What we do
Immersive video storytelling
Agonda | Goa | India • Date TBC
It is well known that corporations don’t sell products; they sell emotions. When we try to communicate a complex issue to a non-captive audience, we need to stimulate the viewers' emotional connection to the narrator and the story they are telling. Only then can we create a deep neural response that helps to nurture a bond with the subject and the matter.
That is why we tell stories from the community—stories that don’t just present a series of problems and solutions embedded within a pre-set narrative. By respecting the community and the narrator in their telling of a story, we can connect people to each other and their issues.
Our course is open to anyone who wants to create simple short simple and impactful stories. Whether you are an established filmmaker or just want to better understand the concepts and workflows around dynamic storytelling, this course will help you to create media that connects with your audience through a more emotionally driven narrative.
With the huge advances in technology, we can all produce stories with little more than a mobile phone and software. From the philosophy of communications to practical application and final edits, we will guide you through the stages of storytelling, culminating in the final edit of a 3-5 minute film shot on location in Goa.
Who is it for?
The course is intended for anyone and everyone interested in visual storytelling, from shooting on a mobile phone to working with a professional set up. Some experience would be beneficial but not essential. The course is particularly suitable for: NGOs / Non-Profits / Charities staff, Volunteers, University students, Researchers, Activists, Filmmakers / Individuals interested in filmmaking.
What will you learn?
The first part of the course is designed to be a space for discussions about the theory of communication and storytelling and to help you imagine new ways to tell stories. Initially, we will do that by exploring a selection of films and documentaries which will cover a variety of themes. Understanding how emotional connections and an understanding of your audience can generate more dynamic connections.
During the course we will look at the potential of the technology available to you and help you develop your technical skills using which ever system best suits you. You will learn simple practices and techniques that will help you create a more engaging story.
In the second half of the course, you will have the opportunity to independently seek out a story that we will help you shape and edit into a compelling short film. Over two days we will help you to go out and shoot a film around the local area followed by a day of assisted editing to create your final cut.
Course structure:
Day One
am: Introductions and personal stories. Where are we from and why are we here.
pm: Understanding and developing your work flow with the equipment you use to shoot a film in one day.
Day Two
am: Moving images. Techniques in creating dynamic visuals and visual balance to your films.
pm: Who you are trying to communicate with and how do you adapt your style and message to make your story more engaging.
Day Three
AM: Practice some of these techniques in and around Agonda using steadicam and drone. Each person will either practice using their own equipment or share some of ours.
pm: Looking at what we have shot and how we can implement these styles into our final film.
Day Four
am: What story do you want to tell in your film and how do we develop the narrative.
pm: The equipment and interviews techniques to get what you need without forcing the narrative. The importance of emotion.
Day Five
am: Shoot day. You will be paired up and then sent out to a location of your choice to start shooting your film and telling your story.
pm: Interviews and final evening shots.
Day Six
am: The edit and the work flow, choosing music or atmospheric sound. Editing the narrative.
pm: Putting it all together to make the your final film.
Day Seven
am: Final day to make the last changes to the film or go out and shoot visuals you feel are missing.
pm: Reflections and discussions around the processes used to make your film and how we are able to create a small social media campaign around it.
Cost of the 7-day course:
$990 USD PER PERSON
What is included: Breakfasts and lunches, theory classes, video making workshops, inspiring conversations about storytelling and communication, final certificate of participation, one hour follow up online filming session.
What is not included: Equipment, dinners, accommodation (we have a lot of choice and a huge range of beach huts), flights, transfers from/to the airport and insurance.
Follow up:
Summary of resources: You will be sent a compendium with a summary of the resources that were discussed during the course.
One free online session: We are available for a 1-hour free zoom session after the course to go over any doubts you may have or to help you define your next project.
Alumni programme: You will be automatically added to our alumni programme at the end of the course. Alumni will be the first ones to know about new opportunities, current projects and discounts.
For more information, please get in touch
One small waterproof Ortlieb bag and the folloing equiptment is all we need for a shoot.
Canon R6 with 35mm f 1.8 - 50mm f 1.8 - 80mm f 2.0
DJI Ronin Steadicam
DJI Mavic mini II Drone
Rode GO bluetooth mics + Movo VXR10 Shotgun Microphone
Apple Ipad mini
Punkt Phone
Monfrotto 290 carbon mono pod
Scandisk 1TB SSD x 2
Canon batteries x 6 + Power bank
Swiss Army Knife & gaffer tape