Video documentary work for Bai Xian Asia Institute - recapping their 2024 summer programmer in Shanghai, China. Created by Derry Ainsworth and Harry Salter as part of Shift Media. August 2024.
Client: Bai Xian Asia Institute
Project Aims and Overview:
With this video campaign the aim was to capture and document the experiences and moments of 80 scholars attending the summer programme. The programme included excursions, lectures and workshops that focussed on academic and leadership skills.
Utilising a two man video team, I worked with videographer Harry Salter, to cover the large range of activities across the programme, over the 2 week shoot period. Our aim was to create a more dynamic and engaging video by using a range of equipment and techniques. We used a mixture of slow motion cinematic shots, timelapses, gimble motion shots, aerial and sound design to achieve our final result.
The overall aim of the video is to showcase the empowering community and experiences available from BXAI. By spending time getting to know the students and sharing experiences with them, we were able to truly document their fun and memorable trip together.
About the project:
BXAI Summer Program 2024
A key component of BXAI’s Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program, the annual Summer Program takes place every August and gathers current scholars on one university campus for an exciting and enriching experience designed to broaden perspectives, foster community, and extend learning beyond the classroom.
The BXAI Summer Program 2024 was attended by 64 BX Scholars, most of whom being members of BXAI’s 10th cohort of students. 13 countries and regions were represented by the participants, who come from a wide range of academic backgrounds including business, humanities, social science, and science. Through a series of panel discussions, personal development workshops, excursions, and community-building activities, participants had valuable opportunities to hear from leaders and experts from various fields, delve into this year’s theme – “Digital Transformation in Asia”, form new friendships, and experience the rich culture and heritage of China.
The Summer Program Kicks Off
The Summer Program officially commenced on August 3 with an opening ceremony that included remarks by Prof. Ji Weidong, Director of Center for Japanese Studies of SJTU (Ministry of Education Accredited Institute), and Prof. Katsuichi Uchida, President of BXAI, who warmly welcomed scholars and introduced this year’s theme. Participants then took part in an afternoon of interactive team building challenges that kickstarted the formation of new friendships and encouraged them to exercise their leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Cultural Immersion
Excursions serve an important role in the Summer Program, and allow scholars to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the host country while getting to know each another. During the first few days, participants visited unique sights in the vicinity of Shanghai such as Mount Mogan in Deqing County and the historic town of Wuzhen, where they enjoyed an opportunity to soak in the breathtaking Jiangnan landscapes and explore an ancient Chinese town. Hands-on workshops, visits to cultural attractions, and collaborative activities along the way further enriched each scholar’s experience. “The excursion was a great icebreaker for everyone,” one scholar reflected. “We were free to just have fun, enjoy ourselves, and become more comfortable with one another. It was a good way to start our two weeks together.”
The following weekend featured a brand-new city tour activity titled, “Bai Xian Shang-highlights”, which exposed students to the various facets of Shanghai’s history, culture, and development. Participants were divided into teams, given specific destinations to visit across the city, and asked to produce creative group photos and a video showcasing their experiences, which were submitted afterwards for a chance to win a special prize.
Personal Growth and Soft Skills Development
The first week saw participants diving into a series of workshops that focused on important 21st-century skills such as public speaking, leadership, self-branding, and self-awareness. Interactive, practical, and empowering, each of the sessions equipped scholars with vital skills that will undoubtedly serve them well in their current academic life and future careers.
“I have never seriously thought about my strengths and weaknesses, so the character leadership workshop pushed me to really think about who I am and to set a goal for where I want to be in the near future,” said one scholar. “Now I am actively considering the steps I need to take to develop the traits I learned about in the workshop.”
Academic Exploration
Moving into the second week, scholars examined this summer’s theme, “Digital Transformation in Asia,” through academic sessions and panel discussions designed to deepen their understanding of key topics surrounding Asia’s digital transformation, such as generative AI, smart city development, and AI in finance. One scholar reflected, “Even though this is not my area of study, I have discovered how digital transformation actually pertains to all of us and our future, and therefore is something we all need to learn about, and so I am grateful for this opportunity to hear more about this important subject.”
A visit to Bilibili, a Shanghai-based online entertainment company and leading video platform, brought much of the scholars’ learning to life as they saw and experienced the inner workings of a large-scale, full-spectrum Chinese tech company.
Community Building and Collaborative Learning
Towards the end of the Summer Program, students enjoyed a chance to connect with the BX community at a “Coffee & Chat” session with members of BXAI’s leadership, and an alumni evening with scholars from previous cohorts. “Hearing from the speakers and alumni got me thinking about my future career, and what kind of problems I want to solve,” said one scholar. “How do I not let my job just be a job, but mean something more?” Scholars then wrapped up their learning journey by preparing for and delivering final group presentations, which focused on their insights on “Digital Transformation in Asia,” as well as their ideas on how to promote cross-cultural communication.
Campaign Deliverables:
1 x Main 5-6 minute full documentary video edit
1 x 4-5 minute on site edit for showing at the Final Ceremony Presentation
1 x Short teaser reel for social media to showcase the weekend of excursions
15-20 x interview videos of scholars, alumni and key speakers
To work together or find out more about my video services please drop me an email: derryainsworth@googlemail.com
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