Canary in a Coal Mine is looking for a range of self-filmed videos from the ME and CFS community to compile a short, composite sequence as a way of creatively representing how the director, Jennifer Brea, came to find out about her illness. For her, it was the internet community and the experiences of other patients that really taught her what ME was and how she might live a good life in spite of it.
To build this sequence, we are looking for videos that can help express the range of experiences in the community. We also want to use self-filmed footage to convey that this is a community that lives primarily online, that raises awareness through the use of social media and platforms like YouTube, as well as the idea that sometimes the best stories are told by the people living them.
We may also use some of this video in a future transmedia project.
Have any questions? Please fill out this contact form to submit: http://www.canaryinacoalminefilm.com/contact/
How to submit your video
If you are interested in sharing your video for possible use in the film, fill out the form below.
– You can either link to it on YouTube or (even better) upload it directly.
– Submit something you already have or record something new.
– You can submit multiple videos but should submit one form for each video.
The deadlien is rolling.
Tips for a recording a new video
Don't already have a video? Record one! We are looking for videos that are on the short side, ideally no more than 1-5 minutes in length.
You can film:
– A video a diary: 1-5 minute testimonial about what life with this illness is like for you.
– Something that is purely visual: For example, a video that documents your symptoms (e.g., seizures) or some other aspect of the illness for you (e.g., use of mobility devices, face masks, ear plugs, dark rooms, caretaking, or other aspects of your life that can convey what this is all about, even if we turned the audio off)
If you aren't feeling well, a minute if more than fine. It's impossible to encapsulate your experience in such a short period of time so it can really be just a slice – "this is how I feel, in this moment" physically, emotionally, imaginatively, whatever. Or a slice of the world around you, e.g., the view from your bed or wherever it is that you spend your time.
After you submit your video, you will be sent an email with information regarding how to sign a release form allowing us to use the material in the film.
Thank you for your participation!
Even more tips
– Hold your camera in LANDSCAPE, not portrait
– Film it on your phone or computer. It should not feel professionally shot or composed.
– Talk as if you are communciating with a close friend (rather than trying to inform on the issue or speak to the audience). How would you explain this illness to someone you care about and who knows you?
– It should feel real and immediate, like many of the YouTube videos ME patients post are.
– If English is not your native language, speak in your native language. We'd love to show that this is an international community!
We want diverse video
We welcome all submissions but are especially looking for informal, self-filmed video from patients who are:
– men
– people of color
– people living outside the US
– children and adolescents
– people who may be homeless or in dire financial straits
– people who are camping or living out of a car (whether for financial or health reasons)