Northwest Institute for Social Change: The Blog

Portland: Learning Video Production

As Caroline mentioned in her last post, we are making a documentary on urban chicken farming.  It has been lots of fun so far.  Filming chickens is hilarious but also extremely hard.  When first brainstorming potential shots for the project, I was imagining close ups of chickens: head bobbing, clucking, pecking, scratching.  But when we actually went out and filmed the chickens we realized just how hard it is to get a good shot.  Chickens move around so much and they’re pretty camera shy as we found out today.  We had to bribe them with sunflower seeds but even then they knew we were up to something as the three of us squatted right outside their coop with our huge boom pole microphone and  camera, excitedly cooing to coax them out.  We were trying to get some good chicken clucking sounds for the documentary so I extended the boom pole and stuck it into the chicken coop but apparently the birds mistook the microphone wind screen for some sort of animal ( it does look like a opossum) and they all scattered around the coop, blowing up dust and squawking, terrified.  Oops.  Hopefully I didn’t traumatize them too much.

I’ve also learned from these shoots that there is always more to learn about video production.  There is always something that can go wrong- equipment can stop working, batteries die, memory cards fill up, mysterious settings turn on, etc.  Only by experiencing all of these incidents and then meticulously planning ahead for the next time can you manage to avoid them.  Through this filming experience I’ve learned that every shoot teaches you something new, even if it’s just a trivial lesson.  It seems the only way to learn is through doing and messing up.  Luckily we have plenty of opportunities this week to shoot, mess up, and improve for the next time.

Rachel

Portland: Connection, Change

One of the things about this program that most strongly affected me at the beginning, and has been a continuing theme throughout (not excluding my last post), is the rather embarrassingly simple idea that human connection leads to change. I remember interviewing Amy as one of the first exercises we did at camp and listening to her talk about how much she loves theater and acting and that to her, the human body is an object, a medium through which experiences and ideas can be conveyed. It seems kind of simple, but I had never really thought about acting that way before: the body as a vessel for all the un-sharable aspects of being human – feelings, thought processes, ways of understanding – all of these are things we can describe to each other, but never really feel in the same way that the describer experiences them, but are rather felt through one’s own experiential lens. Inspired by Amy, I now see theater as the playwright describing his/her experience through real, animated people – a medium that makes the gap between experienced and described a little bit closer. And that’s what’s really incredible about this whole documentary-making process (and actually, just being a person in general): through interviewing Amy, a connection was made, and I was changed for it.

When I think about all the people I’ve met in these few weeks, whether they be the other NWISC fellows and staff, the guest lecturers and instructors we’ve met with, the people we’ve interviewed for our documentaries, or even just the people I’ve met socially here in Portland, I’ve seen and heard an incredible diversity in the human experience, and have been changed for it. I think that people tend to think of “connection” only in the sense of recognizing a commonality, but a connection can be so much more: something that makes you challenge your own assumptions about people, or even something that you vehemently disagree with. A connection is a joining of two live wires that can electrocute or cozily illuminate. Either way, the situation is changed.

Forgive me the philosophizing, but I really believe that connection is the power in documentary-making, and it’s a beautiful thing to make connections with people as the radio/film-maker, and then to reconstruct it in a medium that describes those connections that have been made. I’m going to quote from something I wrote for this program earlier in the hopes that it better explains what I’m getting at:

“Looking through old journals, I’ve had a few ideas about how I want to be remembered, including one embarrassing account from 2006 in which I wrote, ‘I want to meet people – millions of people. And affect their lives in some way just by being me and appreciating.’ Although I always re-read that with somewhat of a cringe, I think that a fundamental truth nevertheless lies beneath this naïve egotism: human connection can truly be a force for empowerment and social change. I want to be remembered for revolutionizing the way that people think about their daily interactions with each other; for empowering communities by publicly projecting the beauty, pain, intensity, and intelligence of their experiences, thoughts, and innovations to a new community – ’speaking Truth to power,’ whether that power be one family in their living room, a community organization grappling with similar struggles, or a global institutional body.”

I love the access that this program and working in media give to making new connections. If not for making these documentaries, I probably wouldn’t have ever had the opportunity to speak with Jose, an eighteen-year-old from East County, about what kind of car he wants to buy and why he “messed up” in high school (while driving around in a big pink van that sells VooDoo donuts), or talk with Sherry, an Executive Director, about the house her father built and how she applies a program model she developed for the church to a secular neighborhood agency. And now you have the opportunity to “speak” with them through the social meta-narratives that our project groups weave them into, and be changed for it, whether you know it or not.

