Community Video

Summary

Community Video projects are any type of video documentary or film describing local community or presenting profiles of residents. They can be used specifically as tools for planning when they address certain complicated planning topics or issues.

Tool Description

Like digital storytelling, community videos can be used to capture stories, interviews, and opinions about certain aspects of a community or special places within it.  Community video projects can go one step further by documenting places and scenes without storytelling, including tracking changes in a place over time.

 

Any type of video documentary or film on a local community could fall into the category of community video, but the term is often used to describe longer videos that capture what is special about the town or present an overview.  When used specifically as a tool for planning, community videos typically address certain planning topics or issues. Some of the most effective community videos present profiles or interviews with residents, showing a wide range of perspectives or opinions on what makes the community special or what a community should do going forward.

 

Costs can be very small if a video is filmed using simple equipment (like smartphones) by volunteers. Producing professional quality videos can run well into the thousands of dollars if it requires hiring a videographer, purchasing equipment, and contracting out for editing and production. Either way you do it, expect to spend signficant amounts of time to produce something good.

Summary of Costs

$0-99
Associated Costs
  • Additional Supplies
  • Project Management
  • Technical Assistance

Strengths

  • When done well, community video projects create lasting records that are useful for planning, build community spirit and also may help to boost economic development and vitality of a place.
  • Community video is an excellent way to engage youth in the community and utilize their talents.

Limitations

  • Most Community Videos require significant time and effort in order to film and interview people, edit footage, and produce a video.
Submitted By: svannostrand
Last Updated: August 3, 2012, 1:14 pm

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