No Film School has great tips for those who want to document a protest. Meerkat Media has covered a lot of public protests, and the most effective coverage requires more than just pointing a camera or phone at the action.
Inspired in part by leftist filmmakers of the 1960s, we want to bridge the “schism between the experience of events, local and distant, and their representation in the mass media.” With so much happening so fast, we feel it important and valuable for filmmakers of all kinds to help spread the messages emanating from activists and policy makers on the ground. We want to inspire people to participate. We want our projects to sit in solidarity with grassroots organizations and elevate the work they are doing and make it more visible.
They go into detail on six key areas:
1. Stay mobile
2. Know your rights and be safe
3. Think like an editor
4. Work in a team
5. Go behind the curtain
6. Turn your work around quickly
I also recommend practicing under less stressful situations. Go cover street fairs, marathons, parades and other non-confrontational events to get your bearings. You’ll learn what to bring (batteries and storage), what to leave at home or in the vehicle, what to wear (you can never have too many pockets), and how to interact with people and get material that supports your project.
• Filming a Protest? 6 Tips to Capture the Action (No Film School)