By Thomas Harding
Second Edition August 2001
Pluto Press
Naomi Klein, author "No Logo", "This book is about media that doesn't just cover activism, it is activism, a crucial part of the process of reclaiming public space and communities."
Charles Secrett, Director, Friends of the Earth, UK."The Video Activist Handbook is the trade bible for this type of people-centred campaigning. Which is not surprising, as Thomas Harding is one of the co-founders of undercurrents, and pioneers of vid-activism. This is a clearly written compendium of everything you need to know to do it yourself. Part technical manual, part inspirational philosophy, part real life stories about and by those who have done it themselves, the Handbook is both a must read and a good read for anybody interested in catalysing creative change. ‘The Video Activist Handbook' does exactly what it says on the label. Buy it. Read it. Act on it. Your world will never be the same again."
Extract from forward by Anita Roddick (Body Shop) "The Video Activist Handbook, which is cover-to-cover with the kind of advice that budding video vigilantes should heed: everything from basic kit to broadcast.…Thomas Harding has laid out his information in such an accessible, linear way that his book could almost function as a blueprint for any form of activism."
New Statesman "The Video Activist Handbook is not just and instructive read for wannabe film-makers with a conscience, it is enough to inspire you to miss the odd lecture or three, pack a digital camcorder in your rucksack and head off to the nearest demo."
BBC Wildlife Magazine "There are many people in Britain crying out for effective ways to get their views across who could make use of this effective manual"
Bookmarks Review of Books "The strength of this book is that it demystifies the whole process of video making. Every aspect of the process is covered... This book will get you up and running in no time at all!"
Times Educational Supplement "a book well-informed as it is informative"
Filmwaves "a well structured and thorough panorama of all the essential elements which will make a video activist out of an idyll video maker …Whether you are involved in campaign work, community organising or media studies this book is for you"
Earth Matters This book is a must for local groups wanting to promote local actions and viewpoints through the visual medium: indispensable and excellent value."
Viewfinder "It’s down to earth and thorough …If you want to change the world using a video camera, this is the book for you"
Guardian "The guide deals with a host of issues, from equipment to check-book journalism, and it presses the reader to question the motives for film-making … It not only sits well in any activist’s pocket, it fills an often overlooked historical need".
Foreign Policy Centre Newsletter "Unusual as it is compelling"
Robbie Kellman, Greenpeace: "You must read this book if you are in any way involved in campaigning",
Peace News: "A masterpiece of empowerment. Accessible, friendly, and well-informed. No environmental or social justice campaign group should be without this book... Buy this book. It's inspiring"
Oliver Tickell, environmental journalist: "Deserves to become THE standard text for video makers with a mission for change"
Roddy Mansfield, video activist: "I give it eleven out of ten!"