Day One: Theoretical Foundations and Filming Techniques
The first day of the course began with an icebreaking activity to foster mutual acquaintance
among participants and instructors. This was followed by an introduction to the concept of
Media and Information Literacy (MIL), exploring the fundamental principles of visual
communication and digital information.
After a theoretical overview of the basics of photography, the focus shifted to filming
techniques and composition rules for framing, analyzing the different camera angles and their
narrative function. The session alternated between classroom explanations and outdoor practical
exercises, allowing immediate application of the concepts learned.
In the afternoon, during an outdoor session in Soverato Superiore, participants experimented
with filming techniques in the field, gaining greater confidence in handling the camera. At the
same time, they began brainstorming the topic for the video project to be completed on the final
day.
Day Two: Storyboarding, Filming, and Digital Citizenship
The second day started with a collaborative discussion on the selected video topic. To great
satisfaction, it emerged that the chosen subject was perfectly aligned with the European Year of
Digitalization, reinforcing its relevance and educational impact.
Participants explored the pre-production phase, focusing on creating a storyboard, which
outlined the detailed sequence of scenes to be filmed. The entire day was dedicated to outdoor
filming, where participants applied the filming techniques they had learned, significantly
improving their framing and storytelling skills.
More importantly, the video they developed revolved around a key aspect of modern digital
citizenship: combating misinformation and fostering responsible online behavior. The narrative
emphasized the importance of:
Recognizing and avoiding fake news
Verifying the credibility of sources before sharing information
Protecting personal data and maintaining digital privacy
Refraining from spreading hate speech or engaging in harmful online discussions
These elements were integrated into the project to raise awareness of how individuals should
behave as responsible digital citizens in 2025. The filming continued into the afternoon,
capturing missing scenes, followed by an indoor session in Villa Gabriella, where they recorded
voice-overs and additional footage.
Day Three: Editing and Project Presentation
The final day was dedicated entirely to post-production, with a detailed explanation of the
CapCut editing software, followed by hands-on editing sessions. Participants worked on
assembling their footage, refining transitions, adjusting audio, and integrating voice-overs to
enhance the clarity and impact of their message.
At 12 PM, the completed video was presented to the other instructors, receiving a round of
applause and widespread appreciation. The project successfully conveyed a powerful message
about the importance of critical thinking and responsible digital behavior, demonstrating how
audiovisual content can be a tool for raising awareness.
Conclusions
The course provided participants with both technical and ethical tools, enabling them to
navigate the digital world more consciously while developing practical skills in video
production. By merging creative storytelling with digital responsibility, they not only improved
their videomaking techniques but also gained a deeper understanding of their role as active and
responsible digital citizens.
The enthusiasm and engagement throughout the activities contributed to making this training
experience particularly impactful and meaningful.
Author: Francesco Menniti (JUMP Trainer)
