This workshop will help you be in the best possible position to succeed in visually exploring and getting your story in front of a wider audience. Much of that happens before you step foot outside your door.
Aside from the crucial later step of editing, there is a lot that needs to be considered when taking your idea and convincing editors, curators and publishers that it is worth their time, money and efforts.
We will explore logistics, research, potential collaborations, pitching your idea, grant possibilities, editing…it is a long list.
And this can be done while keeping your focus on the most important element: your vision for the story.
During the 4 workshop days, we'll go over the following topics based on the work and the questions the participants will have. At least a whole day will be devoted to editing work:
IDEAS - Where does your passion lie? Whose stories do you want to tell? Where do you look for inspiration? Who do you want the story to speak to? These are all important questions as you think about the topic you want to dive into. Remember, you are going to invest heart, time, money and passion into your story. We talk about how to make sure your creativity and curiosity can realistically be fulfilled.
RESEARCH – We discuss effective methods of researching story ideas, how to save time and get valuable sources to help you. Going beyond Google to help bolster your pitches. Did you know that there are free databases with experts available to talk to you about a myriad of topics?
THE HOOK - What is the “hook” of your visual story? How does your idea stand out from the rest in the eyes of an editor, curator or publisher? We dive into strategies to make your idea really sing.
THE PITCH – We go over the best methods for a successful pitch. We will talk about the most effective methods to turn your idea into reality and knowing when to walk away from a story idea that just can’t gain traction or retooling it into something more marketable.
MULTIMEDIA - When is it best to incorporate video or sound into your story idea? Editors are expecting us to create more visuals in less time, that is the current nature of the business. We review how to make the most of your limited time to create a comprehensive visual body of work.
RELIABILITY AND CONSISTENCY – It is crucial that your workflow is optimum for success and to help you become a reliable client that editors, art buyers and curators can go back to again and again.
PREPPING FOR THE TRIP – We go over the essentials before you begin your story, whether it is around the corner or on another continent. We discuss finding local producers, sources and what to expect once you are on the ground. What are the risks involved? Is there a certain time of year that would yield better visuals? The strategies for a single trip or returning to a location for a long-term story vary and we will go over each individual student’s unique circumstances. What about cash, transportation and logistics where you are going?
COLLABORATION – Will your story benefit from a collaboration? We get into looking for outside funding, editing help, and logistical partners. We talk about finding these resources, often in unexpected places, and the art of grant writing. We also look at different approaches depending on potential partners.
USING SOCIAL MEDIA – Social media is obviously a powerful and economical tool for marketing. It can be used very effectively before and during your work, not just for the completed product. We explore the best ways to focus your efforts.
THE EDIT – Once you are done, whether it is an installment or the finished product, the crucial step of editing the work begins. What are the editors/curators looking for? A looser edit, something more polished? We dive into one of the most overlooked and important parts of your project, getting just the right edit done, and in the right order.
Teaching language: English.
Workshop hours: 9h30-17h30.
