As we face some of the most challenging environmental issues in human history, it is critical for this generation to create unique ways of inspiring hope that will ultimately translate into positive change. The MWCC and the Big Blue & You in association with University of Miami “One Water” Project, at the Knight Center for International Media at the School of Communication, are pleased to embark on an exciting project that will not only educate, a selected group of students, on the principles of filmmaking but will also inspire them to become advocates of the environment.
With nearly one out of eight people lacking access to clean water, the issue of water conservation is at the forefront of our global problems to solve. One of the many ways to get that movement initiated is to empower our young people with the tools and knowledge to go out and make an impact by utilizing film and media outlets to reach a broad audience. During the One Water Workshop, students in the program will be challenged to construct innovative messages that communicate their own perspective on the issue of water conservation. Each group will produce a 30 – 60 second Public Service Announcement designed specifically for distribution online and eventually on television.
With the first proto-type workshop completed during spring break 2010, the Big Blue & You and MWCC are poised facilitate the summer program that has the potential to reach a large number of students.
OBJECTIVES
- Teach students skills in narrative authorship, visual media, and film production.
- Teach students about the social and environmental issues surrounding water conservation, as outlined by the film One Water.
- Demonstrate the connection of local events to this worldwide issue by using specific examples from the student’s community.
- Engage students by capturing their interest in visual media and utilizing their knowledge of social media channels.
- Inspire students to become environmental stewards and effective communicators on water conservation and other important issues.
- Demonstrate an example of utilizing social media in non-leisure pursuits
- Raise audience awareness about the issue of water conservation by providing content for both television and online distribution.
- Raise awareness and involvement on the issue of water conservation within the local community.
PROGRAM DETAILS
One Water Workshop
From it's inception in September 2010, the workshop has taught students how to create effective messages for visual media, by focusing on building the skills of author narrative elements and producing high quality images. Future students will be challenged to construct innovative messages that communicate their own perspective on the issue of water conservation and environmental issues. They will also be encouraged to contribute their own ideas on ways to best utilize social media for mass communication. Each workshop will have a maximum of 15 students. These students will be divided into groups of 3 and each group will have a young filmmaker to serve as a team leader. Each of these groups will produce a 30 – 60 second Public Service Announcement designed specifically for distribution online and eventually on local television.
PARTICIPANTS
High School Students from the local communities are invited to participate – all races are invited from various demographics with an emphasis on undeserved youth. Ages range between 14 through 18 years old with a mixture of males & females. All students with an interest in Visual Arts &/or Marine Science are welcome to participate in the program.
Schools/Agencies Already Represented in Previous Workshops:
- South Broward High (Hollywood, FL)
- MAST Academy (Virginia Key, FL)
- Miami Beach High (Miami Beach, FL)
- Miami Central High (Miami, FL)
- Miami Northwestern High (Miami, FL)
- Girl Power (Non-profit Agency for at-risk girls in Liberty City, FL)
CURRENT IMPACTS/RESULTS:
- 28 Students participated in Spring & Summer 2010 and 2011
- 5 (Local) Young Filmmakers participated as Group Leaders
- 10 Public Service Announcements produced by students
- One three minute mini-documentary produced by students about the BP oil spill in the Gulf Of Mexico along the Florida panhandle (Pensacola Beach)
