In this one-day intensive, filmmaker Laura Checkoway will discuss how she makes use of oral history in her documentary work.  We’ll discuss camera angles, equipment choices, setup, ethical issues, release forms, and the strengths/limitations of video as a medium. What kinds of compromises are necessary when it comes to editing “footage” (interviews) that we have come to appreciate, uncut? How does the camera’s presence and position affect an oral history—for the interviewer, interviewee and for the audience? This workshop combines conversation and demonstrations with hands-on exercises. Students will have the chance to apply the concepts discussed by filming an oral history during the course of the day. No camera experience necessary.

This workshop is appropriate for aspiring filmmakers, archivists, community historians, exhibit designers, public historians, artists, family historians, and bloggers, among others.

Instructor: Laura Checkoway