-Emily

Portland: ‘Otherizing’ countries, ‘otherizing’ kids

At Whitman last spring, I wrote a tidy little discursive analysis about Orientalism in the European Union and the way it manifests itself as a rhetorical and (consequentially) literal exclusion of Turkey from the EU.

I really had no clue what I was saying. I pretty much fancied myself as Edward Said for a month and wanted to annoy my advisor with my obsession with the analysis of discourse.

Courtesy of Hellenic Communication Service, L.L.C.

But the paper did bring an interesting theory to my attention: Creating the other, or otherizing. The idea that you create distance between yourself and that with which you are unfamiliar, simply because it is unfamiliar, and because it is easier to stereotype than to understand.

As I studied, I came to conclude that basically everyone does it, despite how many -isms or -phobias we might be propagating in the process. I started noticing “otherizing” everywhere, particularly in my non-academic life.

Take, for example, any kid labeled as “at risk” in the United States. They might be “at risk” because they are likely to drop out of high school, are credit deficient, are social rejects—they’re kids we don’t know, and we don’t want to know. So how does this stereotyping affect “at risk” youth?

Political correctness get a lot of shit for being overzealous, overly protective, totally unnecessary. But acknowledging the way words can otherize individuals—even the kids right in our neighborhood—is an important step in constructing a more understanding community. By avoiding labels for its voluntary program participants, it’s a step that the non-profit Urban Opportunities is taking in its job skills training and employment opportunity at the Voodoo Donut van.

For our video project, Emily, Madeline and I are studying this non-profit and its beneficiaries. Yesterday we spent 5 hours with one so-called “at risk” youth who, if anything, overwhelmed us with his normalcy. He’s not going to benefit from being otherized as an “at risk” individual, and neither will we.

— Sara

Portland: Power of The Story

Twitter. YouTube. Facebook. There will be others. Some will succeed, others will fall off the face of the earth well before a billion post a picture on their profile. A common thread runs through the new media boom and it’s no secret what it is.

From religious texts to the trail of tears, events and knowledge have been passed down through the power of story. At the heart of stories are plots and characters and suspense, yes, but a story would not be, without a person telling it.

While societies will continue to divide based upon varying sources of information, it will be individuals and the stories they tell that will captivate and move diverse audiences. This century isn’t just about how flashy, erotic, or accessible information is, but how credible and captivating people are when they tell stories. In the end, it is individuals who make and end wars, oppress and break free, and it is their ability to tell a story which makes them memorable.

The ironic part of this reality is that we all have amazing stories, but most remain inside.

The Nwisc program has taught me to dig for those stories and to paint a picture capturing the essence and beauty of that person’s experience. A good film editor can make a boring story interesting. A great journalist can write well with little to go off of. These skills will remain to be sought after and will continue on, but it is the stand-alone story, the person speaking from their heart, without Final Cut Pro behind them, that will have the most impact, and have the potential to carry their message forward through word of mouth. It is these individuals and their personal stories that will shape history more than anything else. Yes, even more than facebook

-Colin

Portland: Film Shoots, Scores.

Last night was the BBQ, generously hosted by Erika and Richard George. It was great to see everyone involved in the NWISC all together, sharing delicious food and interesting conversation. Christopher, our instructor at PCM, brought an exquisite lemon buttercream pie that left Phil’s peach cream pies looking amateur in comparison. Ashly made a beautiful fruit salad and our host and hostess served an impressive array of toss salad and the classic bbq burger fare. There are only about three weeks left to the NWISC, and my head is swirling with everything that is flying toward us.

Like our film shoots. With only a few days of instruction, our team is about to start filming our documentary about CHAP, the Children’s Art Healing Project. I am sure I will learn more technical skills in the next twelve hours than I have in the past week, as we’ve been running simulations in the classroom. There’s nothing like field experience and jumping in with two feet to rocket you to an understanding of the equipment. While I won’t be pursuing hardcore filmmaking projects after the NWISC, these skills are opening up a whole other realm of possibility. They are one more tool in my multi-media toolkit. It’s great that I will be able to seize opportunities I come across in the future with at least some background in the technicalities of production. Who knows, maybe my flight back to NY in August will be the next serendipitous filming of ‘81-Year Old Sweethearts.’

