2D Media - Video

Documentary Video for Craft Documentation and Outreach

The type of audiovisual media most appropriate for craft documentation during the RETOLD project was a documentary video format of 5-15 minute length.

Documentary videos are particularly relevant in open-air museums due to the animated and dynamic nature of the exhibits and environments, often comprising living history displays, natural environments and craft demonstrations.

In the RETOLD context, video was mostly used to document craft skills in the open-air museums. At the same time, video can also be used to enhance visitor engagement and education:

Exhibit Enhancement	Incorporating documentaries into exhibitions to provide context and deeper insights into artifacts, artworks, or historical events, bringing a static exhibition to life.
Visitor Engagement	Using short documentary segments in interactive displays to captivate audiences and cater to different learning styles. Videos can help visitors connect emotionally and intellectually to the content.
Digital Outreach	Sharing documentary content on the museum's website or social media channels to reach a broader audience, enticing them to visit or learn more.

As with still photography, there are some common challenges to producing good quality video in open-air museums, like low lighting and a dynamic outdoor setting. Whether a mobile phone is used or a professional film camera, there are some valuable principles that improve the quality of the documentary video:

Pre-Production Planning	Equipment	Lighting
Storyboarding: Outlining the structure of the video to determine the shots you need, from wide views of exhibits to close-ups of artifacts. For the craft videos, we have a template script/storyboard and a video example as part of the RETOLD project so that you can follow a standard format for a craft documentation video. Read more Location Scouting: Identifying ideal recording locations, lighting conditions, and potential challenges, like visitor foot traffic.	Camera: Use a high-quality DSLR, mirrorless, or cinema camera capable of shooting in 4K for sharp, detailed footage. Stabilization: Use gimbals, tripods, or sliders for smooth and stable shots, especially for tracking or panning across displays. Lenses: A wide-angle lens for capturing exhibit spaces. A macro lens for detailed close-ups of smaller artifacts. Audio Equipment: Use external microphones (shotgun, lapel, or handheld) to capture clean audio during interviews or narration.	Use portable LED panels with diffusers to provide soft, non-invasive light without causing glare or reflections.