Students will create a documentary video to support the Harlem School District’s SoFi Game Changers Challenge application. Over 9 weeks, participants will learn filming, editing, and social media skills while advocating for upgraded athletic facilities. This unique project combines hands-on media production with real-world community impact, empowering students to make a positive and lasting change for future Harlem athletes.
Equipment
- DSLR or mirrorless cameras
- Tripods and stabilization gear
- Audio recording equipment (microphones and headphones)
- Basic lighting kits
- External hard drives and memory cards
Software
- Editing Tools: Adobe Premiere Pro
- Collaboration Platforms: Google Drive and Zoom
- Social Media Tools: Facebook and Instagram
Class Description
This hybrid course puts students in the director’s chair, empowering them to tell the story of Harlem athletics through their lens. Over nine weeks of twice-weekly classes, participants will learn the fundamentals of video production—from pre-production planning to editing and campaign promotion—while working on a project to create a submission for the SoFi Game Changers Challenge. This effort aims to secure $50,000 to improve Harlem’s outdated athletic facilities.
Students will:
- Learn professional video production techniques
- Film interviews and showcase athletic facilities
- Create engaging social media content
- Develop public relations materials, including press releases
- Lead a community-wide voting campaign
By exploring storytelling techniques, refining technical skills, and engaging in real-world advocacy, students will produce a professional-quality video and mobilize the community to support their project. This unique experience combines hands-on media production with the opportunity to make a lasting impact on Harlem’s future athletes. No prior experience is needed—bring your creativity and Wildcat spirit!
Learning Objectives
Technical Skills
- Learn the basics of video production, including camera operation, lighting, and audio recording.
- Learn how to write a 2:00 script with multiple actors.
- Learn documentary filming techniques and interview methods to capture compelling stories.
- Develop skills in video editing using industry-standard software.
- Create impactful social media content to engage and mobilize audiences.
- Write press releases and draft scripts to communicate project goals effectively.
- Understand the principles of storytelling for impactful visual narratives.
Professional Practice
- Gain experience in project planning and teamwork to execute complex media projects.
- Understand and manage media permissions and releases to ensure ethical and legal compliance.
- Develop community engagement strategies to build support for the project.
- Build foundational skills in public relations, including crafting press materials and providing media quotes.
- Lead a social media campaign to drive awareness and participation in a community-focused initiative.
Deliverables
- Video Submission: A polished two-minute video for the SoFi Game Changers Challenge.
- Social Media Content: Posts, graphics, and QR codes to drive a voting campaign.
- Press Materials: A professional press release and media quotes to support outreach.
- Project Documentation: Comprehensive records of planning, production, and execution.
- Student Feedback: Reflection essays on their learning experience and project impact.
Session Structure
Virtual Classes:
- Weeks 1-2: Introduction, scriptwriting, and pre-production.
- Weeks 4-9: Editing, review, campaign strategy, and promotional activities.
Production Weeks (In-Person):
- Week 3: On-site video production, including filming and interviews.