-Katherine

Portland: Love

Hey people!

So I have been thinking about the nine of us as a group… Plus Phil and Ashly. Considering our small numbers, things could have gone wrong. We  all could have hated one another, or liked each other a little too much, if you know what I mean , or we could have been a group of losers, or a group of meanies.. But you know what? We work. And I don’t dislike anyone… In fact I really like everyone! (I would say I love everyone, but I don’t want to freak people out). My point is, I think we really lucked out – we are all reasonable, hard-working, fun, cool people; and, for the most part, we get along. You are probably all rolling your eyes right now thinking, “Speak for yourself Caroline… you are in no way reasonable or cool, or whatever..” Okay, okay, I know I’m not reasonable… But I like to think I’m somewhat cool? Maybe not.

Nonetheless, I am inspired by each and every one of my fellow NWISC-ers in one way or another. This summer I have had more than a few moments of sadness or anger, yet when in the presence of my peers, I am constantly feeling inspired, intellectually  stimulated, supported, hopeful and excited. Moreover, I am having fun! It’s pretty cool to be constantly surrounded by such sweet people – thanks guys.

On another note, my life is being overtaken by chickens. As are Rachel’s and Colin’s – last night, Rachel had three dreams about chickens. Hm. Today, we payed a visit to the Urban Farm Store and saw hundreds of baby chicks. They looked like the ones below:

They were adorable. I hope I have dreams about them tonight in which I play with their furry little selves for hours on end. I wanted to do so today, but had to refrain in order to appear “professional.” Maybe I am on the wrong life-track? Should I be breeding chicks instead of making documentaries? I’ll keep you updated.

- Caroline

Portland: getting around

Who knew that after just three-ish weeks of the NWISC Summer Program that I would know the public transportation of Portland, Oregon so well.  It seems that everyday one of us is at least riding the bus to get somewhere. I ride the bus and MAX everyday and I am really learning how much I appreciate it.  I’ve also learned enough about Street Cars from Sara and Caroline’s radio documentary to write a paper about them.  Being able to zip around Portland whenever we need to go somewhere whether it be to KBOO or Voodoo Too is so simple.  Well pretty much.  Sometimes the bus won’t show up for awhile or it will shut off after midnight but we make it work.

Everyone transports themselves to each class or work session differently, effectively, and environmental conservation-ly.  It’s amazing to see everyone one get from SW to NE or SE to NW or Vancouver to Portland so efficiently.  Whether we use public transportation, ride bikes, or walk we all manage to get to class on time while still saving the planet (I think…).

Thank you Portland for your means of transportation and making everything semi-accessible to reach.  All of us NWISCer’s really appreciate it.

-Madeline

Portland: feel like a million bucks

As Rachel mentioned in her last blog post, we all just finished the radio documentary portion of the NWISC summer documentary program. My post here is a “making of”, behind the scenes, of an audio piece made by Madeline and me.

My project partner Madeline and I joked around saying that last week was one long Monday. The days blended into each other, and the week flew by. Monday we began making our radio documentary.

We journeyed to a remote part of Portland, Oregon for an immersive journalism experience at a summer camp. Not just any camp, but a Rock ‘N’ Roll for Girls camp where young girls form bands, write songs, and perform for an audience—all in 1 week. With audio recorders in hand listening through white ear-bud headphones, we meandered through narrow hallways and squeezed into rooms crammed with drum sets and electric guitars, recording every twist and turn of girls rock camp. Off-key guitar strumming, cowbells, girls chatter, and interviews with people at camp, we recorded it all. Posters of Joan Jett and murals of female singers covered the walls. And every feeling of the camp filtered through us. Six hours later, we left with our own batteries drained, and those of our recording devices too.

Meticulous sound editing at 1:30am, holding a microphone up to Madeline’s face under a blanket in a hot dorm room to get the best quality sound, and listening to interview quotes again (and again) are snapshots of our post-production process. But even in the moments when we were tired, or when everything seemed so jumbled and far from being done, there was this deep underlying sense of- being happy. Each part of the audio documentary process was thrilling, and I learned an incredible amount from each parcel of the process, from scheduling interviews to mixing audio clips.

