Seeing is deceiving: creating high impact content using low-fidelity equipment

Solent University was pleased to host a series of workshops for the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) titled ‘Seeing is deceiving: creating high impact content using low-fidelity equipment’.

Contemporary content creators such as YouTubers and Vloggers often use surprisingly low budget equipment but in novel ways. The workshops aimed to demonstrate how high quality results can be obtained from webcams or mobile phones by combining proper planning with an understanding of how to get the most from the technologies.

The workshops covered the production process including pre-planning, lighting, sound, editing and publishing. The sessions were predominantly hands-on with the opportunity for delegates to use a combination of their own equipment as well as the University’s facilities. The delegates created some of their own content but more importantly gained the skills and experience to apply to future projects using equipment and software that is readily available. The intention is that the delegates will now have the confidence to produce content to showcase their interests or for use within their profession.

The project combined expertise from the School of Media Arts and Technology and Warsash School of Maritime Science and Engineering and is a great example of how well-placed Solent is to foster learning communities with its industrial partners. The workshops were developed and delivered by third year BA (Hons) Television and Video Production students Josh, third year BA (Hons) Television Post-Production student Ed and third year BA (Hons) Television Studio Production student Ruairidh. Lecturers were on hand to assist but found they were largely redundant due to the professionalism and skill demonstrated by the student volunteers. It was great to see such passion from the students and they were able to see just how much they’ve leant themselves during their studies.

The workshops went well and were a win for all involved; the IET members got access to our facilities and expertise whilst Solent was able to extend its industrial outreach. Meanwhile the students expanded their professional network, including IET membership, and developed their presentation and organisational skills. We don’t think many graduates can say they’ve designed and delivered workshops for a professional society on their CV!

The schools are grateful to everyone who was involved – especially the student volunteers – and we hope to collaborate on other projects in the near future.