The Disposable Film Project
Two months ago, Lara Eucalano and I came up with the idea for a project focused on creating connections using a unique medium – disposable film cameras. A single comment from Lara sparked an idea that is now known as the Disposable Film Project.
The goal of the project is to string together the lives of people from various backgrounds and geographic locations. Every story begins exactly the same – with one disposable film camera.
Put your thinking caps on for the next few minutes. Picture the Disposable Film Project as one large umbrella housing various components. Each component is a unique method for capturing and sharing stories.
Currently, the Disposable Film Project is comprised of 3 pieces:
1. Disposable Film Project Packages:
A disposable film camera is mailed in a Disposable Film Project package to a designated initiator. The reusable packages are heavily padded to ensure the cameras remain protected. Each box also contains a loose set of guidelines and plenty of shipping labels.
Each initiator kicks off their chapter by taking two photographs before mailing the camera/package to a participant of their choice. The next participant takes two photographs and mails the camera/package to a participant of their choice. The process continues until the camera reaches its final exposure.
The last person to take a photograph will mail the camera/package back to one of the project founders (Lara Eucalano or Jennifer Stevens). Once the project founders receive a camera, they will develop the film and post the photographs to the Disposable Film Project blog.
Viewers will have the opportunity to study each chapter and discover where the cameras traveled. No two stories will be the same.
2. Disposable Film Camera Launches:
A disposable film camera will be launched in a public park or place. Each camera will remain in the designated location for 2 hours, or until all exposures have been used.
A poster containing guidelines and stack of Disposable Film Project business cards will accompany all launched cameras, regardless of location. Launchers will check in on the cameras to ensure against theft or sudden inclement weather.
Once the camera has been used, a project founder will develop the film and post the photographs to the Disposable Film Project blog. Participants will be directed to the Disposable Film Project blog in order to view the photographs.
3. Disposable Film Camera Hand Off:
A disposable film camera will be given to a selected participant. The participant will use all 27 exposures. Once the participant has captured life from his/her perspective, the camera will be collected by a project founder.
The film will be developed and the photographs will be published to the Disposable Film Project blog.
At this time, Lara and I are awaiting the first round of Disposable Film Project packages, mailed in early November. I am gearing up to send out a second round of packages. I also plan to conduct my first camera launch before the end of the year.
Want to receive updates about the Disposable Film Project blog? Become an email follower by selecting the “Follow” option on the project home page.
Jennifer