And by Friday, we had a final product that we were proud of. If I had to choose one word for the week, it would be fulfilling. Hard work, teamwork, setting a goal, and reaching it made me feel like a million bucks.

-Amy

Portland: Radio Milestone

Our radio documentaries are finally done!  We haven’t even had a full two weeks of classes in Portland yet and already we’ve completed our first big project.  As Emily mentioned yesterday, we did our radio documentary on the Community Energy Project which is a program in Portland that provides free workshops and kits to low income families so that they can weatherize their homes to save money on their utility bills and also conserve energy.

The hardest part of the documentary was cutting out important parts of the program to stay within our time constraints.  After all the interviews and chats with the directors and volunteers in the program, I wanted to include everything.  Everything the program does is so important and makes such a difference to people in the community- I just wanted to include all of it.  The directors of the program shared many personal stories and experiences about working at the Community Energy Project and when we first began editing I wasn’t willing to cut out any of these stories.  Emily and I had so much trouble “killing our babies” -basically cutting parts of the documentary to which we had become attached.  Many of our conversations went like this,

“Well I just killed my favorite baby, so it’s your turn to kill one.”

“But this isn’t a baby.  It’s integral to our story.”

“It’s a baby- kill it!”

We did manage to trim the documentary down enough but it wasn’t easy.  I also really valued working with a partner on the project.  I’ve learned that group members often see important aspects of the project that I might overlook.  I’ve also learned to work through the frustration of my partner not seeing my “brilliant” idea for the piece that in a few hours doesn’t really seem so amazing.

My highlight of the week was taking a bus out to the Home Depot in Beaverton, OR to record sound for our radio piece.  We wanted hammering and construction noise so we walked around Home Depot for half an hour with a hammer banging on surfaces.  The whole project was really fun and I really did learn a lot about the process.  Now when I listen to radio pieces on NPR I will really appreciate all the time they spend on them.

-Rachel

Portland: That’s not out of my league at all

On the eve of our audio documentary final deadline (1pm tomorrow, but in all practicality, 10:20am, since we’re taking a tour of city hall that will consume the rest of the morning), and with our documentary choppy-sounding and still a minute and a half too long (which is, believe it or not, a triumph in of itself – we had 20 minutes of interview clips when we started work this morning), I was feeling rather resentful for the early part of today.

“What? We have to talk with the producer of Live Wire! [ local live radio variety show]…What?? we have to go to her house? Urgh, it’s so far away! And I have no cash for the bus …and then we have that city hall tour all day tomorrow??? What are they doing to us, don’t they know we need that time to work?” (I like to think that I sound less whiny and melodramatic in real life.)

I honestly sounded like the quote that my project partner Rachel and I have been trying to edit:

“Gosh I have so much going on, I work how many hours a week, I’m a single mom, I don’t have time for this!!”

It’s funny to look at my opinions of this morning now after having spoken with Kate Sokoloff, co-creator and co-producer of Live Wire! and Courtenay Hameister, associate producer/head writer/host at Kate’s house over in the Northeast. The visit with them turned out to be exactly the opposite of a waste of time. We left her house feeling so inspired by the discussion that we had had about public radio funding problems, how it’s possible to manipulate the system and make artistic pieces about subjects that we ordinarily might feel compromise our values (for example, working with commercials) and work around systematic rules, what are good ways to elicit interesting information from interviewees, etc. As I walked down her steps and gushed, “Wowwww that was sooo goooood!!!!” Rachel turned to me and said, “I never thought I wanted to do this kind of thing, but I really want to do a college radio show! This really motivated me to do something with it.” And I felt the same way. It was so great to get to know these people a little and talk with them about interesting and useful topics, but it also just made me feel like “Wow! I really want to work for them on their show! And now I know them, so maybe someday I will.”

Here’s surrounding context of the quote that Rachel and I have been editing. I look at it now in a completely different light.

“It just might be that they didn’t connect that dot or know that they already had the skills, they just thought maybe because (31:44) ‘Gosh I have so much going on, I work how many hours a week, I’m a single mom, I don’t have time for this…After going to the workshop, they get empowered with (31:58) “Oh, I can do that! That was simple, not out of my league at all. And so, it usually just turns them on and empowers them…”

And…that’s why we’re here.

-Emily