Videos -- When to show them

From SPARK

Unpublished

Summary

What are the important factors to keep in mind before deciding a video is an important choice for a given people group?

Anthropological Concerns Regarding Scripture Video Use—Papua New Guinea

Video technology is something that people from industrialized countries pretty much take for granted. This is as true for those who don’t own a VCR as it is for those who do and view videos on a regular basis. Our culture was primed and made ready for the acceptance of video as an everyday fact of life with the invention of motion pictures and later, television.

Having such an extensive background of material to draw from, we are able to process great quantities of information about what we are viewing without a great deal of thought.

We know the difference between live and taped broadcasts.

We know that when we watch a sitcom or drama on TV that we are in the realm of make-believe. Much of what we look at takes place in the past, some of it before electricity was discovered.

Our grid of scientific and historical knowledge tells us unconsciously that we are seeing a reenactment of something which took place before it could possibly have been recorded on either film or tape. We’ve been looking into the future for decades, and if we hadn’t thought about special effects or “trick photography” before, Star Wars brought it home to us in a big way.

In using Scripture Video, we are introducing technology to people who have little or no prior knowledge of it. Nor do they have the nearly 100 years of exposure to TV/video that we have had, and it’s hard to jump the gap without falling into a morass of confusing notions.

On top of that, by introducing either the Jesus or Genesis/Luke videos to the tribal people of PNG, we are exposing them to a cultural/historical dimension of biblical knowledge that we naturally accept because we have hundreds, if not thousands, of years of teaching to fall back on. This only widens the gap. It is natural then that consideration be given to the effects of introducing Scripture Video (SV) to tribal people.

As part of the Preproduction Planning Package, we have included a “Scripture Video/Anthropological Evaluation Questionnaire.” Please fill out this questionnaire and arrange for a time in which you can discuss it with a member of the Anthropology Section.

PNG: Policy Guidelines for the Use of Scripture Video

Produced by the Media Department, Carle Gustavison, Director (1998)

1. In line with the policy that teams use vernacular in their work, Scripture videos used in the language program also need to be in the vernacular. There may be occasions, such as when several language groups are gathered for training in National Translator Courses (NTC), when it would be appropriate to show a Tok Pisin or English video, although it would be even better if it were shown by Bible Translation Association (BTA) or the local church.

2. For our purposes the Genesis and Luke portions of the New Media Bible are considered to be more appropriate than the Jesus video. The Jesus video is very evangelistic. Also, the Jesus sound track is not straight Scripture. The format of the Genesis/Luke series of videos is easier for us to work with. For these reasons, teams are urged to use the Genesis/Luke series rather than the Jesus video.

3. When Scripture video is supported by the leadership of most of the churches of a language area, language teams may work with them to plan and produce Scripture video materials. The showing of Scripture videos should never be seen by the churches we serve as divisive or sectarian, nor should we impinge on the local churches’ responsibility for evangelism. If this becomes the case the project should not be pursued.

4. Before production begins, it may be wise to show the community several episodes of either the English or Tok Pisin versions of the program that the team is desiring to dub. The episodes shown would always be the same fixed “Set,” thus allowing a constant baseline to be established for the comparison of anthropological data. This exposure might be used to evaluate the acceptance of Scripture video among the people as well as to stimulate interest in the project.

5. Before the Scripture video is released for distribution, it should be reviewed and evaluated by the language team and a group including representatives of churches in the area.

6. Teams should not attempt video production until they have demonstrated sufficient command of the language so as to assure an accurate translation of the script text. In keeping with this guideline, teams should not attempt a video production until they are in the intermediate stage of their program, having completed their technical requirements of the intermediate stage, and having 20 to 25 percent of their translation completed through the consultant checking stage. This will require consultation with Technical Studies Department (TSD) on a case-by-case basis.

7. All recordings of Scripture and Scripture-related materials taped for circulation must only include materials already checked and approved by the Translation Section. Therefore the Genesis/Luke series and the Jesus video may only be produced after the materials are consultant-checked and approved. It is understood that a back-translation will be made available for all Scripture texts.

I. Planning

1. A team’s involvement in a Scripture video project must be planned with their Regional Area Director (RAD) in consultation with Scripture video consultants. They will need to discuss together what, when, why and how the Scripture video project materials can best be incorporated into their total program. The goal is to ensure that the Scripture video will be of the greatest benefit to Scripture and literacy promotion.

