Welcome to the Rhode Island PBS Our Town community project where you are the filmmaker and you tell the story of Our Town.

 

Your Voice, Your Vision

 

Our Town features the local legends, historical happenings, and backyard secrets that our Rhode Island towns and villages have to offer - those untold or uncelebrated stories that capture the essence of the town. Rhode Island PBS does not choose the stories - you do!

 

You can be a part of the Our Town story by collecting video and being one of the storytellers. Help document the people, places, and happenings in your community. No experience is necessary, just enthusiasm!

 

Town residents are especially urged to participate - you know all those great stories! But because Our Town is all about sharing, you do not have to live in the town if you have a great story to tell or would like to help record great town stories.

 

Great Stories

 

Great stories are found in memories, on streets, and in libraries. Rhode Island PBS is developing Our Town to give members of the community a platform to tell these great stories and share perspectives of their town in their own voice. Our Town is also a meaningful way for Rhode Island PBS to more closely connect and involve the community with the station.

 

Part fund-raiser, part community builder, part historical and cultural documentary, and part whimsical and nostalgic "day-in-the-life" video scrapbook, Our Town is a great way to showcase where we live!

 

Where to Start

 

Spread the word about Our Town to local organizations in your community. When we are in a town, Rhode Island PBS recruits 20 to 25 volunteers with their own cameras. There are no restrictions as to age or experience, and there is no cost or compensation to participate.

 

Rhode Island PBS offers production guidance, technical advice and support to the volunteer filmmakers. We offer one hands-on workshop at the studio before filming to share broadcast standards and guidelines, tips, and to answer questions.

 

Two days are allocated for filming but you can film anytime up to the deadline for your town. When you finish filming, Rhode Island PBS will edit together your video story with your neighbors' stories to create a one-hour portrait of Our Town.

 

Have a story to tell about your town or a town you'd like to recommend? Let us know you are ready and waiting to start! Call the Our Town Project Director Jodi Mesolella at 401-222-3636, ext. 209 or reach her by email at ourtown @ ripbs.org.