The Video Activist Handbook

by Thomas Harding

'The global protest movement is growing because activists are learning to tell their own stories, to capture their triumphs on tape, and share them with others around the world. This book is about media that doesn't just cover activism, it is activism, a crucial part of the process of reclaiming public space and communities.' Naomi Klein, author of No Logo 'Crucially, Harding covers not just the 'hows' and 'whats' of vid-activism, but also the vital 'why' question. Why do it? Because this is about democracy and empowerment. Vid-activism is about circumventing the hopeless conventionality, commercialism and conservatism of the mainstream media . . . Buy it. Read it. Act on it. Your world will never be the same again.' Charles Secrett, Director, Friends of the Earth This second edition of the highly popular The Video Activist Handbook includes numerous examples of contemporary video activism from around the world. The first book to provide the basic skills and know-how required for beginning video activism, it also offers a wealth of ideas on video strategies to those with some prior experience. Whether you are involved in campaigning, non-violent direct action, or simply want to know how to make use of video as a political tool, this book is for you. • Covers the key topics in a step-by-step guide - from choosing and using the right equipment and planning when and where to shoot, to supplying to TV, making a campaign video and legal considerations • Combines clearly written and illustrated practical advice, backed up by a wealth of resources, with first-hand examples of successful video activism • Critically assesses the mainstream media agendas and offers a lively survey of the international video activist scene

280 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1997

About the author

Thomas Harding is a bestselling author whose books have been translated into more than 20 languages. He has written for the Sunday Times, the Washington Post and the Guardian, among other publications.

He is the author of HANNS AND RUDOLF which won the JQ-Wingate Prize for Non-Fiction; THE HOUSE BY THE LAKE, which was shortlisted for the Costa Biography Award; and BLOOD ON THE PAGE which won the Crime Writers’ Association “Golden Dagger Award for Non-Fiction”. For all his books, reviews and updates, go to thomasharding.com and follow him on X/ twitter @thomasharding

Reviews

[Patrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some parts are pretty outdated. The most other things you can learn easily by practicing.

[Inggita · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok, ok, the tech part will be quickly outdated - since now we have our simple tiny cellphones to do some witness taping - but this book is a guide for activist to use the video tool and the level of activism will enter an entirely new zone altogether. people, you can do a lot of things with your lowly consumer videocam - it's more than a tourist gear... it's a game changer! next: culture jamming!