The Video Activist Handbook

'Buy it. Read it. Act on it. Your world will never be the same again.' Charles Secrett, Director, Friends of the Earth

Whether you are involved in campaigning, non-violent direct action, or simply want to know how to make use of video as a political tool, this book is for you.
* Covers the key topics in a step-by-step guide -- from choosing and using the right equipment and planning when and where to shoot, to supplying to TV, making a campaign video and legal considerations
* Combines clearly written and illustrated practical advice, backed up by a wealth of resources, with first-hand examples of successful video activism
* Critically assesses the mainstream media agendas and offers a lively survey of the international video activist scene

Part 1 What is video activism?: a brief history of video activism
the camcorder revolution. Part 2 Strategy of video activism: finding a purpose
type of video activist strategy
differences between video activist and video-maker approaches
problems with the video activist approach. Part 3 Equipment: where do I find a camcorder?
the basic kit
choosing a camcorder
sound equipment
advanced equipment
looking after your equipment
powering up in silly places. Part 4 Getting started - a basic introduction to using a camcorder: the psychology of videoing in public
getting good images
getting good sound
teach yourself to video in five easy steps
your first big day of videoing
getting better. Part 5 Witness video - legal work: different types of witness video
working with the legal system
appearing in court
tips for shooting witness video
issues of security
videoing covertly
counter camcorder. Part 6 TV work 1 - supplying footage to news: why bother supplying footage to TV news?
what is TV news looking for?
issues faced when supplying to TV news
tips on supplying footage to TV news. Part 7 TV work 2 - going beyond news footage: different ways of supplying footage to TV
producing a video news release (VNR)
archive sales to TV
documentary making - becoming a TV professional. Part 8 Making a campaign video 1 -production: different types of campaign video (educational, empowerment, fundraising)
the process
preparation and research
shooting. Part 9 Making a campaign video 2 - editing: political editing
the editing process
equipment
tips. Part 10 Distribution 1 - screenings: different types of screenings
tips
screening equipment. Part 11 Distribution 2 - other outlets: community terrestrial broadcast
cable
video magazines
CD ROM
World Wide Web. Part 12 Training: different types of video activist training
issues and problems
tips
examples of workshop schedule
resources
recommended reading
video activist organizations
TV contacts.