Introduction to Digital Storytelling April 1 st – April 3 rd 2014

Digital Storytelling – Some Definitions digital story (dig·i·tal sto·ry) A short, first person video-narrative created by combining recorded voice, still and moving images, and music or other sounds. digital storyteller (dig·i·tal sto·ry·tell·er) Anyone who has a desire to document life experience, ideas, or feelings through the use of story and digital media. Usually someone with little to no prior experience in the realm of video production but time to spend a few days attending a workshop and developing a story with creative support and technical assistance from compassionate, highly experienced facilitators.

Established 1994, San Francisco, USA Center Director is Joe Lambert author of Digital Storytelling Cookbook, Digital Storytelling – Capturing Lives, Creating Community and Seven Ages of Story Holds workshops across the world Digital Storytelling in a Time of Crisis, Athens, May International Day of Storysharing – May 16 th

DigiTales: started life as a pilot digital storytelling project that took place in six countries 2005 – 2007 as part of the Inclusion Through Media partnership funded by EQUAL - part of the European Social Fund. DigiTales Ltd was established in 2008

Silver Stories

Digital Storytelling: Methodology DigiTales enables people to:  tell their own stories  learn digital media skills  build confidence and self-esteem The method places the stories under the control of the storyteller.

Digital Storytelling: Methodology Digital Storytelling is fun:  a way to reach people who think that education is ‘not for them’  can help to develop language and literacy skills through storytelling and script-writing  can give people a kick-start in developing their skills and improving their chances to gain employment  a way to engage thoughtfully with experience

Digital Stories Screening

A digital story is:  a 2-minute film (~250 words)  a personal story  written, recorded and edited by the film maker  uses photos/drawings by the film maker (10-30 photos)  can also use video, animation and music  any images or music have to be copyright free (eg. if you use images off Creative Commons, use the right section and remember to credit the photographer

Part 1: Story circle Create a warm, trusting atmosphere and get to know each other through games

My favourite object Matchstick game

Introduce storytelling through writing exercises Hear each other’s stories

When your script is ready, record a voiceover

You need about images for your film You can scan photographs from your family album or take new photos

You can get creative with drawing

or use simple stopframe animation (stills camera on a tripod) or Flash (requires more time and a trainer who knows Flash)

Once you have gathered your materials (voiceover and images) you can start editing PC: Windows Movie MakerMac: iMovie Part 2: Editing

Then screen the films at the end of the workshop or at a later date - invite friends!

Exhibitions in public spaces <---- BBC Big Screen, Liverpool Films posted onto the Websites ---->

Think about the needs of the group you are working with and adapt the method.  Timescale of workshop ?  Language support ?  Artistic support ?  Educational knowledge and support?

With a refugee group in Leeds we had extra support to work one-on-one with the participants to help with writing the scripts and creating images.

Some people explored their story idea in their mother tongue first.

Let’s start storytelling!