Digital Storytelling Workshops
Introduction
We’d like to introduce you to the digital storytelling workshop so you can determine your interest and ability to participate in this exciting process. We welcome informed enthusiasm, so appreciate that you are taking time to understand what a workshop entails. We invite you to get more familiar with digital storytelling by exploring this site. See Text to Video by Karen Diaz see a digital story about her experiences with digital storytelling. Learn more about what digital storytelling is and check out our collection of stories from past participants.
Workshop Expectations
- We are supporting work for stories related to your research, teaching or outreach efforts.
- We will be helping you arrive at a story that is personal and reflective. While such pieces might be useful for marketing purposes, we are not aiming for testimonials or “brochure-speak”. We will help you tell a story.
- The workshop is 3 full work days. Please be present for all.
- We will be working in a Mac environment. While digital stories can be made on PC’s, we have chosen to work with a suite of software only available on a Mac. You do not have to have prior experience with it and you will be in a supportive environment if it is new to you. We just ask your willingness to work in this environment so the same thing can be taught to all participants simultaneously.
Preparations
- At minimum bring a story idea. At maximum bring a draft script you can share in our story circle that is 400 words or less. A script template is available to assist you in planning your story. Expect it to change before you begin the technical work on your movie.
- If you have any images that represent or document your story well, please bring them along. If you are able to have these digitized and on a jump drive for the workshop that is ideal. Although we will help with scanning images during the workshop, you may choose to do this ahead of time. Download the scanning guide for assistance.
The more you bring to the workshop, the more time you will have to make a story you will truly be happy with. But, we also recognize that you will be there to learn and stand ready to help you get any additional materials or support you might need to complete your project.
FAQs
- Do I need Mac experience or knowledge of the software?
No. We will teach you to use Photoshop for preparing images for movies, Garageband for recording your voice and/or preparing your soundtrack, and iMovie for putting everything together. We will cover the basics needed to navigate with a Mac as is needed in the workshops.
- How many photos or images should I have?
There’s no precise required number, but we find people generally use between 10-30 images for a 3-4 minute movie. We’ve actually seen creative use of even 1 or 2 pictures, so do not feel strapped to put in more than you want. However, too many can make a movie busy and very fast-paced.
- Will I be able to use my story on my own Web site or upload to YouTube?
Absolutely! When the stories are complete, we will take care of uploading them to a streaming server. You will be able to use the resulting link to embed in your Web page. You will also have your own QuickTime file that you can do what you wish with.
- Can I use film in my story?
Yes, it is possible with iMovie to use a combination of film and images. This is useful when you are telling about something for which you already have film. Perhaps an old family vacation that influenced you, or a snippet from a movie that is apropos. However, do not feel that you need to become an actor and act out your movie on screen. In fact, that is not the way we teach making digital stories.
- Do I need to be concerned with copyright restrictions?
Yes. When you come to our workshop you will need to indicate a willingness to share your story with others. We will do this by placing your story on a streaming server which will allow you to share the story with whomever you wish. But because of this we also need to respect copyright restrictions and how we use others’ music or images. Our web site has information on copyright and we can also advise on this issue during the course of the workshop.
We are convinced you will not regret spending 3 days learning the digital storytelling process, but want you to be as prepared as you can be for it.
Applications for the December 2009 workshop are due November 9th at noon.