Incompetent filmmaking is incompetent ethnography

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Lena

"This is the type of course that every anthropologist should take"

"Excellent course to get you feeling comfortable with a camera"

"This course delivers on what it offers"

"Mark is extremely experienced, versatile & an excellent teacher"

"Interview technique tips were great"

“Films that are cinematographically incompetent are also ethnographically incompetent (even when made by an ethnographer)” (Heider, 2007: 4).

Producing an Ethnographic Film is not the only reason to incorporate a camera in to your fieldwork.There is no substitute for what the camera can capture. It is an irreplaceable tool, one that can assist you, expand your academic knowledge, broaden your ethnography, enrich your experience and uniquely contribute to the field of Anthropology.

Learning fundamental, basic principles of film-making will make the difference between unusable, poor quality footage and priceless material.

Above all, understand the limitations and the potential of your equipment:

Visit Spectacle and acquire the knowledge you need by attending one of our affordable, intense, hands-on courses in film-making.

References

Heider, Karl G. (2007) Ethnographic Film, revised edition, Austin: University of Texas Press

For more information contact Spectacle at training@spectacle.co.uk

Visit our website and have a look at our upcoming dates for the Digital Video Production Weekend Course for Anthropologists and Social Researchers or find out about our other workshops.

If you wish to book you can find all the details you need on our how to book page.

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“Anthropologist and the Camera”

Posted on April 9, 2013 by Lena

During our last course on Digital Video Production for Anthropologists and Social Researchers the single most important hindrance, while using a camera during fieldwork, came up; lack of fundamental technical knowledge. Chances are, more often than not, that poor sound, bad lighting, amateur framing and many more careless adjustments will stand in the way of what otherwise could be priceless, irreplaceable footage either for teaching/archive purposes or for professional documentary production.

Alas, the transition from the general theoretical knowledge of cinema, to which anyone of us can get access to (at least to some extent), to the actual implementation of it is highly challenging. Several prestigious universities and institutions, such as Manchester’s Granada Center of Visual Anthropology, have been promoting film-making as part of an anthropologist’s curriculum with great success. Yet, for most universities and especially smaller anthropology departments across Europe, Ethnographic Film is far from available.

My personal outlook on this matter is that if circumstances allow it (which only means if the communities which the anthropologists study allow it), a camera is as mandatory as a notebook. By extension, the quality of the filmed material should indicate an effort analogous to the one generated by the anthropologist for the actual ethnography. Thus, the technical knowledge of filming, sound and editing becomes critical. Nonetheless, as our particular academic interests gradually develop, a MA in Visual Anthropology may become a luxury that not everyone can afford, financially or otherwise. Does this mean that we shall be excluded from this community of anthropologists who have committed to become equally good film-makers as well as ethnographers?

Long story short, the fact that not every anthropologist aspires to a career in documentary and Ethnographic Film, does not justify a potential indifference to the efficacy of high quality filmed material for other purposes. As Mead (2003: 5) points out, we can only “cherish those rare combinations of artistic ability and scientific fidelity”, yet as whole cultures go unrecorded it is “inappropriate to demand that filmed behavior have the earmarks of a work of art”.

Spectacle’s weekend courses are a unique opportunity to acquire detailed and concise digital video filming skills at affordable prices. It is also important to stress that even the most experienced anthropologist does not necessary know the best way to introduce a camera in to fieldwork. With expertise in participatory media, engaging the ‘hard to reach’, as well as 20 years of professional film-making inside and with communities and minority groups Spectacle is more than equipped to provide this difficult to obtain knowledge.

References

Mead, M. (2003). Visual Anthropology in a Discipline of Words. In: Hockings, P. Principles of Visual Anthropology. 3rd ed. New York: Mouton de Gruyter. pp. 3-10

For more information contact Spectacle at training@spectacle.co.uk

Visit our website and have a look at our upcoming dates for the Digital Video Production Weekend Course for Anthropologists and Social Researchers or find out about our other workshops.

If you wish to book you can find all the details you need on our how to book page.

If you would like more information on future courses and training opportunities sign up for the Training Newsletter – tick the box if you would also like Spectacle’s general newsletter.

