CONSERVATION STORYTELLING WORKSHOP

FULFILLS:
ALEC 397

DATES:
July 15-21, 2018

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS:
Platte Basin Timelapse (PBT) co-founders Michael Farrell and Mike Forsberg, a veteran documentary filmmaker and National Geographic contributing conservation photographer, respectively, with technical assistance from PBT producer Mariah Lundgren.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Fact-based storytelling and science communication skills in conservation-related fields are critical tools in the 21st century. This intensive weeklong workshop will help you improve your digital photography skills, explore new camera technologies, and teach you how to plan, shoot, and complete a story connected to the land that utilizes the sprawling natural landscape at Cedar Point in western Nebraska near Lake McConaughy. During this course, you will have the opportunity to work in teams or individually to create a robust, complete story that will be used to build your portfolio. The final day of the course, you will share your project with the rest of the class.

Course Objectives

• Build a solid foundation in writing, editing, and shooting a story
• Learn various ways of presenting a story and scientific research
• Learn video editing with Premiere Pro
• Gain understanding of the power of combining art with science
• Explore the unique biodiversity of western Nebraska

Prerequisites

• ALEC 397/NRES 496 or comparable coursework in journalism or personal experience
• Interview and portfolio review with instructors is required prior to enrollment
• Ability to spend long hours outdoors, and hike moderate distances over uneven terrain
• Basic competency in digital photography and Adobe Suite software

Student Required Gear

DSLR camera, lens, tripod and laptop with the Adobe Creative Suite

Provided Gear

Trail camera, GoPro, limited number of DSLR cameras