2. Planning for a Scripture video project will include a careful consideration of the anthropological aspects concerning the anticipated reaction of the local people to the visual content of a particular Scripture video. Special consideration must be given to the implications of introducing video where it does not currently exist. Consultation on these matters should be arranged through the Anthropology office.

3. Before production of Scripture video begins, the team should be familiar with the Preproduction Planning Package supplied by Scripture video consultants. This package contains the planning information pertinent to the actual recording of the video sound script. Each RAD will have a current copy of the Preproduction Planning Package so as to be familiar with its contents.

4. Production may not proceed without the RAD's written approval.

II. Producing the most useful Scripture video package

1. For maximum benefit, a Scripture video should be part of a complete package. This package would ideally include books of Scripture for distribution, sound tracks on audio cassette of corresponding printed text for use after viewing the video, and other literacy materials which support the video production.

2. A Scripture video should not be released until all supporting materials accompanying the videos are available and ready for use.

3. The overall goal of Scripture In Use is best met by fully utilizing all the possibilities inherent in the video production and showing.

4. Scripture video should always be seen as a tool to encourage the use of Scripture, not as a form of entertainment.

5. Teams will use specially prepared modules for the Genesis/Luke Scripture video series, similar perhaps to the Shell concept. These videos are divided into chronological episodes of about 20 minutes each. Although Scripture video consultants are not authorized to customize episodes, teams may record all or a combination of episodes. Scripture video consultants can present several options at the planning stage, which they will discuss with teams wishing to use Genesis/Luke videos.

The Jesus video, on the other hand, is a two-hour film featuring the life of Christ from His baptism to His resurrection and ascension. Unlike the Genesis/Luke episodes, which can be shown independently and then discussed with the audience as a complete unit, the Jesus video does not lend itself to pauses without breaking the narrative.

6. The narration of the Scripture video will be kept as true to the written translation as possible. This will make the spoken narration a useful tool to encourage use of the written Scripture.

7. If there is a difference in the vernacular between the written and spoken language, then, for the purposes of the video, the written translation will be edited in order to maintain the naturalness of the spoken language.

Before a Scripture video is shown, those showing it should alert the audience as to the nature of the video (e.g., it is acted rather than actual, it shows another culture, etc.). After the video is shown, it should be discussed with the audience with particular reference to any visual content which might have the potential for misunderstanding. Suggestions and/or cautions arising from these discussions, or other comments heard from viewers, should then be submitted to the Scripture Video Section who will forward them to TSD for research and evaluation.

8. It is recommended that the video be shown several times to each audience. This enables the participants to understand the culture and customs of the New Testament more completely.

III. Video Equipment

1. The Scripture video field kit is intended for dubbing Scripture video narration and will not be available for private use or promotional videos for constituencies. This equipment is to be under the control of Media Services.

2. It would be best if equipment for showing the videos were provided by the local church or the community. Some equipment may be provided by the Scripture Video Section as well as private individuals.

Philippines: Guidelines for Planning and Preparing Video Programs (for Field Teams and Consultants)

Decisions for video program production are made during Updates, at which time the objectives, the type and the place of a video component in the overall program can be established. After Updates it is the responsibility of the Literacy and Literature Use (LLU) Chairman or the Associate Director of Technical Personnel (ADTP) to inform Audio Services and the appropriate LLU consultant of the programs planned for the coming year. The LLU consultant will work directly with the teams to arrange for specific input and planning. The Audio Services Department will set tentative recording/filming dates. (Note: As the departments have gained more experience, it has become practice for the LLU Coordinator to tell the teams to contact the VM departments directly.)

All material (visual and audio) to be used in video programs will need to be consultant-checked prior to use, as well as at several stages along the way. This includes pre-recorded material; e.g., the Luke and Genesis films.

All video material should be directly related to the promotion and use of Scripture. It must also comply with the Branch standards for appropriate content for produced material, which is that it:

is non-sectarian,
does not condone or glorify spirit worship,
is not unnecessarily gruesome,
is not derogatory of the government or any particular group,
is acceptable for the whole language group.

Considerations regarding testimonies (where testimonies may be appropriate):

information must be accurate,
they must not contain anything that is morally questionable or inappropriate,
they must comply with Branch standards (see above).

The following guidelines have been prepared to help you develop video programs. There is also a handout available with script-writing and other tips that may be helpful (available from your consultant). Please use these in consultation with your consultant and the Audio Services Department:

1. Background Considerations (Describe briefly):

What is/are the objective/s of this video program or series?
Who do you envision as the primary viewing audience—individuals, churches, schools, or other? You will need to consider their conceptual level as well as their prior experience, if any, with video and also any preconceived ideas they may have about the medium.
How will the videos be distributed? What infrastructure within the community will link up with the project? What are they expecting out of the program?
What equipment and personnel will be needed and how will they be funded?
How will feedback be obtained?

