DOCUMENTARY OUTREACH VS STORYTELLING EXPEDITION
understanding the different ways to travel with us
At Actuality Abroad, we believe in the transformative power of storytelling. Our unique educational travel experiences—Documentary Outreach and Storytelling Expedition—are designed to immerse participants in the art of documentary storytelling while exploring vibrant cultures and communities around the globe. While both trips offer incredible opportunities to develop storytelling skills, they cater to different interests and schedules. Here’s what sets each apart and what they have in common.
Documentary Outreach
deep dive into creative nonfiction storytelling
Duration and Focus
The Documentary Outreach is a four-week immersive program where participants focus on creating a single, impactful short documentary. You will stay in one community, work closely with a local changemaker, and delve deep into the documentary production process.
Who It’s For
This trip is ideal for aspiring documentary filmmakers and photographers, including university students and recent graduates. It’s also suited for lifelong learners pursuing documentary storytelling as a second career or within graduate studies.
What You’ll Do
Week 1 [Research]
Crews arrive and enjoy welcome celebrations. Each day, our group meets for briefings, screenings and exercises on documentary filmmaking. Filmmakers + photographers visit locations, scout operations, and conduct pre-interviews to gather information. The goal is to find an interesting character whose story would make a compelling documentary.
Week 2 [Plan + Prep]
Crews plan for production by developing a story summary and outline, as well as a schedule and a scene list. Workshops and practical exercises are led by our Actuality Leader to teach techniques in visual storytelling. Each crew produces a micro-documentary to learn how to work as a team.
Week 3 [Production]
Crews document on location to record the people, events, sounds, and environments necessary to tell their chosen story. Dailies are reviewed and critiqued in group sessions every evening. Editors begin to organize the footage according to the story plan.
Week 4 [Editorial]
Crews edit the film from rough cut to picture lock entirely on location with plenty of support. Photographers refine their photography project and prepare for exhibition. Before departure, the local community is invited to join the crew for a screening of all completed documentaries. Everyone celebrates their storytelling achievements with farewell festivities and then departs for their travels home.
Outcomes
By the end of this month-long trip you will have…
- learned helpful frameworks, systems and tools for documentary storytelling
- established meaningful connections with people in the local community
- developed important relationships with other crew members on the trip
- better understanding of how to practice ethical, collaborative storytelling
- produced a film festival-worthy documentary
- gained a comprehensive understanding of impact-driven documentary production
STORYTELLING EXPEDITION
experience a destination as a documentary storyteller
Duration and Focus
The Storytelling Expedition is a week-long trip designed for working professionals who wish to enhance their storytelling skills while having a meaningful travel experience. First, we will learn important principles of creative nonfiction storytelling in a workshop day. Then we will go out into the field and put it into practice, collaborating with a social impact organization in the local community. Additionally, we will explore the area’s top highlights and engage in unforgettable experiences that showcase the local culture and scenery.
Who It’s For
This program is designed for people who “travel for the stories,” including professionals from a variety of industries seeking to add creative nonfiction storytelling to their skillset for personal or professional development.
What You’ll Do Each Day
- Arrival and Welcome: Settle in, meet the crew, and enjoy a welcome dinner.
- Workshops and Tour: Attend storytelling workshops and explore Marrakesh on a guided tour.
- Research and Planning: Meet local changemakers, tour their operations, and plan your documentary project.
- Interviews and Footage Review: Conduct video interviews and photography, then review and discuss the footage.
- Visual Storytelling: Document real-life scenes on video and photo, with afternoon reviews.
- Cultural Excursion: Take an unforgettable day trip or overnight excursion to a must-see destination in the area, immersing yourself in the local culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unique experiences.
- Editing and Screening: Participate in an editing workshop, screen your documentaries, and celebrate at a wrap party.
- Departure: Enjoy a final breakfast and depart with private transportation.
Outcomes
By the end of this week-long trip you will have…
- experienced a destination beyond the tourism-as-usual
- learned the basic steps of the documentary production process
- gained experience traveling as a storyteller
- collaborated with local experts, leaders and changemakers
- establish relationships with other impact-driven storytellers
- better understanding of ethical, collaborative storytelling
- produced a micro documentary film or photography project
THE COMMON GROUND
what to expect whenever you travel with us
Despite their differences, both the Documentary Outreach and Storytelling Expedition are grounded in our commitment to ethical, impactful storytelling. Each offers:
- Hands-on Learning: Whether you’re with us for ten days or a month, expect to get actively involved in every step of the documentary process.
- Cultural Immersion: We pride ourselves on providing experiences that allow you to deeply engage with local cultures and communities.
- Skill Development: From technical skills to narrative techniques, both trips equip you with the tools to become an effective storyteller.
Whether you choose the deep dive of the Documentary Outreach or the broad exploration of the Storytelling Expedition, you’re embarking on more than just a trip. You’re starting a journey to transform how you see and tell the stories of the world. Join us to travel the world and learn to tell the stories that matter,