Lights, camera, action! Provincial communications step up a gear

A day under the bright lights has set the Province onto a further communications path with a series of interviews conducted by Provincial video wizard Chris Watkin and his team.

The day-long video session at Grantham will yield a number of individual ‘bites’ covering a range of topics about Freemasonry, which will be released from May onwards. They’re part of the development of a visual and audio podcast put together by Chris, Simon Noden from Lumley Lodge at Skegness, and Peter Richardson from Temple Belwood at Crowle.

Provincial Communications Officer Stuart Pearcey believes the broadening power of technology offers new opportunities in the developing world of communications. “Over the last few years we’ve changed not only the scope of things we say, but the ways we have of saying them too, ” he said. “And although moving further in to audio and video might seem strange and even alien at first, it’s worth remembering that email was once ‘new technology’, and yet we now not only accept it, but would be severely hampered without it.”

He believes the Province is fortunate in having the skills and commitment amongst its members to harness the power of the small screen. “Chris has the video capability at his fingertips. Add his enthusiasm to his ability, and couple it with the enthusiasm and commitment of Simon and Peter, and we have a recipe for success with podcasting in audio and video.

“The way the world consumes information today has changed. Because of the picture detail television can offer, showing us things like the seam on a cricket ball or the whiskers on a mouse, people have naturally high expectations. In that context, keeping Freemasonry relevant requires us to show it to the same high visual standard, and in the same media – our phones and computers. The modern world requires nothing less.”

He believes the UGLE seven-year strategy will need us to continue to push boundaries and come up with innovative thinking – like the ‘Do You Remember Me’ film you can see here. “This film has been extremely well received. Chris has created versions not only for Lincolnshire, but also for our neighbouring provinces. It’s a valuable tool in the seven-year strategy.”

But in a final note of caution he adds: “Just because it’s new and exciting doesn’t mean we should put all of our eggs in this particular basket. We shouldn’t lose sight of our audience, remembering that to reach as many people as possible we need to have tools and techniques that suit them, so there is still lots of room for our Masonic Lincs magazine, posted letters, phone calls, and face-to-face conversation.

“Communication, in all its forms, is what Freemasonry is really all about. Without it, nothing else happens…”

We’ll keep you updated about videos and the emerging podcast in due course.

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