CREW REVIEWS

I loved my experience with Actuality Media on the documentary outreach to Nicaragua. I learned a lot and had a fun time, not just with the students in my program and the supervisors, but the local we met as well.

I went abroad with actuality media the summer of 2016 from May to June in Bolivia. Overall I would 100 percent recommend this program to any students who think documentaries or film might be for them. it is a HUGE learning experience you cannot get anyway else but being there and doing it. The food was hard for me because I don’t eat meat so take into account nutrition since you’ll most likely be going to a third world country like I did. The excursions are very heavily hiking based so if you don’t like that you might want to chill at the hostel. My only regret with this program is the fact that I went as a producer. I had never worked on a group film project or been a producer so that was a big element of stress for me because I didn’t want to let anyone down. Really make sure the position you sign up for is in your field of interest because mine wasn’t at all. I would also suggest the people at actuality media update their filming equipment because it was a bit old and we ended up using a crew memebers camera. All that aside if you’re thinking about going… do it! You’ll never regret an experience in a new culture!

I really enjoyed my time in Tanzania with Actuality Media. For the most part, everything that we learned was pre-planned and thought out. I never felt in danger, and the program directors knew the best ways for us to get around.

I am so thankful I decided to apply for this program. It completely changed my life. I now not only view storytelling in a different way, but I also view the world differently because of this program.

It was great. Everybody was really nice and I learned a lot of Spanish. The program kicked my butt but a good way. I learned a lot of things that I wouldn’t know otherwise and I would recommend it to anybody.

Although the program and experience in a foreign country were amazing, I think there is still some room for improvement in the vetting process of the students to participate in the outreach. I will forever be linked with the change makers and even our hosts, but regret having to work with some of the individuals that were paired with me.

This eye-opening program allows you to do good in a foreign country of which you may have no prior knowledge, but leave having made an impact on a local organization, with great memories and connections.

Doing Actuality’s outreach course in Guatemala is an experience I will never forget. We came out the program with a film we are all so very proud of, yet the journey in creating it was not an easy one! The trip was filled with many highs, and many lows, although the highs most definitely prevailed!

An amazing life changing experience! Whilst learning great filmmaking skills, I made great international lifelong friendships and created a documentary that will change the landscape of water of in Guatemala.

Even though I had read countless reviews on this program, I could never have expected the impact it would have on me until I partook in it. Just days in, I had felt like I belonged. Everyone was coming from different places in search of a great experience- and that was what we got. Even if you have never travelled alone before, this is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss. Actuality Media arranged a great hostel for us to stay at, and food was provided there during lunch. The production supervisors are always there to help, even in non-film problems! The process of making the documentary was incredible: seeing the change that an organization is doing in people’s lives and being able to document it is the most fulfilling part about this trip. On a technical note, we were provided with the basic equipment tools, but did end up using our own dslr. Another thing that should be stressed is that each group should bring external hard drives, as that became an issue when wanting to bring the film home to edit (because one week is not enough!). Overall, this month-long program is one that will stay with me for life.