Digital Video Production for the Web- Short Training Courses

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Training

Digital Video Production for the Web

NGOs, charities, social enterprises and small businesses have been badly hit by the recession and funding cuts. To reach out to your target audience and get your message across there is an ever increasing demand for online video- producing high quality online videos need not be an expensive luxury.

DIY digital film making and successful use of No/Lo budget techniques, can slash your production costs and actually improve your production values.

By training existing staff or volunteers in the techniques of high quality digital film making organisations can greatly reduce production costs. When people working on the ground document their own activities and events and record client testimonials you can often get better results than with a hired film crew of strangers.

Where your workers have built relationships and trust with your clients they can film more relaxed and interpersonal moments, moments that might elude an external film crew, making for a more direct and powerful film.

This practical hands-on course aims to give you the “future proof” information you really need to know to produce high quality videos by concentrating on the techniques and skills that stay constant, regardless of passing developments in software, technologies and formats.

The training is not technology specific but gives you the knowledge and attitude to get the best out of whatever equipment is to hand, to navigate your way around the complexity of codecs and formats, to identify and solve technical problems. You will learn the techniques and methods of high quality digital production in a way you can speedily pass on the knowledge and expertise to other members of your organisation and client base.

Organisations with a member of staff who have completed the course can hire Spectacle’s equipment at a 15% discount.

The course is modular. You can take just the 2 day production course or the 3 day course that includes post production and uploading video to the internet.

For more information Digital Video Production for the Web

If you are interested in booking the course please visit the How to Book page.

For information on other Spectacle training courses

Or contact training@spectacle.co.uk

For info on new dates and courses please sign up for the Spectacle training newsletter – tick the box if you would also like Spectacle’s general newsletter.

Digital Video Production Weekend Training Courses

Posted on January 7, 2013 by adosini

Digital Video Production weekend training course.

If you want to produce your own films or make your own online digital media content for your website this is the course for you.

Short, sharp, affordable.

It is ideal for aspiring documentary and film makers with no prior experience looking to develop a foundation from which to progress. It is suitable for Journalists who want to re-skill as self-shooters, Media Studies students and tutors who want to put theory into practice and anyone who wants to learn to produce high quality digital videos.

Affordable, intensive, effective and future proof hands-on practical course in a friendly environment- much can be taken away from this weekend.

We offer concession rates for registered unemployed and full time students, group discounts and we can run the training course at your work place/institution/university.

See Digital Video Production weekend training course for more details.

If you are interested in booking the course visit the How to Book page.

For information on other Spectacle training courses

Or contact training@spectacle.co.uk

If you would like more information on future training opportunities at Spectacle sign up for the Training Newsletter – tick the box if you would also like Spectacle’s general newsletter.

Digital Video Production for visual anthropologists and social researchers

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Chloe Evans

In social research using film raises many questions, some of which
have been explored and addressed in previous articles:

The relationship between visual anthropology and documentary film

Academia’s disengagement with the media: elitism or fear

However, film can add substantial depth to social research as it can
be used as reference material for write-ups and articles, examples or
illustrations of particular concepts as well as bringing ethnographic
data together in an understandable format that can be understood by a
wider audience. However, to produce a film for social research one
must have the necessary skills in participatory techniques, interview
techniques and working in the field. Most of these things will be
addressed in Spectacle’s weekend training courses:

In order to make sound documentary films for social research you will
need to have participatory techniques that engages the person or
people you are filming. Participatory techniques involve participant
observation, field notes and interviews. Participant observation is a
fieldwork technique that is used in ethnographic research in which the
anthropologist or sociologist joins in with the activities with a
group of people, rather than merely observing and watching from afar.
They take part in the daily activities, rituals and interactions with
a group of people. This is helpful for social research as this
enhances the quality of the fieldwork data.

Field notes are the records of the social data collected from
participant observation, they are used to record observations, day
events and informal interviews which does not seem overtly intrusive
like a camera would be.

Interviews are vital for social research and make up most of the
qualitative data. There are informal interviews where the interviewer
is casually asking questions in a relaxed environment and formal
interviews when the researcher has explicitly asked for a formal
interview as a specific time and place. Semi-structured interviews
involve a list of questions and prompts that will try and aim for all
topics to be covered. The success of the interviews for data
collection can vary greatly as it depends on the willingness of the
interviewees cooperation and their interest in the project.

