New website to tell Christchurch video stories

New website to tell Christchurch video stories

A new website to let Christchurch people tell their stories in video has just been launched.

The founder of OurTube, John McNeil, says as the frustrations of entering the long haul from earthquake recovery start to emerge, there’s a need to encourage the sense of community that sprang up spontaneously after the two major events.

“A huge amount of what happens in Christchurch never makes it into the mainstream media,” McNeil says, “and even if it does, the story is gone the next day.”

OurTube is redressing the balance, by providing a place where these stories can be told, and where they can be viewed long into the future.

The overall aim is to present a broad mix of items, ranging from earthquake recovery to personal stories to the arts, with a particular emphasis on the human drama, hope and encouragement.

“Ordinary people are doing remarkable things, lives are being changed. We need to hear these stories.

“Thousands of people give up thousands of hours to help in community projects or work in specialised ministries, usually unsung. Without their efforts, society could not operate. These heroes should be celebrated.

“Even with the effects of the quakes, Christchurch is still one of New Zealand’s most dynamic creative communities. These arts and artists are crying out to be seen.”

McNeil says you could very loosely think of OurTube as a YouTube just for Christchurch. And the website will draw heavily on material uploaded to the latter and to Vimeo.

However, he also wants to encourage people to film material specifically for the new site, which has been designed for easy navigation. The front page of OurTube features a wide-ranging series of channels covering everything from recovery developments and local events to music and sport, all Christchurch orientated.

“I am amazed at how many Christchurch people are already telling their own stories, and documenting what is happening in the life of the city. Almost everybody has a video camera in their back pocket these days, and they are certainly using them.

“I’m hoping this will be the best thing to happen to Christchurch in the last 18 months. We certainly could do with some good things,” McNeil said. There is an associated Facebook page to encourage conversation and feedback.

OurTube can be found at www.ourtube.org.nz.

ENDS

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