Open Shutters Booth Operation
Ruth Sergel (www.streetpictures.com) & Paris. March 2007. ITP/Xavier Digital Story Telling Project.
Contents
Set-Up
Some screenshots of the book:
components and set up process. Please click on each image to view. (Download set-up instructions as PDF file)
On-Site Operation
Your actions have a huge impact on the kind of testimonies people give. Being present & open creates a safe space for truth. When people show up to record, they have something they need to communicate. Honor their bravery – look them in the eye, thank them for contributing to the project, listen & respond to what they are saying. United our voices gain strength & will be heard.
Step #1: Overview
A good start is to give them an overview of what the process will be.
Step #2: Sign-In (Download sign-in form as PDF file)
- First and last name. If they don’t want their name on the site, use “John Doe” or “Jane Doe”
- The address is the physical address they want their story linked to on our map (doesn’t have to be where they live now)
- Their email & phone number will never be published or given out. Its for our records only.
Step #3: Questions?
- Ask if they have any questions or concerns and address them directly. If you don’t know the answer, be honest and do your best to follow up by getting them the information they want.
- Ask if they are ready to record
Step #4: Record
As the person gets comfortably seated adjust the camera frame.
- The image should always be zoomed in just inside the sides of the booth (no side walls showing).
- Make sure that as they settle you leave a little space above their head.
- TAKE YOUR TIME & get the framing to your liking.
When you are set, ask if they are ready to record. If they need a few moments – it’s fine. There is no rush.
Remind them that when they are finished they should let you know by knocking three times on the wall (let them try it once)
Hit “record” & close the curtain.
Listen for a second to see if they start talking (some folks might take a moment to begin)
While they are recording
- Make sure you can read all the info on the release so you can double check later if you have any questions.
- The booth is not sound proof, so noise around it will be on the recording. Don’t be afraid to politely ask people around the booth to speak softly, or avoid loud noises.
When you hear the three knocks, stop the recording & thank the speaker. Give them a chocolate if you have any! Sometimes folks like to hang around a bit afterward. You might find some new volunteers this way!
Check the amount of space left on the camera’s SD card. If it’s getting too full, you will have to exchange it or download the contents to a computer)
Upload The Video
First you have to get the video files off the camera.
- Make sure the camera is on
- Connect the camera to a computer using the USB cable.
- The camera screen will say ”USB connection” and “Camera reader” will be highlighted
- Press “set” button
- On the computer’s desktop the camera will appear as “NO NAME”
- Click on the icon “NO NAME” then “DCIM” then “100Sanyo” where you will see all the clips you just recorded.
- Rename the clips (files) to match the speaker’s name. Example: “John_Doe.avi”
- Create a folder on your desktop called “Shutter” and drag all the movie clips there.
Now you can upload.
- Log-in. Open a Web browser to: http://ny2no.net/home/wp-admin/. A box will come up requesting your user name & password
(If you don’t know your user name/password contact Shawn Vantree for assistance)- Select “Write” from the top menu. This will bring you to a “New Post” entry form.
- In the “Title” enter the name of the speaker.
- Under “Location” write their name & the address they want their story connected on the map (doesn’t have to be where they live now)
- Under “Video Posting” click “Upload a new file” a pop-up window will appear.
- Click ‘Browse’ and choose the movie you want to upload from your computer.
- Click Upload. A new pop-up will appear to show the progress of the upload. When the upload is complete it will show you the Web address of your video!
- Copy the URL and paste it in the “Video URL” window.
- Set the size of the movie to Width: 320 Height: 240. Check “Display Thumbnail” and “Transcode to Flash.”
- Below in “Custom Fields” select ‘email address’ and enter the speakers email in the ‘value’ box. Click add custom field’ and select “phone number.” Enter the speakers phone number in the value box
Important don’t forget to go back to the top of the page & hit the “publish” button. Double check your entry for any mistakes & you’re done!
Delete movies from both NO NAME & Desktop.
Download
- Sign-In form (PDF)