2. Plan the Format and Content of the Program

Look at models available and discuss with your consultant. (Bear in mind that none of us have very much experience or expertise at this point. We’re novices together!)
Decide on what format to use: Drama, interview, discussion, etc.
Draft a program giving details of both the audio and visual content. (See handout of Treatment, Draft Script, and Script Writing Tips.)

Note:

How does the program meet your objectives? What will it actually do for your audience?
If you are adapting someone else’s program, what changes will be necessary to make it natural, clear, relevant, and appropriate to your audience?
If you are using already printed/recorded/filmed material (Scripture, hymns, Bible studies, Luke films, flipcharts, etc.), what audio and visual introductory material, explanations, “bridges” or transitions, etc. will be needed?
If printed materials are to be used in conjunction with the video program (e.g., Bible study guide, hymnbook), are there adequate copies available to support the use of the video program?
Think PICTURES! Audio programs are written for the ear. In video programs the visual carries the message, and audio merely enhances, supports, and clarifies that visual message. The audience is dependent on the screen for understanding. A good question to ask is: What is it that must be seen to tell the story/communicate the message?

3. Test the Program

Check the script for grammatical accuracy and comprehension by reading it aloud to mother tongue speakers.
Make a storyboard for checking the visual content and continuity of the story/message. This is a sequence of pictures that depict the information to be communicated with the words that support, clarify, and enhance the visual experience typed under each picture. This storyboard visualizes the completed program on paper. You can use it to explain the full content of the video program to your potential audience who are helping you test it.
Discuss the program content, visual and audio, with those in the community e.g. other missions, denominations, who will be using/sponsoring the video programs to get their input, suggestions, etc.
Revise and rewrite as necessary.

4. Prepare Back Translation (BT), Revised Script and Storyboard for Consultant Check.

At this point you may wish to add more details to your draft script.

Audio: musical background, interludes, sound effects, pauses, etc.
Visual: graphics, fade in/out of pictures, filming details; e.g., close up, wide angle, etc. (See Full-Treatment Script example). Your consultant and the Audio Services Department may be able to help you with ideas and suggestions here.

5. Consultant Check

Bring the BT, revised script, storyboard, and any feedback or comments for the consultant to go over. Incorporate the consultant’s advice and suggestions in a rewrite or revision as appropriate.

6. Consultant-check of Revised Program and Approval for Initial Filming/Recording

It is recommended that one or two segments only of a program be produced initially. These will be used as a trial edition with the proposed audience, sponsors, and others who hope to use the programs.

7. Participant Selection and Practice

Christian testimony
Standing in the community (status, respect, etc.)
Age, sex, relationships between participants etc.
Voice quality
“Acting” ability
Memorization ability
Number of people needed

The question to ask here is: Will the message being communicated be distorted or affected by the people used to convey it? The audience should not be distracted by anything conveyed inadvertently by the “actors”. Remember that communication of the message is dependent on what the audience sees. Practice and memorization are essential for the presentation to be as natural as possible.

8. Recording/Filming Schedule

Now is the time to arrange the filming/recording dates more definitely with the Audio Services Dept. The technician will need to have a copy of your BT, storyboard, and full-treatment script.

9. Test Initial Segments

indication/level of interest
acceptability and appropriateness
any negative reactions, comments, etc.—content, format, etc.
indication of good speed and flow of the program. Does it move too quickly? too slowly? coherently? logically? Are there enough pauses? Is adequate time given to follow instructions, etc.? Are there enough transitions to give continuity and flow of content?
ability to coordinate printed materials (Bible study guides) with the program

b. The consultant also needs to see the initial trial edition.

10. Revise as Necessary and Prepare the Remainder of the Program

11. Final Consultant Check and Approval

Prepare final script, BT and Overall Program Summary (see example) for LLU consultant, Audio Services Dept. and BT file. Pass on to your consultant any feedback you’ve received during the testing.

Your experiences and input will be helpful when consulting with others.

12. Recording/Filming Schedule

Upon receiving the consultant approval form, Audio Services will notify you of specific recording/filming dates.

13. Have the consultant and at least one member of the target community, view the final product before it is released for distribution.

Internal notes:

PGB —Needs formatting

Changes

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