Are you ready to embark on a journey into the world of multimedia storytelling, where film-making, digital libraries of images, videos, and visualizations are at your fingertips? Look no further than the Planet Forward Summer Seminar, a transformative experience aimed at equipping you with the skills to craft compelling environmental narratives.
In this seminar, we will explore the art of storytelling, learn how to weave together the urgency of the moment, breakthroughs on the horizon, and the crucial elements of justice and diversity in environmental stories.
Our classroom? GWU media facilities and the vibrant landscape of Washington, D.C., where policy is shaped, global leaders gather, and decision-makers grapple with scientific findings.
How can you craft compelling environmental narratives that weave the urgency of the moment, breakthroughs that may be on the horizon, and the justice and diversity to tell a compelling story? How can you use narratives to inform, have impact, and influence action?
“I have had a difficult time trying to figure out where to go with my degree and interest in storytelling. Attending this seminar gave me more insight on how climate and environmentalism can be covered and produced.“
Throughout the seminar, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Under the guidance of accomplished experts and instructors, you’ll explore storytelling techniques and tools, tackling topical themes with direct engagement and practical application.
Whether you’re a budding filmmaker, a digital storyteller, or an environmental advocate, effective communication is key to driving impact. The Planet Forward Summer Seminar empowers you to become a powerful environmental storyteller, capable of capturing crises, engaging audiences, and catalyzing a more hopeful future.
Learning Outcomes:
Seminar Objectives:
Please note: Day-by-day activities in this program are subject to change.
Sunday, June 2 – DAY 1
Arrivals and Welcome to Planet Forward
Planet Forward will host a meet-and-greet reception with participants and review the week’s curriculum.
Monday, June 3 – DAY 2
Engaging Your Audience | Environment & Health
We’ll consider effective framing, audience analysis, and addressing the challenges of complexity in this type of storytelling. Meet and work with scientists, media and leaders at the intersection of the environment and health.
Tuesday, June 4 – DAY 3
Stories through Sound | Indigenous Voices and Cross Cultural Perspectives
After a half day building an audio artifact, where participants will examine and practice how to communicate science and sustainability compellingly and effectively, we’ll visit media organizations to see this work in action. Today’s emphasis is Indigenous and cultural storytelling.
Wednesday, June 5 – DAY 4
Visualizing Storytelling | Water and Environmental Security
Our instructors will help students produce a video in Adobe Rush, and we’ll examine methods of data visualization that connect with audiences. Visits with global experts will share new digital tools for storytelling on water and environmental change.
Thursday, June 6 – DAY 5
Digital Storytelling | Conservation Technology and Biodiversity
Through experiential learning in digital storytelling, seminar participants will create a longform digital story and outline an infographic using Adobe tools. We will meet with subject matter experts who communicate directly with their audiences.
Friday, June 7 – DAY 6
Story Pitch Review and Send-Off | Nature Stories
On our last day, students will share their refined story pitches developed over the course of the week, and we’ll send them off to move the planet forward.
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