A: You will learn pre-production, production, post-production methods for documentary filmmaking as well as leadership skills that are applicable to wider settings of work and life, such as listening and communication. Please refer to the list in the “WHAT YOU WILL LEARN” section above.

A: Some part of the program contents are recorded and will be provided to all participants as downloads. Additionally, we will provide the slide decks used in the program, links to additional online resources and a workbook with templates as part of the program materials. However, not all the live workshop sessions will be recorded, as they may contain private/sensitive contents. The safety and comfort of the participants are of the utmost importance to us.

A: No, it is not a requirement.

A: The program instruction will be primarily in English. However, we do provide local assistance and spot translations to those who need help understanding the materials in English, and the interactions between the participants would be in the language most comfortable to those in the group. We will conduct interviews with all applicants to assess their levels of comfort in communicating in English, and if you are selected as a participant, it means that we will make every effort to ensure that you are able to keep up with the program. 

A: Yes (see above).

A: We try to be sensitive to different needs that our participants bring with them, and make every effort to meet them if they are selected to be participants. However, this is done on a case-by-case basis; we are not able to meet the needs of every disabled person. So unfortunately at this stage, RESYNC cannot be considered an “accessible” program to the disabled community. 

A: No. We teach all general skills required in making a short documantary film, but not specific techniques that will be handy for making a viral social videos. If you are looking for those techniques, there are probably youtube/tiktok videos you can watch ;)

A:Yes! While we do challenge everyone to make a compelling film, that doesn’t mean you need to be an expert before joining this program. Our instructors, coaches and your teammates will teach you everything you need.

A: If you have *any* interest in visual storytelling or movies/videos, you are at the right place. However, this is not a relaxing resort vacation or retreat; we do expect everyone to participate fully in the filmmaking process. 

A: Yes. We believe that every good filmmaker is a good communicator and a leader. If you want to create truly good work, we believe our program is beneficial for you. 

A: We see our program as a peacebuilding, impactful climate-change activity in a systemic way. We create the impact to the communities through equipping their leaders. Our aim is to foster a community of systems-aware creators who can effectively communicate the messages of hope, peace and real change through visual storytelling.

A: Yes. Whenever possible, we reduce waste and minimize the use of disposable and/or plastic materials in our workshops. We reuse paper materials, and are intentional about the use of physical materials vs. slide shows. The hybrid format of RESYNC itself is a response to the accepted norm of in-person workshops requiring everyone to travel across distance.

A: Our hybrid design of the program is specifically to avoid unnnecessary risk to the public health. Additionally, our in-person gatherings and production guidelines adhere to the local COVID safety regulations in Cambodia, the Philippines, and Japan.

A: Yes. All online sessions are held across the three locations. You will also meet and work with your local cohorts outside of your team in our location-based in-person sessions. 

A: We do not have a formal agreement with schools to provide credits. However, if you are interested in obtaining credits through this program and are willing to pitch the idea to your school, we are happy to talk to your teachers/administrators to see if that can be arranged!

A: Yes. You can attend as an online auditor without the field work (but with a role to play in the process) at a reduced cost. Please indicate this in your application.

A: We will collect the footage, project files, and the finished output files from you and reserve the right to brand and distribute the final films on our website as well as partner platforms. The copyright to the work will belong to the authors (you and your teammates.)

A: At the minimum, they will be shown in 1. the physical screening events in the 3 cities, 2. online during the screening event, and 3. on our website’s “stories library.” We are also working on adding more opportunities for them to be shown.

A:The copyright to the work will belong to the authors (you and your teammates.)

A: Yes! All participants who complete the program will get a certificate of completion and will become part of the School of Slow Media alumni community, with 250+ members from 11 countries (and counting). 

A: We are accepting 30 people in each location, so a total of 90 participants will be in the program. Plus the facilitators, coaches and other guests.

A: Our alumni are passionate, curious and thoughtful people, coming from a wide range of industries and backgrounds, from the media, advertising, journalism, advocacy, startups, and of course, film. They tend to be young, but we have had more seasoned professionals join us, too.

A: Someone interested in visual storytelling and its importance in making a positive difference in the world, and are willing to grow as a leader and a creative.

A: We will notify you as soon as we have interviewed all applicants, which should be late May.

A: Yes. After we talk to all the applicants and accept final participants into the program, we will carefully match each participant with 2 compatible teammates based on the location, skills, experience and interests. You will meet them at the program kick-off on June 17. After that, any change to the teams will only be considered when there are genuine extenuating circumstances and with consultation with everyone involved. 

A: No worries! See above.

A: You and your teammates can decide when and where to meet each other in person or online outside of the workshop sessions. You should have the time to do this on a weekly basis to work on the assigned tasks throughout the program.

A: You will exchange numbers so you can directly communicate with each other. Additionally, we will also set up a common platform online for groups to keep in touch with everyone, including with the facilitators between classes (exact platform to be determined.) 

A: Our facilitators are practicing professionals in filmmaking, leadership development and other related disciplines with years of experience and credentials. We are also cognisant and experienced in the local issues in Japan, Cambodia and the Philippines and maintain an extensive network of other experts in the field. Please check out our “about us” page on this website. too!

A: We estimate about 150 hours altogether—including online learning sessions (classes), coaching calls, and the field work necessary to complete your film. That’s about 20 days’ worth of work, over the course of 12 weeks.

A: Every week on Friday and Saturday, there will be online learning sessions for you to attend (3-4 hours/session). Additionally, you will be meeting with your teammates every week to work on your film project and for a coaching session (1 hour). Exact hours can vary depending on the week’s focus and assigned tasks.

A: Yes. 

A: In the case where you cannot make it to a learning session or your team’s meetings, we will endeavor to provide support to help you catch up, and your teammates can also help. However, the learning sessions will not be recorded, and it is ultimately the responsibility of the participants who miss the sessions to make up for the absence.  

A: In order to make the best of the full process and learning, and complete your film project, we strongly recommend you make the time to attend all the sessions provided. 

A: Unfortunately, no.

A: We will not be providing film equipment. However, we will make sure each team will have enough equipment to make a film with enough production value.

A: No. But we will ensure that every team will have adequate equipment to complete the film project. If you do have a camera, please be ready to bring it for your film project.

A: Yes, we do have a limited number of needs-based scholarships. Please indicate your needs in your application. 

A: We can work with you on that. Please indicate in your application what your preferred terms are.

A: The $150 fee is discounted already. Please apply for a scholarship if you need further discount.