Video Nation

Remember those late night Video Nation diaries on BBC2? Ordinary people recording their lives and thoughts on camera? Since 1993, more than 1200 Video Nation 'Shorts' have been shown on TV creating a unique and diverse visual record of life.

Video Nation continues on the web, and we want you to share your stories with us in our Video Manchester section. We're looking for people from all walks of life in Greater Manchester to take part. You don't have to be a web wizard or a camcorder king. You just need to be up for it. And we'll put you story on the web.

How does it work?

Simple. We give you a camcorder, and some training on how to use it. All you have to do is to remember to switch it on and give us an insight into a part of your world. It can be about anything - as long it's real life and tells us something about what makes you tick.

Who edits the tapes?

We do, but Video Nation hands over control to you. If you are unhappy about a finished video, then it just doesn't get shown. That way you are free to shoot first, decide later.

I’ve never used a camcorder - does that matter?

No - and you don’t have to be technically-minded either. A local production team will provide all the training and advice you need to film successfully.

What will happen to my recordings?

Your tape may be edited into a short video and shown on the website, once you've agreed the final version. If you change your mind about a video later on, we'll take it down as soon as possible. We use streaming technology, which means the videos can’t be downloaded or kept by users.

What’s in it for me?

It's an opportunity to share your views and experiences with others; to talk directly to both local and national audiences and to add your videos to the growing, online archive of everyday life.