: Best Educational Resource, ATOM Australian Teachers of Media Award 2006
FINALIST: Best Learning, Australian Interactive Media Association Awards 2007
The unique peer-educational and cross-curriculum approach makes this guide an engaging resource for primary and secondary students in Media, Art, English, Drama and IT Studies. The teacher’s manual contains lessons plans, script examples, storyboards and assessment rubrics.
It is also ideal for youth empowerment training, community groups, personal use and tertiary education.
The DVD and manual offer tips and tricks to create short films with your class, youth group or by yourself. It covers hands-on digital video training; from first idea to realization: explaining in easily communicable terms, camera and sound work, storytelling and film analysis, story-boarding, screen language and digital editing wizardry.
DTHW Manual excerpt (288kb) DTHW Info Kit (1.24Mb) DTHW Order Form (107kb)
chapters menu
camera basics
rule of thirds
1. Behind the scenes
This module shows you how to make a film with a young team. It showcases a variety of documentaries and films by young people followed by a special ‘making-of’ each film to introduce all aspects of video production. This peer education format provides positive role models and is ideal for an introductory 1-hour discussion that covers the basics of most aspects of film-making.
sound is everything
2. What’s your story?
Click on the link to watch - Whats Your Story?.
If your device can’t play the clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo.
This module shows you how to develop your ideas and translate them into exciting films. How do filmmakers make their message interesting without compromising its integrity? It covers brainstorming, storytelling structures, storyboarding using cartoon techniques and how to prepare interesting interviews including several perspectives. We share lots of ideas to create a ‘funky’ story, including event coverage, satire and dramatic re-enactments.
Click on the link to watch - Convert Your Story To Film..
If your device can’t play the clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo.
Tip: When you do an interview, ask your subject to sum up in the end. This way you often get the most concise and vibrant statements.
Click on the link to watch - Screen Language Basics.
If your device can’t play the clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo.
Click on the link to watch - Screen Language Exercise – Edit-in-camera.
If your device can’t play the clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo.
3. Using the camera
Click on the link to watch - Camera Basics..
If your device can’t play the clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo.
camera sound
This module shows you how to become friends with your digital video camera. It covers basic camera work and compares different handling techniques, including hand-held and tripod, teaching your team techniques and practices that promote steadier, more interesting filming. Young people explore the reality of ‘just catching the moment as it happens’, setting up shots and things to look out for on location.
Click on the link to watch - Camera Handling..
If your device can’t play the clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo.
Tip: Use an L-shaped handle to hold your camera stable when shooting hand-held. This is a cheap and easy way to improve your shooting technique.
Click on the link to watch - Cool Camera Moves.
If your device can’t play the clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo.
4. The importance of sound
Click on the link to watch - Sound Basics.
If your device can’t play the clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo.
If you can’t hear anything, your film becomes flat…This module delves into the often overlooked world of sound recording and shows what microphones to use in different situations.
Click on the link to watch - Microphone Basics.
If your device can’t play the clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo.
Tip: If you don’t have an external microphone, make sure to record your interview close to your subject – and always wear headphones to monitor your sound!
5. Putting it all together
Click on the link to watch - Editing Basics.
If your device can’t play the clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo.
This module introduces the basics of non-linear video editing. How to get your footage onto the computer, organize your files and start building your film. We share tips + tricks for adding sound effects, music, titles and how to pace your film to make it an exciting ride.
Click on the link to watch - Editing Basics – Effects.
If your device can’t play the clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo.
Tip: Now you will appreciate the effort you put into your storyboards and the fun begins because you can cut it up and re-arrange it!
Coober Pedy Workshop
Warriappendi Workshop
Whyalla SA, June 2009
CHALLENGE: D’faces of youth arts requested a professional development session to support them set up their youth media centre. They were also keen to produce a documentary about Port Lowly, but due to a last minute change in program, the Hero Project team tailored a workshop with a group of young people from D’faces and its HYPER Program to make a series of short films.
PARTNERS: Australia Council for the Arts Creative Community Partnerships Initiative; Arts SA Partnerships for Healthy Communities; D’faces of Youth Arts Whyalla and its HYPER program through the Attorney General’s Office SA; SA Youth Arts Board; Middleback Theatre; Tallstoreez Productionz; Apple Australia
Film: I Am A Rocket
Watch also:
Word War 3
Josh Burns
the Failtaculars
OUTCOME: This workshop provided technical support and professional advise about making media in communities. D’faces are successfully using their new computer and camera gear to continue to make videos.
The anti-future awards: Change Media Film Challenge; Create a short film about your future you!
Through a series of brainstorming and hands-on sessions the teams produced 4 hilarious films: Abby follows her family tradition sky-high, soon-to-be hairdressers face it off, two jaded rock stars mop up their success and a bunch of understated super heroes are in search for their necessary nemesis…
The message: Don’t let anyone get in your way to do what you want with your life!
SCREENINGS & AWARDS:
2010 I Am A Rocket wins third prize for Best Child-produced Film and screens at the international Little Big Shots Film Festival for Young People.
IMPACT & FEEDBACK: The Change Media team provided a 1-day debriefing and professional development session on media strategies to deal with the impact of political community art and the restrictions sponsorship may impose on arts funding in general. Read the rest of this page and add your comments »
‘Mobilize This’ conference
Darwin, October 2008
CHALLENGE: The Hero Project was invited to present its community empowerment at Mobilize This 2008 in Darwin.
