Canva

Throughout the production of my video, I originally wanted to create the video through the programme premiere pro. However, when I began doing this, I found that it wasn't as simplistic as I expected, and I found that I wouldn't be able to achieve what I wanted. 

From doing my research and looking for a variety of websites and programmes which would enable me to create graphics. I found 'Canva'. This website enabled me to create graphics and infographics which I could then include within my video via premiere pro. 

Questions sent to the paramedic

Following the paramedic, Chris' reply, I have sent him the following questions for him to answer. Once I have received the replies from him, I will include the responses within the video. Hopefully as well as Chris' replies I will have also included responses from my mum, auntie or uncle showing a variety of different perspectives on how the diagnosis of the condition has affected them. Within the video, I hope to include primarily just facts and statistics with a small proportion of the awareness video being interviews, this is because I want everyone to receive the same from the video and not just be targeted at a smaller audience. 
I have included the email I have sent to Chris with the questions; 

Hi Chris, 

Thank you for your reply, as part of my video I would like to include some of your responses to the following questions

1. How did you first learn about this condition? 

2. Why did you decide to study this condition further?

3. What did you learn from studies?

4. How would you explain the condition to someone who is unaware of it?

5. What could be done to further help individuals to understand this condition and help those who are already affected? 

Thank you for your help, and I look forward to hearing from you

Email to the paramedic

On Wednesday 6th March I emailed the paramedic which provided his help and support to my cousin. My aim from the email was to ask for his authorization to include him and his responses within my video. From sending the email to the paramedic, Chris. I received a reply from him saying that he was happy to be involved within my project. 

Dear Chris, 

I am a student at Tupton Hall School currently doing my A-levels. I am participating in the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) and doing this around the topic of of creating an awareness video about the heart condition ‘Brugada’ and the ways in which the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) supports this. 

My idea was stimulated after the sudden death of my cousin, Bethany Mycroft in 2015. I am aware that this is also close to you after the medical support which you provided on the day.

I am hoping that as part of my video I could interview some individuals amd get different perspectives on how the condition has affected them. I understand that you also completed a dissertation on around this topic. I am interested in your research findings. 

I respect that this may be a serious and emotional topic to you and you may not want to be part of the video. If this is something that you are interested in and you are willing to help me, please let me know so I can email you some questions, allowing me to include your responses within my video. 

Yours sincerely

Textual Analysis Of Other Awareness Videos

I have analysed well known awareness videos and studied which characteristics and techniques have been used within each. 

This is the 'Shelter 9million voices' awareness video. I have chosen this one as similar to the diabetes and CRY they don't include actors. Within this video, they use fast cuts between one statistic to the next, this can imply that they are trying to symbolise how fast homeless issues are growing within the UK. The use of background colour within the video suggests a naturalistic approach to the topic which can symbolise the importance of the video and that it may be sensitive for some individuals. 

I have included the Cardiac Risk in the Young's awareness video. They have included facts and statistics which emotionally affects individuals reading/ watching this as they become so informed by what is being said. This video doesn't include any well known music which people can refer and associate to however they regularly use diegetic sound throughout, such as the heartbeat. This can represent the naturalistic view of the video, keeping it plain and getting to the point. 

This is the diabetes awareness campaign video. This is an awareness video which decided to take a different approach. The use of the illustrations makes it engaging to a wider range of audiences. The video is an easy way to educate yourself of the risks of diabetes and how the condition itself is created and managed by individuals. It highlights the symptoms of the condition which individuals can refer to if in in doubt. This video in specific has not included any factors of humour, this can relate to the more educational use of the video and not meant to be used in an entertaining yet educational way. 

This is the British Heart Foundation's awareness video. Techniques such as Mise en scene adds to the narrative of the video. The producers of the video included factors of humour throughout to allow them to maintain the attention of the audience. The choice of the well known song in the background enables the video to be easily remembered by the audience, this is a significant factor as the three individuals throughout the video are teaching the audience the key signs of a cardiac arrest. 

The screenshot above is from the awareness video of the charity MIND. Throughout the awareness video the technique of synthetic personalisation has been used. This is reinforced through the use of extreme close ups. This technique has been used as it allows the audience to feel like the video is directed at them, they are being told someone's story in hop that they understand that it is nothing to be ashamed off. The use of hashtag throughout the video (#inourownwords) is an engaging way to communicate with the audience. The Mise en scene of the video is seen to be very basic, this shows that the charity is wanting it to focus its awareness video on the topic and nothing else.

How will i use this research in my video? 
I have chosen to go for a more informal tone. I have decided to create a video which will be more informative to the audience than entertaining or emotive. I wont be including the interviews but using them as examples of personal experiences and what they think people need to know about the condition. It is clear that the condition is rare however, can be alarming and sensitive to the audience. My aim is to communicate the facts in a correct manor and not create any alarming news to everyone. 

Key Information About The Charity

The fundraising manager at the charity emailed me a list of specific facts which they include within their awareness videos and fundraising materials. 

• Every Week in the United Kingdom, at least 12 apparently fit and healthy young people die of un-diagnosed heart conditions 
• 80% of young sudden cardiac deaths occur with no prior symptoms 
• CRY has now screened over 175,000 young people since the charity was established 
• 1 in 100 individuals whom have experienced a CRY test have identified a less serious cardiac problem which could cause problems later on in life

Key features of awareness videos

Using the website https://reasondigital.com/insights/seven-components-to-create-the-best-charity-video/ they include many key aspects which make the most successful awareness video.

• create an emotional connection 
• use facts and statistics powerfully 
• Have a clear call to action 
• shock the audience

I will hopefully be able to implement all these specific factors within my charity video. 

My plan for the video is to create an emotional connection with my own family experiences and how the charity (Cardiac Risk in the Young) has helped and supported individuals who have experienced their own tragedies. 

The charity have emailed me some facts and statistics which have been Included in their professional awareness video, short facts which enable individuals to remember them easier and make it have much more significant impact amongst them.

The choice of facts which I am including will hopefully outline the call to action to the viewers, highlighting the importance of seeking medical assistance out if something isn't quite right. And understanding the importance of the charitable screening events which the charity regularly puts on seeking out the symptoms of the individual. 

Response From the Charity

I recently emailed the fundraising manager at the charity. I have attached below the response from the individual. From the response I can now begin my research and the production of my awareness video as I now know that the charity is fully on board with supporting the task. 

Hi Ellie-Mae,

Thank you so much for your email and for your interest in helping to raise awareness of the charity.  I am so sorry to hear of your reasons for discovering the charity, but so grateful to you for choosing to be so proactive in your cousin’s memory.  We are so grateful to you for your support and would be pleased to do whatever we can to help you with your efforts. Could I confirm that your cousin’s name is Bethany Mycroft?  The fundraising and awareness you have raised as a family in her memory is fantastic and you have created a lasting legacy to her.

I think a good starting point is for me to send you some of the videos that have been created that we use regularly to explain CRY as a base for you to start from.  I have attached a sort of CRY fact sheet that has the links as well as some stats about CRY that will hopefully be of use.  We focus on four key areas with our charitable work which is Awareness, Support, Screening & Research and we try to base how we promote the charity with these four key areas.  You are correct about it being a fine line between being too alarming, but making sure people take notice and we are always keen to see how others feel this can be implemented so we would be keen to see what you come up with.

I will of course be happy to help with any questions you might have or ideas you might want to discuss at any point and please do let me know if you require any materials to help you. 

Thank you for your interest in promoting CRY and I look forward to helping however I can.

Kind regards,

Ben