The Way Out, the first documentary by Adam Wong Sau-ping in collaboration with Hong Kong youth
In 2016, UNICEF HK introduced Make A Video Contest and invited all Hong Kong students to submit a one-minute video on the theme 'To Mom & Dad'. A total of 160 videos were collected. With the full support from Hang Seng Bank, UNICEF HK engaged Director Adam Wong Sau-ping and his crew to join hands with three contestants to produce a documentary that captures the lives and struggles of Hong Kong youth.
Director Adam Wong Sau-ping met three secondary school students, Luong Ying-ngai, Shum Ming-chun and Fung Ho-yuen who share the same passion in video making but struggle to thrive. While Director Wong directed guidance and workshops to youth on making a video of their own story, he recorded the behind-the-scenes of the youth's video-making process, and has produced The Way Out.
Ying-ngai is admitted to a children's home because of the conflict with her mother after her father's death. Ming-chun wants to run away and change his destiny but he doubts if it will be too unrealistic. Ho-yuen, who left the traditional school and moved to study in a school of creativity in pursuit of her dream in arts, is worrying about losing her true self.
After talking to the three young people, Adam decided to help them film stories of their own. During the process, the youth share their views on family, friends, education and social system. Their stories reveal the common struggles of the youth in Hong Kong. Could they find a way out of their dilemma?
Rundown of Video Day Camp
Day 1: Learn about audio and visual skills, develop their own stories, start script-writing, and decide who film what with whom
Day 2-3: Finalise their story ideas and start filming in groups
Day 4: Reflect upon the filming process, keep filming, or else start editing
Day 5: Finalise their one-minute films, celebrate with a mini screening party, and reflect upon their own learning
Since 2014, UNICEF HK has organized video day camps for local youth. During a five-day video camp, youth participants who are new to video production receive support and training from professioanl trainers on making their one-minute videos. Despite facing unsettled weather, limited resources and prodcution time, participants maintained their positive attitude and strived hard to produce their brilliant works.
For openly enrolled participants, they are offerered the opportunity to shoort in a professional studio and understand more about professional shooting process. Meanwhile, trainers have shared their experiences on sound booming and provided inspiration to better prepare participants for their final works.
Moreover, participants have participated in the ‘Deadline Challenge’. Within the limited time, participants have reached their full potentials by shooting short videos and performing dramas. Through this mini task, participants also gain better self-understanding on their personal attitudes, needs and abilities.
All participants were matched with professional trainers for technical advice to enhance their videos and story-telling. They discussed and exchanged video ideas with trainers to refine their one-minute videos before submission.
