Kids Make Videos on The Environment

Video Critical is visual sociologist's David Gauntlett's approach to media audience research. According to the website, in the early 1990s, a lot of information about environmental issues had appeared in popular media, especially that aimed at children. But had this material had any impact on young viewers? To explore this question, groups of Leeds schoolchildren were given video equipment (and basic training in its use), and were asked to make a video about 'the environment'. The video documents what happened.

The study was published as a book, Video Critical, back in 1997. The book version contains more background information and theoretical discussion. This online presentation (launched April 2004) includes many new digitally-captured photographs.