Designing Video Programs for Youth

A youth video program can be a creative and powerful tool. In addition to technology and multimedia skills, such a program encourages creative expression, teaches youth to set achievable goals, develops leadership skills, creates a collaborative work environment, encourages youth to solve problems, and builds self-esteem -- and it's great fun.

As a California Arts Council artist-in-residence, I developed a digital video program for at-risk youth. I now run the program at the Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center (SNBC) and Sunset Youth Services (SYS).

The SNBC is a nonprofit partnership that provides activities, support, and opportunities for youth and adults in the Sunset District of San Francisco. Michael Funk, its director, approached me to provide instruction and leadership in digital video production. I worked with Michael and the SNBC staff to identify under-served local residents. We wanted to provide them with a venue and a medium to express their stories.

Support Needed For Success

The success of a youth video program depends on having the right kind of support. The filmmaker or video instructor provides creative support and direction to the program. Youth counselors and/or case managers provide invaluable staff support. The executive director and program coordinator provide the organizational support. A technical support staff provides computer hardware and software expertise.

For the SNBC program, Funk made sure that there was enough staff and funds in place to run an excellent and effective youth video program that would serve at-risk youth of color, queer youth, youth with questions about their sexuality, and others who were not previously being served.

In our program, we had access to two digital video camcorders (approximately $700 each), two iMacs (approx. $1200 each), a Maxtor external hard-drive (approx. $250), two FireWire cables, DV tapes, a tripod, and a TV/ VCR. We used iMovie video editing software, which comes with the iMac, for its ease-of-use. For this basic video setup, the total cost was about $5000.

Product Versus Process

It's important for any organization to establish whether the final product -- the finished video -- or the process of making the video is the most important part of the program.

One of the youth video programs I ran at SNBC was for at-risk 17-year-old young men who weren't in school. Their case manager was concerned about whether the boys would actually show up for the video program. The director of SNBC, the case manager, and I discussed how the program needed to be structured. We decided that the most important thing was the process and, in particular, developing trust. The program would be a venue for the youth to express themselves. If they finished their project, that was great. If they didn't finish their project, at least they would have gained some skills. But for another program I ran at SYS, we decided to push the youth to complete their projects.

Trust is absolutely crucial in working with at-risk youth. Staff support, in the form of youth counselors or case managers, is essential in building trust between the youth and the filmmaker or video instructor. Staff support also establishes the youth's trust in the program by creating a safe environment for expression.

Consistent attendance is important to a quality program. One of the staff support tasks should include daily or weekly reminders for the youth to attend the video program. Encouragement is absolutely necessary. It will feel like you are pulling teeth until the youth begin to value the program and their own creative expression.

I certainly saw an important marker of success in the end credits of one 17-year-old young woman's video: "I know this movie is da bomb coz I made it!!!"

Hire An Expert

A professional filmmaker or video instructor will give your youth the best resources and expertise available.

The San Francisco Bay Area has the largest number of documentary video and filmmakers per capita in the U.S. There are numerous film and video organizations, and many colleges offer excellent media programs. Most large cities have other resources including public access television stations, advertising, and production industries. Take the time to check around, talk to a media consultant, and do your research. It is essential to find the right match for the organization and the filmmaker.

If you hire a filmmaker or video instructor, make sure this person is aware of your organization's mission and has relevant teaching experience or experience working with youth. Be sure to introduce the filmmaker to your organization at a staff orientation meeting.

If your organization doesn't have the funds to hire a filmmaker for the entire program, then hire a film or video consultant to come in on an as-needed basis to run key technical components of the program, such as cinematography, film aesthetics, and video editing. Decide which staff member will work with the consultant. Make sure the staff member has professional experience or training in this area.

Make It Fun

The program needs to be engaging to the youth. Encourage their creative processes with interactive activities. Include lots of hands-on exercises. Guest speakers and field trips to film festivals or to media organizations add another dimension to your program and expand learning opportunities.

In my programs, we developed story ideas and worked on storyboards. The boys acted in each other's movies, which they thoroughly enjoyed. Each one of them took turns being the director, while the rest of them worked collaboratively to make the director's vision come true. They had the opportunity to direct a scene and to be in control of something they created from scratch.

Keep in mind that the program needs to be flexible in order to encourage youth attendance and participation. In one of my programs, two of the boys brought their girlfriends to every session. The girlfriends often knew the answers to the questions I posed.

How To Conduct Your Youth Video Program

The filmmaker or video instructor needs to demonstrate the technical aspects of video making, as well as aesthetic aspects. This teaches the youth how to develop an artistic eye and think visually.

Teach your students about the different types of approaches to movies: narrative, documentary, and experimental. These different formats can be used together in the same video to tell stories in a unique and interesting way.

Part of my programs includes viewing and evaluating films; we take them apart and put them back together again. This is an opportunity to talk about films the youth like to watch. This also creates an opportunity to discuss issues and problems they face with parents, police, and societal stereotypes.

It is important to guide the youth with constant feedback. Screen and critique all of their projects at their various stages. Encourage group evaluation of projects, and be sure to have the youth oversee all aspect of the project, from conception to distribution.

Screenwriting

To begin, have the youth develop a story idea. The screenplay is a blueprint for the movie. Explore character development and teach them how to write dialogue. This also teaches them literacy and writing skills. You can also teach the industry standard screenplay format. I bring in copies of Academy Award-winning screenplays such as "The Truman Show" to show the youth.

Directing

Teach the youth directing skills, which also build communication skills, by showing them how to work with actors and crew. Teach camera blocking and coverage, and set up rehearsals for the camera. Use theater games to establish trust and get the youth to loosen up and play. Engage the "hams" in them.

Production

Production falls into three phases: Pre-production, production, and post-production.

Pre-production should include teaching youth about camera functions, graphic elements, and dramatic elements.

Production should include developing a shot list and storyboards. The youth should scout for a location to shoot their video. They can demonstrate their understanding of cinematography by shooting under a variety of light conditions.

In post-production, the youth view their raw footage and start to develop a rough-cut. They work on their footage, with constant feedback and assistance, until they develop a fine-cut. The editing process teaches them patience and persistence. It also teaches the youth how to craft a story visually and take risks by experimenting to see what works.

I've found it amazing to watch my students sit and edit a film to completion for six straight hours.

Distribution

Discuss how the youth can get their films out to the public, be it through film festivals, community screenings, or Web video streaming.

Show It Off

It is extremely important that your program include a forum for public screening after the videos are completed. Invite funders, community members, parents, teachers, and youth to the screening. The screening gives the youth a concrete deadline to complete their project. It also validates their accomplishment and provides a showcase for their creative talents. Additionally, the screening also acts as an outreach tool to other youth interested in your program.

For me, the best part is when the youth bring their friends to the community screening. They are all thrilled to see the things that are important to them -- their buddies, their girlfriends, and their cars -- on the big screen, and they all wanted a copy of their video.