Poverty and the Media Films Feedback

Below is some feedback from two events in London and Glasgow where clips of Spectacle’s Poverty and the Media Project were shown

Faces of Poverty: How do Images tell the Stories?: London
Spectacle film was really positive- people’s own voices and own directing etc. The film showed people who are knowledgeable commenting on things that mattered to them.
Alison Whyte: Mark Easton said he’s interviewed 100s of people like those in spectacle film. These people are not empowered like those on spectacle. There can be really bad examples of editing and stigmatising.

Glasgow
Tuesday 4 November 2008

Anne Marie-Smith: ‘Spiritual Poverty’ – very dangerous, causes lows and depression; Heart warming to hear this phrase on the Spectacle DVD
Problem of stereotypes. Judging people, by their image (e.g. gold chain, lipstick, nice clothes etc.)

http://www.socialevils.org.uk/2008/04/09/poverty-and-inequality/

Glenn Jenkins response to Secret Millionaire

Below is a short extract from one of Spectacle’s Poverty and the Media workshops on the Marsh Farm Estate. In this clip Glenn Jenkins, long-term community activist and part of Marsh Farm Out Reach, talks about the way television programs, such as Secret Millionaire, Big Brother and Jeremy Kyle,  treat poorer people.

New Spectacle Training 2009

New Courses are planned for the New Year !!

Spectacle will be running new courses in the following areas;

Workshop on Workshops – For people who are interested in running video workshops but need to gain practice in the use of media equipment and the processes of managing groups. Will take you through all stages of preparation, filming and preparing footage for editing.

Live Action Multi-Camera Shoots – Aimed at musicians and live performers and all those who would like to record and document a live event with a three camera shoot. Will cover handling equipment, sound recording and preparing footage for editing

For further details or to register an interest please contact: training@spectacle.co.uk

or visit our website: www.spectacle.co.uk

Update on Spectacle Training Courses

TO:  Performing Artists, Community Workers, Media Workers, Youth Workers and All Other Interested Parties:

Latest News.

There are still some places left on our current training courses.

In addition, Spectacle welcomes requests from any venues which would like to host training sessions for which we will offer a no-fee arrangement involving 2 or 3 free workshop places to nominated people. Hosts could then effectively train staff and simultaneously develop their outreach and media capacity.

27th and 28th September  2008
Workshop on Workshops (WoW)

18th and 19th October   2008  [Revised dates from original posting]
Live Action Multi-Camera Shoot.

These will be held at the Stockwell Community Resource Centre. London SW4 6RA. [see Map]

For further details and information on  How To Book please visit our website

Any queries contact: training@spectacle.co.uk

Workshop feedback

The Pepys estate and Marsh Farm workshops took place in early August. We hoped to discover what people from the estates felt about poverty in the media and how people (such as themselves) are represented in the media and TV. The people from each estate vary in culture and background  (some are born into poverty and others have had it imposed upon them by circumstance).

At the Pepys estate, we had 4 participants. One of the most prevalent topics was on an article that emphasised postcode prejudice. Another popular subject of debate was the TV documentary “The Towers”. All of the participants were horrified at the inherent implications of both the article and programme.

At Marsh Farm, we had more people attend (8).  This time, with a larger group, we discussed general poverty issues as well as some interesting specifics. One such topic regarded the different types of poverty (financial poverty, spiritual poverty or emotional poverty).

At the start of each workshop, the participants were given a tutorial on how to set up and use the camera/film equipment. After this they considered relevant questions (for example: “what does it mean to be poor in the UK?” and “how does the media represent it?”). Then they took it in turn to interview each other.

Below are some comments from the participants regarding the workshops:
‘It gave me a chance to voice my opinion which I wanted to do for a long time’

‘It was an opportunity to hear what people from Marsh Farm had to say about the state of the area’

‘I found the technical side filming interesting’

‘Learning how to use the basic of the camera was good, so if I ever wanted to learn how to use the camera in the future. I have the basic knowledge’

‘It was good because we were able to put our views across that don’t always get across’.

‘The interviews reinforced my existing opinion’

Live Action Multi-Camera Shoot 11th & 12th October 2008

This 2-day workshop will cover the use of a 3-camera shoot for live events such as music gigs, live performance (dance, theatre, poetry), festivals, meetings and presentations, and any other situations where capturing and documenting a live event in a comprehensive shoot is essential. The production of high quality footage suitable for editing into a professional standard DVD or film is a key feature of this type of specialist filming. Participants will be able to practice the taping of a real event as part of the course. Places are limited to a maximum of 12 participants.

Dates: 11th and 12th October 2008.

Times: 10-4pm.

Location: South London (tba).

Cost: £75.00 per person per day.

To register an interest please email training@spectacle.co.uk

To find out more about Spectacle please visit our website

Workshop on Workshops (WoW) 27th & 28th September 2008

This 2-day workshop will cover all aspects of planning and production for video groups including; handling equipment, planning productions, managing groups, increasing participation, shooting to edit. It will be of particular interest to individuals and organisations such as teachers, youth workers, colleges, youth groups, community groups, capacity-building organisations, artist-led workshops, voluntary sector groups and all those new to the field with an interest in running their own video project. Places are limited to a maximum of 12 participants.

Dates: 27th and 28th September 2008

Times: 10-4pm

Location: South London (tba)

Cost: £75.00 per person per day

To register an interest please email training@spectacle.co.uk

To find out more about Spectacle please visit our website

New Training Courses

· Do you have a cupboard full of media equipment you are not sure how to use?

· Are you part of a youth /community group that would like to set up your own video workshops?

· Are you working in IT or Media Resources Departments and looking to develop your skills in more creative and experimental ways, but unable to find the opportunity in the workplace?

· Are you a musician or performing artist who would like to record and document your work on high-quality DVDs?

Then our new training courses could be what you need to build up your confidence and get you started.

Who Are We?

Spectacle is an award winning TV production company with over 25 years experience of running workshops, both nationally and internationally. Spectacle specialises in investigative journalism with a focus on social documentary and community media. [see Archive link.].

We are committed to opening up access to media tools and platforms and developing a participatory, democratised and integrated model of good practice. We are always happy to hear from the motivated and passionate.

What Can We Offer?

Our training involves a wide range of people and organisations, helping them to gain hands-on production skills and experience. [see Archive.].Our practice is workshop-based with an emphasis on participatory democracy, urbanism and social justice. The courses we offer cover all aspects of pre-production, production and post-production and are for groups and individuals who wish to develop skills with the latest generation of low, low-medium budget and most commonly used cameras.

In addition, Spectacle welcomes requests from any venues which would like to host training sessions for which we will offer a no-fee arrangement involving 2 or 3 free workshop places to nominated people. Hosts could then effectively train staff and simultaneously develop their outreach and media capacity.

New Courses:

Workshop on Workshops (WoW). 27th and 28th September 2008.

Live Action Multi-Camera Shoot. 11th and 12th October 2008

Contact: training@spectacle.co.uk or  contact Spectacle through our website

To find out more about Spectacle visit our website

Poverty and Media Workshop # 3- August 7th & 8th

Poverty and Media Workshop 2- 7th & 8th August

Our next video workshops for the ‘Poverty and Media’ project will be taking place next weekend on the 7th and 8th of August.

The workshops will be held between 10am and 4pm at 110 Union Road, Stockwell, SW8 2SH

Nearest Overground station: Wandsworth Road
Nearest Underground station: Stockwell

You can find a map of the location here on Streetmap.

If you’d like to attend this event, please contact us via our Contact Form

For more information on the workshop Poverty and Participation in the Media

If you would like to suggest issues for discussion please add to the comments.