Film maker captures life in Doncaster during the pandemic

Throughout June, Wayne is encouraging people to use their mobile phones, tablets and laptops to present an audio snapshot of how life has continued during lockdown.

The first phase of the project – which is being supported by Right Up Our Street – is using a citizen journalist format, with individuals submitting their audio recordings to Wayne, who will then take that material to create a radio piece or podcast.

Wayne said: “It’s the simplest and easiest idea because all the people taking part have to do is use the technology they already have at home and use every day to film the thoughts and opinions of the people around them.”Recruiting participants is being done through Wayne’s existing networks – organisations such as Manna Community in Bentley, Cast in Doncaster, the Conversation Club and Creative Directions.

To ensure quality and maintain proper safeguarding for everybody taking part, Wayne has also created a ‘capture good audio guide’ that will give tips on the best way to capture an interview.

He said: “I will be working with the citizen journalists at regular intervals through recorded online sessions and during the editing process to ensure quality and safeguarding,

“The result promises to be an honest and fascinating account of what it has been like to live through this challenging period, a project that could easily be taken up across the country to provide a full record of how we all lived with the pandemic.”

It is one of seven projects taking place in Doncaster during June commissioned by Right Up Our Street to ensure artist work is continuing to engage with people during lockdown.

Sally Lockey, Right Up Our Street creative director, said: “We are pleased to support Wayne with the first phase of this project.

“Capturing stories from the people in our town is so important right now. This will become a vital snapshot of a very strange time in our history.”

See rightupourstreet.org.uk