1. Decide on a story
Choose a topic. Keep it small, because it feels good to finish something. Besides, you can always grow a bigger project from a finished first phase. If you want to tell the story of the old movie theater in your town, think small. Will you tell about its many uses over the years? The process of renovating it? How it changed with different owners? The architecture of it? The changes in projection technology? Choose a small topic, and stay focused. You can tackle other topics later.
2. Decide HOW YOU want to tell your story
Do you want to make a short film? A photo essay? Draw a graphic novel? Create a blog? Once you know what form your storytelling will take, you will know what equipment you need to start collecting information (video recorder, audio recorder, pencil & paper, digital or film camera photographs, etc.). Some schools and libraries have equipment that you can borrow, so look around and start talking about your project. You’ll be surprised at what might turn up!
3. Decide who to interview
People bring stories to life. Knowing that the town’s movie theater once had a fire in the concession stand is not nearly as exciting as hearing the story of the fire told by a person who was working at the theater that night. They will bring details about smells, sounds, and emotions that enrich the story and engage the audience. Choose a small group of people to interview, and see if you can choose people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to create a wider angle on the story.
4. Write your questions
People like to tell stories, but they need someone to invite them. Asking questions is the best way to invite their stories. Some people need only one small question, and they will talk for hours! Other people’s answers will be brief and to the point. So you want to have a few questions ready to keep the talkative people on track and the quiet people talking.
5. Set up your interviews
Contact the people you want to interview and tell them about your project. Ask them if you can meet them to record their stories. Set a time and date and plan to arrive a few minutes early, just in case you get lost or slowed down. Make sure your equipment works, have your batteries charged, your pencils sharpened, and your questions in-hand. You are in for a real treat, so treat your interviewees with respect: be patient and polite, listen and engage, let them lead the way, but be prepared to steer the interview if they drift too far.
6. have fun!
The most important part!
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