WeMedia Lab Thailand

Video Incubator at MFU in Chiang Rai

August 2007

Slides by PDM

About 'We Media Too'

• We The Media Lab initiative was started during a conference held in London about 'citizens' media' co-sponsored by BBC and Reuters in 2006.

• The event was held behind 'closed doors' and many people who wanted to be part of it were not invited, (but could take part in the open online chat room)

• The 'WeMEDIA Too' ideas were started

What is 'we media'?

• It's about new technologies allowing anyone to contribute to the information cycle IN REAL TIME without technical skills

• It's about sharing connections and knowledge

• For examples, using blogs, wikis, online discussion groups and other new media

Journalism is about:• looking for the truth• framing a good story• getting the news• accuracy vs speed of reporting, • fact checking• good writing (a matter of choice?)• understanding the context and culture• ethics and professional conduct• taking risks and exposing oneself to the public

Good Information is About

• Clear (Easily Understood)

• Accurate (No factual mistakes)

Complete

• Timely/ Current/Durable

• Unbiased/Impartial

• Verifiable (Supported by evidence)

• More...

Why a Video Incubator?

• In the world, not many people have the gift of 'good writing'. But everyone can tell a story, using their own words

• There are languages barriers, for many people writing in English is a challenge, but when they write in their own language, the impact of their message is limited (khmer? Thai? vietnamese? how many people in the world understand that?)

Pictures are worth a thousand words

• Today, even mobile phones have camera and video capabilities

• It's easy and fun to tell a story using mixed media, a few english words, a few other languages and many many stills and moving images

• Try it yourself today!

Media Studies

• In Universities today, we teach new media. Our students learn how to use a camera, the software, how to cut a story and all the technicalities.

• But nobody teaches how the correct use of new media can help us become more knowledgeable about our world, and how to tell a difficult story, and how to make a difference without hurting anyone

HUMAN RIGHTS IN CONTEXT

Social issues can be controversial . No need to get into 'politics' and no need to 'close our eyes'. WE NEED:

- Sensitivity

- Respect for privacy

- Understanding of social and cultural context

- Facts and evidence

NEW MEDIA CAN CHANGE THE WORLD

By documenting a story properly, information can be USED to inform people

• to create awareness of the problems

• to communicate and work together to work

for a solution

OUR PROJECT: WEMEDIATHAILAND

• Using existing facilities and infrastructure at MFU

• Share interesting work and materials

• Create a network of connected and aware people

• Educate ourselves and others

• Set up a permanent initiative

THE PLAN

- Regular Screenings of videos, documentatries and independent productions

- Round tables and discussions

- Workshops to gain specific skills and learning necessary techniques

- A 'Independent Film Festival' event to be held at MFU

About Us, at MFU.AC.TH

Aj Songsan Udomsilp, Human Rights Advocate, Thailand

Aj Banphot, New Media Lecturer

Aj Paola Di Maio,Facilitator, Promoter

JOIN US

BECOME PART OF THE PROJECT

IF YOU ARE IN OUR REGION COME AND VISIT US

IF YOU ARE FAR AWAY, HOOK UP REMOTELY ON THE INTERNET

TELL US WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR US, AND WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU

LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR PARTICIPATION

People we want to work with

• Our Students

• Witness.org

• Unesco

• Technology for change

• NGOs in the Greater Mekong Basin Region

• Anyone interested to contribute

ITS' ALSO ABOUT YOU

• Help us make this project happen

• Contribute ideas, skills, help us connect with others

• Join the wikispace!

www.wethemediathailand.wikispaces.com

CONTACT US

videoincubator@gmail.com