For the past few days, I attended a workshop via the Center for Digital Storytelling. Mango Mama , a very dear friend, sorority sister and digital storyteller, had recommended the workshop nearly 3+ years ago and I was finally taking the class.
What is digital storytelling? Essentially, giving voice to your personal story then adding photos and/or video to produce a 3-5 minute movie clip. Sounds easy, right? Continue reading.
As a typical, right-brain, non-creative (or so I thought), person, I worried that the cost for the class + plane fare might not be worthwhile. Although I have owned a Mac computer for the past two years and done a tiny bit of video editing, the majority of my professional career has been in the Windows world. The workshop does not focus on the technology and it becomes just a tool…nothing more than using a pen to write the story.
I did gain many technical tips for using Apple’s Final Cut Express video editing software but that was not the focus. For those techie types like myself, I was having trouble transitioning from Apple’s iMovie to Final Cut Express but now I understand why. I was attempting to learn from video editing professionals that spoke at a level that even I, QueenGeek, was having trouble digesting. The facilitators of the class definitely put all the techno-jargon into easy-to-understand terms so do not be afraid. You can do it.
In short, the class more than exceeded my expectations. I cannot offer enough praise to the center, the workshop, the environment, Mango Mama and the teachers, Stepahni and Liann. The entire experience was fantastic and ANYONE can take the class.
COMMUNICATION
If you have ever attended a workshop and had difficulty locating the building or contacting instructors then you will appreciate the communication that forwards all materials needed and explicit transportation directions and options. Although the Washington, DC metropolitan area is my home town, I have not lived here in almost 10 years. Having explicit directions, web links and phone numbers for various transportation options such as the metrorail was very helpful.
Prep Work
I cannot say enough about being as prepared for the class as possible. You do not need a computer nor have any previous Mac computer experience but you definitely need your photos. Scanners were available but if you scan ahead of time, the process will be quicker. Short video clips are just an added bonus but definitely not required. As I mentioned earlier, I was traveling out of town and I thought I had enough images. NOT!!!! I found myself scrambling through boxes upon boxes at my dad’s house for the perfect photos as well as scouring the internet for free or creative commons photos of abstract images. It is worth while to watch a few digital stories to understand that you may want abstract photos. A photo may be display anywhere from a few seconds (3 or 4) or longer. A 3-5 minute clip might not seem like a long time until you are trying to add photos and/or video to convey the emotion of your audio recording.
Background music is not required either but it may enhance your story. This can take a bit of time to find something that suites your story.
Last, bring a USB drive with a minimum of 2 GB free. It is not required but you will want to take a copy of your video with you.
No Mac Experience Required
If you have never used a Mac computer nor edited any video, do not panic. The workshop takes you by the hand, focuses on the content of the story while providing sufficient instruction on video editing.
My Digital Storytelling Experience
From the moment I listened to the draft versions of each participants story to watching the final versions, I had a blast. I was emotionally drained and tired after each day but empowered at the same time. To witness and participate in the birth of a small story is just AWESOME. I walked away with a greater appreciation for the fragile lives that we lead and how the human experience of love, loss, joy, sorrow, happiness, pain and suffering crosses all boundaries of race, religion, color and sex. Dare I mention the respect for those that create and edit movies we view in our local theaters.
At the end of the day, I felt like I could create my own movie. Well, not really, but I have been inspired to create more short digital stories.
Everyone has a story that only they can tell. Give voice to your story. Here is mine…
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