Here the article of our trainer – professional videomaker Francesco Menniti who engaged the last group of Polish teachers who became great “junior movie directors”
Over the course of three days, I guided participants through a blend of theory and practical exercises related to Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and videomaking.
Block 1: Introduction and MIL Concepts.
We began with an ice-breaking session, followed by a discussion on digital literacy and its relevance in modern society. This led to a deep dive into the key concepts of MIL, such as critical thinking, media analysis, and the spread of misinformation. The participants were particularly engaged in activities focused on identifying and debunking fake news—skills they found valuable for their own teaching practices. In the afternoon, we discussed their upcoming video projects, which would document their journey from Poland to Italy with two different audiences in mind: students and educators. During the “walking tour of Soverato,” they gathered footage inspired by clips I had shown them earlier, capturing the culture, architecture, and unique features of the area.
Block 2: Filming Techniques and Practical Application The second day was dedicated to mastering camera techniques, angles, and the emotions conveyed through different shot compositions. After a thorough explanation, the participants practiced with these new techniques, noticeably improving their skills compared to the first day. Their static, basic clips evolved into dynamic, intentional footage. Before concluding, I introduced them to the basics of video editing, emphasizing efficient material management for smoother workflows. That afternoon, they applied their newly learned filming techniques, focusing on technical composition.
Block 3: Video Editing and Final Presentations On the final day, the focus shifted to post-production. Participants organized their footage and delved into editing techniques, from basic clip insertion, trimming, and adding music to more advanced effects such as text overlays, color grading, and adjusting clip speed. The results were impressive. By the end of the course, the participants presented their videos to their peers, receiving positive feedback for their creative and technical advancements. In conclusion, the training provided a balanced mix of formal and practical learning. Participants left with a solid foundation in videomaking techniques and a better understanding of how to critically engage with media, ready to apply these skills in their professional contexts.
For watching the video realized by the Polish team, have a look at our JUMP youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@jumpassociation4153
Link to the video realized by the trainer https://youtu.be/7Zlf_Z7r0H4
Author: Francesco Menniti, JUMP Trainer
