Who can join a Documentary Outreach?
Our past crew have included enrolled university students, young professionals, and adults interested in expanding their knowledge about documentary production. Anyone 18 years or older with an interest in learning is welcome.
Is documentary experience required?
No. This travel course is designed for both beginners and experienced documentary filmmakers. No prior production experience is required. We will teach you everything you need to successfully create a short documentary film. If you are already an established filmmaker, we aim to pair you with crew members of similar skill levels and provide more advanced training for those ready to take their craft further.
While each crew member has a primary role, storytelling is a collaborative process and you will be supported by your team every step of the way.
What kinds of stories will we be telling?
Each crew is guided and supported in producing a character-driven, film-festival-worthy short documentary. These documentaries typically focus on a compelling story within the work of a local changemaker organisation. Beyond the documentary, you will also have the opportunity to create additional storytelling pieces such as documentary photography collections, micro-documentary videos, or journalistic essays.
How are the changemaker organisations selected?
We research and vet grassroots organisations in each destination, prioritising locally-led initiatives that make an impact but lack media resources. Partnerships are voluntary and no money is exchanged, ensuring a collaboration built on mutual respect. Once organisations are confirmed, crew members rank their preferences and we consider those rankings when forming teams, balancing interest, skills, and project needs.
What crew positions are available?
Our group of travelers is matched into several 4 to 6 person crews, with each individual taking on a specific role: Producer, Director, Cinematographer, Audiographer, Editor, or Photographer. An Actuality Field Producer provides instruction, mentorship and oversees all projects. They also coordinate travel logistics, lead educational briefings, conduct training workshops, support research, and manage operations and production milestones.
What equipment do we need to bring?
All crew members should bring a personal photo or video camera (smartphones are sufficient) for research and workshops, and a laptop capable of editing both photo and video. We provide mobile filmmaking kits with iPhones, professional-grade rigs, and sound recording equipment. Crew members are welcome to bring any additional gear they wish to use.
What is the rhythm of a typical day?
Outreach work happens Monday to Friday. Each morning starts with an all-crew briefing at basecamp covering instruction and discussion around the current stage of documentary production. The bulk of the day is spent out in the community making specific progress on your documentary. Some evenings the crew gathers to review work or attend events. Some evenings are free.
Will there be free time?
Yes. Weekends are unscheduled. Saturday and Sunday are free time to explore on your own or rest and relax.
What happens to the films after the trip?
The trip ends with a community screening event where each crew introduces their story and debuts their film for the people who were involved in creating it. Before departure, each crew creates a distribution plan and ensures that their changemaker collaborators and anyone else who appears in the film signs off on the initial strategy with free and informed consent. Distribution strategies include hosting on Vimeo and YouTube, submitting to relevant film festivals, creating social media cut-downs, and planning additional community screenings.
Who owns the rights to the films?
All films created through Actuality Abroad are licensed under Creative Commons, ensuring that every stakeholder — the crew, the changemaker collaborators, and the broader community — can freely screen and benefit from the final work. Actuality Abroad retains the official copyright to facilitate distribution, uphold ethical storytelling standards, and maintain long-term access for all involved.
Where do we stay?
Crews stay in a locally owned guesthouse in semi-private bedrooms shared with one or two other crew members of the same gender. Private rooms are available for an additional cost. The guesthouse has a secure, guests-only space to work and relax in, with staff on duty day and night.
Do I need to speak the local language?
No. We arrange English translators and translating technology as part of the course.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Each person must purchase a travel insurance policy for the duration of the Outreach that includes medical coverage. We highly recommend also purchasing trip cancellation and personal property protection.
Can I earn university credit?
Yes. We are happy to work with currently enrolled students individually to arrange for academic credit.
Can I fundraise for this trip?
Yes. We highly encourage all crew members to undertake fundraising efforts. Get in touch at [email protected] for guidance on how to run a crowdfunding campaign for your trip.