Yk man teaches filmmaking in Ethiopia
George Lessard volunteers to instruct people in Addis Ababa how to professionally make their own video
John McFadden
Northern News Services
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
A Yellowknife video artist is now on the ground in Ethiopia for a four-week session on producing videos and television shows.
George Lessard spoke with Yellowknifer on the eve of his journey. He left Yellowknife on Jan. 31 for the long flight to the capital city of Addis Ababa, which is also the country's business hub.
Lessard has been in the video production business since the 1970s. He said he won't know exactly what is expected of him until after he lands.
"What usually happens is you find out quickly that their situation is not quite as it was explained to you," he said. "I've been told that I will be teaching editing and computer graphics for titles. That's tough to do in four weeks but I can teach them as much as I can."
He received the volunteer assignment through the non-government organization Canadian Executive Service Organization. Lessard said the organization's mandate is to use Canadian volunteers to work with private and public sectors to help with business development and strategic planning. He will be working with representatives from the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce to show its communications department the ins and outs of video production.
The goal is to help them become competent with video production so they will eventually be able to make their videos in-house.
The official language in Ethiopia is Amharic. Lessard said he has been told the people he is training speak English - he just wasn't sure how well. He admitted that may pose some challenges but he expects translators will be made available.
He also said he expects the local chamber of commerce fills a similar role to what a chamber would here.
"They have conventions," he said.
"People get together to promote business both locally and internationally. Video is a wonderful tool to help promote that."
Lessard says he has thousands of dollars worth of his own equipment but he is leaving most of it here. He expects to teach them on what they have - and that may just be cellphone video which he says these days produces industry-quality broadcast images.
"It's certainly cheaper than buying $10,000 video cameras and maybe several of them," said Lessard. "My objective is not just to teach them how to make videos but how to do it economically."
He expects the trip will be a real eye-opener but added he is not worried about his safety in Ethiopia. However, he said he will keep his wits about him and buy some local clothing so that he blends in with the locals as much as possible.
He added all his expenses are paid - meals and lodging - but there is no money in it for him at the end of the day.
Lessard said volunteering projects like these give him a great sense of satisfaction and pride.
He said he's proud to be helping people who otherwise might struggle to afford to pay for the training that he intends to provide them.
Lessard has volunteered for this same organization in the past, performing similar video training services in Bolivia and Russia.
