Despite the fact that archaeologists have experimented with various forms of filmmaking for a century we are still yet to develop a pragmatic approach to how best to integrate actuality film and video recording, editing, and archiving into our research project designs. As mediums merge and digital platforms multiply, as coders begin to replace film editors, as media technologies, standards, laws, and conventions shift – now is a timely moment to take stock and consider how we can make better use of actuality film and video in archaeological contexts. Key challenges include how to address the disconnected digital archives of historical archaeological film footage increasingly available online; how to better integrate drone, underwater, and site videography into archaeological research design and dissemination strategies; and how to better foster media literacy and skills among archaeologists tasked with researching, designing, recording, editing, managing, distributing, and digitally archiving film and video material. This session seeks to cross industry and disciplinary boundaries by inviting archaeological scholars and computing specialists to problematise and bring fresh perspectives to the above issues by suggesting future directions for how we can make the most of digital actuality film and video in archaeology. Suggested themes and topics include but are not restricted to: o Approaching film and video as archaeological data. o The challenges of digital archiving, database management, and accessibility for archaeological films and videos. o Working with video files – what archaeologists need to know. o Using film and video in academic publishing. o The pros and cons of vlogging, social media, and online video platforms for archaeology. o Merging the mediums: approaches to combining actuality footage with animation, VR, AR, and more. o Coding: the future of film editing? How can we futureproof digital archaeological storytelling? Please note: the term ‘actuality’ is borrowed from the documentary industry and used here to describe non-fiction films and videos of actual people, places, and events - as differentiated from animated or fiction films and videos.
