GET INVOLVED

Propose a Project

Applications have now closed. A HUGE thank you to everyone who shared a story for our Young Storytellers Program. We’re excited to welcome Larissa, Lara, Chrystal, Jacqui, Caila, Garrett, Dimitri, Cameron, Naomi, Angela, Karen, Tess, Eliya, Tiffany, Proma, Nish, Morgan, Connor and Nicholas. Let the games begin!

 

YOUNG STORYTELLERS PROGRAM AND COMPETITION

What inspires you? The (re)Generation Project is calling on 15-25 year olds for your stories about the people and places that keep you connected. Personal connections with nature are powerful. They are essential to our health and mental well-being, and they encourage ties with the earth that we depend on. So, in this ever-increasing modern world, how do we inspire a new generation back to the bush?

The ten best story ideas will be given editorial and production training including digital storytelling workshops and a mentor to help you craft it into a powerful and impacting digital story. You will then have the opportunity to participate in a premier event and online campaign, to share it with NSW youth.

Build valuable skills, networks, share you work, win prizes and have a lot of fun in an opportunity to create a positive change for our planet.

 

Finding your story

Find someone who has a connection with the natural environment such as an Aboriginal elder, a farmer, a scuba diver, or an animal whisperer and share their story. Tell us why it is unique, how it will inspire young people to visit and value nature, and what medium you will use to share the story such as film or photography. It may be your own story and as long as it is based on true events, there is room to use your imagination.

Storytelling is a powerful way humans share values, knowledge and spread ways of acting. As a storyteller, you are providing the viewer with the material for them to form their own connection, rather than telling them what to do.

“Story is based on the 4 ‘Ps’: PEOPLE, PLACE, PLOT and PURPOSE. Lead with Plot and you have an action movie. Lead with Purpose and you have a commercial. But when you lead with People, we have the potential for an emotional, character-driven story.” (Stillmotion)

So when choosing your story, find a strong ‘character’ that will draw the viewer in, to see their uniqueness and create a connection.

 

Choosing your medium

You can tell your story through any medium such as film, radio, social media, creative writing, painting or photo book; however it is recommended you use film or digital media to make the most out of this opportunity. If your medium is not digital, the workshops will still help you develop your narrative into the most powerful story, and can assist in creating a video pitch around your idea, but there will be no assistance in the actual production of non-digital mediums.

 

Selected stories

Ten projects will be selected to join the project and will participate in the below. Please note dates are subject to change and will be confirmed in your briefing.

  • 7 September: Winners notified.
  • 8-11 September briefing: Each winner will meet with ‘The (re)Generation Project’ team at Macquarie University or via Skype. You will be provided with a contract agreement about the project requirements, a consent letter to be involved in the research and a project schedule and timeline. The meeting will be scheduled for approximately one hour during the week 8-11 September during a time that suits you.
  • 12 September first workshop: ‘Find Your Impact Story’ workshop is run by ‘Digital Story Tellers’ with all groups. You will discover the most powerful story behind your idea and begin to build an impacting narrative.
  • 13-15 September storymaking: You will have two weeks to work on your own to develop your story. ‘Digital Story Tellers’ mentors are available on call for assistance.
  • 26 September second workshop: A ‘Make Your Impact Story’ workshop is run by ‘Digital Story Tellers’ to produce your digital story. You will be taught how to use accessible resources (smartphones, tablets and accessible software) to create compelling digital stories without the need for a big budget or fancy equipment.
  • 27 September – 2 October storymaking: You will have one week on your own to produce your digital story. ‘Digital Story Tellers’ mentors are available on call for assistance.
  • 3 October final workshop (1/2 day): Final workshop with ‘Digital Story Tellers’ for any last edits, assistance and questions. Up until the submission date, ‘Digital Story Tellers’ mentors are available on call.
  • 18 October submissions due. Email you digital story to theregenerationprojectmq@gmail.com
  • 30 October Western Sydney Premier at Parramatta Riverside Theatre and 26 November Sydney Premier at the Museum of Contemporary Art: The best digital stories will be screened at a public event where you will introduce your film to the audience and participate in audience Q&A.
  • 27 November online campaign: The stories will be shared on ‘The (re)Generation Project’ website following the event. Those aged 15-25 years in NSW are invited to vote for their favourite digital story online and explain if/why it inspires them into nature. The winner will receive a Go Pro for future storymaking!
  • 11 January (TBC) winner announced 

 

What’s in it for you?

  • Training, mentorship and skills development in digital storytelling including narrative development, production and campaigning;
  • The opportunity to research the effectiveness of your story in inspiring young people into nature, with an accredited university;
  • Properly distributed exposure of your idea amongst a wider public audience including media, environmental, youth, mental health and arts organisations;
  • Build you network and meet other creatives and likeminded people;
  • Create a positive impact for the environment;
  • Win a Go Pro;
  • Have fun!
  • Improve your CV with reference from Macquarie University, Workshop Certificate, involvement at a public screening event and an official report of the study acknowledging you as a co-researcher.

 

How to apply

Complete the written application below by Sunday 6 September 2015.

You must be 15-25 years and living in NSW. Projects may apply as individuals or as a group of up to three members.

APPLY HERE

How can you get involved?