Using short form video to engage the public in environmental issues Dr Janet Sumner, Media Fellow, Science

Why use video ? New multimedia platforms available e.g. websites, iTunes, YouTube. Video is cost effective in communicating with large, remote and new audiences. Done well – AV is hugely engaging and informative Done badly …….? Link: eJkEhttp:// eJkE 626#!d68623d4a4http://podcast.open.ac.uk/oulife/podcast- 626#!d68623d4a4

Why especially for GEES? Fieldwork on location e.g. volcanoes, flooding Take the audience there, demonstrate your research, methods, data collection techniques etc. Report environmental stories from the ‘front line’ ‘First hand’ interviews with locals and those affected Capture academic opinion e.g. COP13 Link:

How to get video right ? Invest in media training Buy the right equipment Decide on the ‘story’ you want to tell Have a production plan If it’s not ‘VISUAL’ don’t do it in video !

Media Training Preparation – audience, type of content? Delivery – PTC or interview, or both? Performance – dynamic, engaging, personal Location / choreography / props Storyboarding / scripting – what story? Limiting editing Uploading and publishing to platform

Equipment HD Handy cam (extra batteries) External lapel mic Headphones Tripod Cost? c.a. £800

Production check list Location: H&S, children, animals? Sound: background/wind noise? Light: contrast, brightness, too dark? Camera set-up: eyeline, framing? Background: visual interference? Presenter: preparation, confidence, performance Filming: monitor equipment, keeping records of best ‘takes’

Group activity Discuss with colleagues: a story you would like to film in video…. Identify your audience Decide on your editorial technique Assemble a storyboard Script and choreography Identify problems Share your ideas with the group

Close of session and ‘wrap’ OU offer of media training: Link: http://podcast.open.ac.uk/oulife/podcast- 613 My contact: