The Creation Process
How is it done?
Script Writing
Each project needs a script for the narration/your voice of each Digital Story. The first day is spent with the storytellers to write their story. They may take their time proof-reading, examining their own story and filling in the blanks of details they could fill in.
Gather Media
Next up, we start collecting images to match our words - either photos we take or already own ourselves, from TH Heritage archives, or copyright-free images we have permission to use from the internet. The ipads offer a simple and straightforward experience with taking photos, that make it easy enough for our Elders and Youth to point and shoot.
Narration
Each Digital Story needs to be well narrated by the person that is making the project. The story-tellers narrate their own stories, because it’s their personal projects -it is their own story to tell. The storytellers take an iPad and record their voice as narration.
Editing
Once the narration is recorded and all of the selected images are gathered, editing can begin. Everything is put together using iMovie (a free video editing app on the iPad). Images and smaller video clips are included, with some music playing in the background. The photos are placed in the video’s timeline, a title is added, credits are given, and volumes are adjusted so we can hear the storyteller clearly.
Community Feast & Film Festival
Once the final editing touches are complete, the project is ready to be shown! We will usually host a smaller group screening for the workshop participants first, and then invite the larger community of Dawson to attend a Community Feast and Screening at Äłät Nëhëjël (TH Hall). A chance to come together, celebrate the new Digital Storytellers, and learn about each other on a new level.
Interested in Making your own Digital Story?
You could make your own at home if you follow these steps. If you’re interested in making a Digital Story with us, find our contact page to inquire more. Otherwise we have steps and instructions for making your own Digital Stories.