From using these techniques you will provide the foundation for social
and ethnographic research that can be utilised with film. Recording
interviews, events and other social data with film can act as another
tool for research for later analysis or become a documentary or a
piece of work in itself. Participatory media which involves the
interviewees, allows them to see if they are being represented
properly. This can be done through working closely with the
interviewees and letting them review the footage that has been shot or
asking them what they want to be filmed and not filmed.

Filming for social research also brings up questions of ethics; mainly
issues of misrepresentation and power. Is the filmmaker and social
researcher exploiting those being interviewed and filmed? Will they be
misrepresented in the edited versions of the films and write-ups? To
solve these issues there are precautions and regulations in place that
if followed will give the interviewees more rights. For example there
are permission waivers that try and make sure that the interviewee
knows what they are agreeing to. Participatory filming with the
communities concerned will also help to make it more equal in terms of
power relations.

Follow link for next scheduled course

Digital Video Production for Visual Anthropologists & Social Researchers

Short, Sharp, Affordable. Aimed at those are interested in using film within their social research and want a fast way to acquire detailed and concise digital video filming skills.

Click here to book

Or contact training@spectacle.co.uk

For information on other Spectacle training courses

Academia’s disengagement with the media: Elitism or Fear?

Posted on October 10, 2012 by Chloe Evans

The typical image of the academic is usually of an old eccentric: hidden away in an ivory tower studying the composition of beetle shells. In other words, far removed from the rest of reality. There has been a gap between the general public and the interests of academics. University departments want their subjects to be studied but it is difficult to reach an audience if they themselves make it hard and inaccessible. However, science programmes have become part of the routine TV schedule, with shows like Brian Cox’s ‘Wonders of the Universe’ and David Attenborough’s ‘Life’ series helping to popularise the
sciences. The media offers useful tools for engagement with the wider public where ideas can be presented and published and discussed.

However, there has been a backlash against media outlets by some academics. A primary reason for academics’ general distaste for public engagement is the fear of being misquoted, misread and misinterpreted by the media in news programmes and therefore creating a bad impression of themselves and the rest of the academic community. Many academics feel that if they engage with the public that they are putting themselves at risk of their reputation with their peers.

Professor Alice Roberts Professor of public engagement in science at Birmingham University and BBC TV presenter argues that ‘public engagement should be part of academic life’ and advocates actively reaching out to the public to make academic issues accessible. If academics are afraid of misrepresentation by media they should find ways to bypass this by producing the content themselves. Through films and social media platforms academics have a direct route to communicate to a wide audience. Using films for social research or as part of research can add depth to a research project as well as making it accessible and understandable to a wider audience.

Academics and researchers should embrace the newer platforms for public engagement and accessibility as this will lead to more interest in their subjects and subsequently more students learning their subjects.

If you want to know more about this issue watch Alice Roberts’ opinion on this video

Spectacle’s new weekend course Digital Video Production for visual anthropologists and social researchers:

Aimed at those are interested in using film within their social research and want a fast way to acquire detailed and concise digital video filming skills.

Click here to book

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NEW Video Production Training Course Dates

Posted on October 4, 2012 by clockword

Digital Video Production Weekend Training Course

Short, Sharp, Affordable. This is a practical hands-on weekend course aimed at people who want a fast way to acquire detailed and concise digital video production skills.

Evening Session: Documentary Research

Mark Saunders will demonstrate a range of research strategies and techniques for producing investigative factual programmes based on his award winning work with Despite TV and Spectacle.

Evening Session: Copyright for Independent film makers

An archive users guide to the main principles of copyright law aimed at independent film makers.

Digital Video Production for Visual Anthropologists and social researchers

Aimed at those are interested in using film within their social research and want a fast way to acquire detailed and concise digital video filming skills.

Click here to book

Spectacle homepage
Like Spectacle Documentaries on Facebook
Follow SpectacleMedia on Twitter

Digital Video Production Weekend Training Courses

Posted on September 3, 2012 by Training

For details and dates of the next available courses visit:

Digital Video Production Weekend Training Course
Short, Sharp Affordable. This is a practical hands-on weekend course aimed at people who want a fast way to acquire detailed and concise digital video production skills. It is particularly useful for aspiring documentary makers, journalists who want to expand their skill set and anyone who wants to shoot their own films.