PARTNERS: the Australia Council for the Arts; Arts SA Partnership for Healthy Communities ; University Darwin; Tallstoreez Productionz; Apple Australia
Outcomes
Over 30 people attended our presentation at the Darwin University. We also managed during the conference to connect the Hero Project to Darwin Community Arts and Corrugated Iron Youth Arts, with the aim to collaborate in training Indigenous communities in the Northern Territories.
Big thanks to our friends at Formation Studios for setting this up!
Aboriginal Family Support Service Adelaide, January 2008
CHALLENGE: AFSS commissioned the Hero Project team to work with a group of Indigenous young people to set up a youth media team and make a series of films about their lives. During the workshop the youth team met the challenge head on: in only 2 days they created a film each!
PARTNERS: Arts SA; Office for Premier and Cabinet Premiers Community Initiatives Fund; Aboriginal Family Support Service; SA Metropolitan Fire Service; Derringers Adelaide; RSPCA; Distinctive Homes Basket Ball Stadium; Tallstoreez Productionz; Apple Australia
Film: That’s the way we roll: Drum It Up
Drum it Up – It’s hard to be rock star…
Putting Out Fires – The smallest fireman in the world
I Love Animals – I want to become a vet
Hoops and Dribbles – I want to be a basketball star
Going Places – I want to travel and see the world
Biggest Mob of Chips – I want to have a family part 1
Hide and Seek – I want to have a family part 2
OUTCOMES: The workshop focused on training teenage Indigenous kids and in the brainstorming session the team develop the concept ‘Where will I be in 10 years time? and created an upbeat series of clips to share their future outlook. During the workshop the young filmmakers learnt all basic skills required for video production, including scripting, story-boarding, camera + sound work, acting, directing, editing and music production.
SCREENINGS & AWARDS:
Their empowering films have been shown to Indigenous communities across Australia.
The films were very well received during our presentation at the Federal Government State Managers meeting in Adelaide, February 2008.
DECS Multicultural Unit Adelaide, July 2007
CHALLENGE: The Hero Project team worked with 20 students and several teachers to produce a multi-cultural awareness video for the Department of Education Multicultural Unit.
PARTNERS: Department of Education and Children Services SA; Apple Australia; Tallstoreez Productionz
Film: Mission Possible
OUTCOMES: The Hero Project worked with 20 students from Gilles St Primary School, Adelaide, to record positive example and activities around multi-cultural educational practice.
The participating teachers from several Adelaide schools received professional development training to use digital media in the classroom. The team included Helen Grant [Gilles St PS], Shona Russo [LeFevrre HS] and Andy Mewett [Glenunga HS].
SCREENINGS & AWARDS
The film screened as part of the Come Out 2007 Youth Film Fest at the Mercury Cinema in Adelaide.
IMPACT & FEEDBACK: DECS SA used the film to promote their multicultural unit across Government schools in South Australia. The film was officially launched by Minister for Education Hon jane Lomax-Smith at the Glenunga International High School alongside a new multicultural manual.
Read the rest of this page and add your comments »
Catholic Education Conference
Sydney, May 2007
CHALLENGE: The Hero Project was invited to present its empowerment methodology to representatives from over 120 catholic schools in Sydney.
PARTNERS: Apple Australia; MAC1; Tallstoreez Productionz
Outcomes
Over 100 people attended our 2-day workshop presentations at the Jamie McKenzie Professional Development Day in Woolwich. The participating teachers and principals were keen to implement more digital media and screen-based narrative into their curriculum. The workshop covered camera basics, screen language and non-linear work flow using the Apple platform.
Apple Educational Conference
Sydney, April 2007
CHALLENGE: The Hero Project was invited to present its empowerment methodology to representatives from Apple’s national educational retail partners.
PARTNERS: Apple Australia; Tallstoreez Productionz
Outcomes
Over 100 people attended our presentations in Sydney. One of the participants dubbed our methodology ‘the missing link between Apple’s hardware and software’. We received fabulous feedback – several channel partners opted to take Directing the Hero Within on for retail.
Quorn SA, October 2006
CHALLENGE: The Hero Project team worked with 16 students at the Quorn Area School, supported by the Southern Flinders Ranges Health Service, the Quorn Area School, the local council and the Quorn Caravan Park.
PARTNERS: Arts SA Health Promotion Through The Arts; Country Arts SA Regional Arts Fund; Southern Flinders Ranges Health Service Inc; Quorn Caravan Park; Tallstoreez Productionz
Film: Working Quorn
OUTCOMES: To create a series of short documentaries that address possible future careers in a remote town like Quorn. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? To whom could you speak to get advise?
The participants identified a fabulous set of characters, the most amazing locations and learned a lot about their local professions: from hairdressing, being a postie, to farming, camel riding and meat processing. The locals came up trumps, especially the Quorn butcher, who proved to be comedic talent, just stay away from his knives…
SCREENINGS & AWARDS:
The film screened at Come Out 2007 Youth Film Festival at the Mercury Cinema in Adelaide.
IMPACT & FEEDBACK: Their films screened as part of the Screen Australia outback touring program at the Quorn caravan park, to an audience of over 200.
Latin, SA June 2004
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CHALLENGE:
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PARTNERS:
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Film: Latin
OUTCOMES:
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SCREENINGS & AWARDS:
some kind of latin award
IMPACT & FEEDBACK:
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Read the rest of this page and add your comments »