Telling Local Stories Through Video: Community Groups Dive into Filming and Editing.

Last month, representatives from Open Doors Somerset, Wivey Kitchen, Burnham and Highbridge Repair Café, and Fixy came together for a practical and inspiring Basic Filming and Editing course using Canva.

The goal? To empower these passionate community groups with the skills to share their stories—what they do, the impact they make, and the voices of their incredible volunteers and community members.

Why Video?

In today’s digital world, video is one of the most powerful ways to connect with audiences. Whether it’s showcasing a community repair event, highlighting a volunteer’s story, or capturing the warmth of a shared meal, video brings these moments to life in ways that photos or text alone can’t.

What the Day Covered

The workshop focused on keeping things simple, approachable, and useful—no expensive kit required. Using just a smartphone and Canva, participants learned:

• How to frame interviews properly using their phone cameras
• Tips for capturing clear audio and engaging visuals
• Interview techniques – including the types of questions that spark meaningful and heartfelt answers
• Editing basics in Canva – trimming clips, adding music, overlaying text, and creating a compelling story flow

There was a real buzz in the room as participants practiced interviewing each other, explored editing tools, and discovered just how easy (and fun!) video creation can be.

Sharing the Impact

More than just a technical workshop, the session was about storytelling—how to highlight the positive impact these groups have in their communities and the dedication of the people behind the scenes.

Everyone left with a clearer vision of how they can start sharing their group’s story through short, powerful videos—and the confidence to start filming.

We’re excited to see what they create next. Whether it’s a 60-second clip for social media or a longer piece for a funding bid, these groups now have the tools to bring their community voices to the screen.