The short, condensed and effective course will give all participants a solid foundation of practical knowledge and a working understanding of digital cameras, sound recording, interview techniques, filming on location and industry language.

You will also get the confidence to use a wide range of equipment and learn the “future proof” principles of film making that remain constant despite the changes in technology and formats.

We allow a maximum of three people per camera set up (camera, sound, interviewer), giving everyone extensive hands-on experience.

Completing this course will guarantee you a work placement opportunity with Spectacle.

What you will learn

– Preparing a shoot
– How to use a digital camera (focus, white balance, aperture, formats etc.)
– How to use microphones
– Framing, types of shots, camera movements, cutaways and other techniques and tips
– How to conduct and shoot an interview
– Shooting on location
– The principles of lighting, both natural and artificial
– Filming to edit
– Legal issues, permissions and copyrights

To find out more and booking

For more details please contact:training@spectacle.co.uk

Routes into film direction: live Q&A

Posted on July 17, 2012 by admin

Mark Saunders is taking part today between 1-3pm in a live Q&A with a panel of filmmakers to answer questions about working as an independent filmmaker on @GuardianCareers.

Follow the link to ask your questions.

Visit our website for more information about Spectacle and work experience.
Follow this link to learn more about the training courses offered at Spectacle.

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NEW WEEKEND COURSE Digital Video Production for Visual Anthropologists

Posted on June 18, 2012 by admin

Visit here for next dates and more details:

Digital Video Production for Visual Anthropologists and Researchers

About the course

Short, Sharp, Affordable. This is a practical hands-on weekend course aimed at visual anthropologists who want a fast way to acquire detailed and concise digital video filming skills.

There is an emphasis on bringing together the theory and practice of visual anthropological film making:

What is Visual Anthropology?

Positives and Negatives of using Film in Social Research (includes ethics)

Types of Visual Research Methods

Editing

Working in the Field

You will also get the confidence to use a wide range of equipment and learn the “future proof” principles of film making that remain constant despite the changes in technology and formats.

We allow a maximum of three people per camera set up (camera, sound, interviewer), giving everyone extensive hands-on experience.

What you will learn

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About the tutors

Mark Saunders is an award-winning independent film-maker, media activist and writer. His expertise in the field spans over two decades.

He is currently running Spectacle Productions, a company which he founded in 1990. Clients include Amnesty International, Channel 4, the Rowntree Foundation, the Howard League for Penal Reform and many others.

His films have been broadcast internationally and exhibited at galleries, including Tate Britain, the National Film Theatre, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Musee des Beaux-Arts, the National Media Museum and the Photographers Gallery.

Alongside production work, Mark has also been teaching for over 15 years, and he has been a visiting lecturer at a number of institutions, including London School of Economics, the Royal College of Art, the London College of Communications, Bournemouth, Florence and Coventry Universities. He is currently teaching at Birkbeck College.
Chloe Evans has written for several social science and Anthropology journals, predominantly on her work based on the Philippine Diaspora. She has also contributed photography and video materials to several University projects. Chloe Evans holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Anthropology from the L.S.E and a MSc in Visual Anthropology from the University of Oxford.

Spectacle is a member of the Moving Image Training Alliance (MITA).

The details

Where

Spectacle
No. 25
99 – 109 Lavender Hill
London SW11 5QL

Price

£200.00 + VAT = £240
Concs.: £100.00 + VAT = £120

Special Discounts

Group bookings
– Bookings for three to five people: 10% discount
– Bookings for six people or more: 20% discount

Multiple bookings
You will receive a 15% discount if you book a place on our Final Cut Pro editing course (dates to be announced).

How to book

Please visit the How to Book page to reserve a place on this workshop.

Also, please ensure you read our Terms and Conditions before reserving a place on one of Spectacle’s training courses.

If you have any queries please contact training@spectacle.co.uk

If you would like more information on future training opportunities at Spectacle sign up for the Training Newsletter – tick the box if you would also like Spectacle’s general newsletter.

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Category Archives: Training Courses

Evening Session: Copyright for Independent film makers

Digital Video Production for Visual Anthropologists and social researchers

Digital Video Production Weekend Training Courses

Routes into film direction: live Q&A