Student Media Programme: Resources
See below for links and resources related to the One World Student Media Programme. This list will be updated at regular intervals, so please do visit again soon.
Downloads
Advice on pre-production (pdf)
If you're going to make media in a developing country, this document has some tips on things to think about before you go - with particular relevance to those intending to film.
Broadcasters and other media outlets often have some kind of style guide. Here's a brief one, prepared by one of our trainers Sophie Chalk, with particular reference to making media about the developing world. What are the things to do, and things to avoid?
Sample application for secret filming (.doc)
This is the kind of document that you would have to complete if you wished to do secret filming in a report/documentary that is intended for broadcast.
Sample pre-production security questionnaire (.doc)
This kind of document might be helpful when contacting people who are based in, or who have knowledge of, the country in which you wish to film or report.
Sample check list for security protocol (.doc)
This is a template for an industry-standard risk assessment, which you may need to complete for any kind of filming or reporting project - not just one in the developing world. However, this one is tailored for a documentary being filmed overseas.
Links
The Rory Peck Trust - Training Fund
The Rory Peck Trust exists to support freelance newsgatherers and their families worldwide in times of need, and to promote their welfare and safety. They provide bursaries to enable freelance media workers to take safety training courses. Go to http://www.rorypecktrust.org/ and click on Training and Safety, then Training Fund on the left menu
DFG (Documentary Filmmakers Group) has an excellent selection of resources, including contract templates and release forms. Go to http://www.dfgdocs.com/Resources/
'The Mass Production of Ignorance', by Greg Philo
An article describing three fascinating studies that asked whether television news is really informative when it covers the developing world. The Media Group at Glasgow University undertook the studies. Go to http://www.icce.rug.nl/~soundscapes/VOLUME05/Mass_production_ignorance.shtml
'How British TV Reports Famine', by Peter Gill
Article in the Guardian which looks at exactly what the title suggests - and asks what impact the Ethiopia famine of 1984 had on TV news at the time. Go to http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/oct/19/tv-documentary-famine
A research project that looked at how famine has been represented in the media, from the 19th century to the present day. You can download a 'Famine Catalogue' which features various images of famine from down the ages, plus more information and comment. Go to http://www.imaging-famine.org/
'Oh Dearism' film by Adam Curtis
A short film made for Charlie Brookers' 'Newswipe' programme, by the acclaimed documentary maker Adam Curtis, about the trends in news reporting about the wider world. And don't forget, it's just his viewpoint. Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8moePxHpvok