Calling Community Members: Help Us Create a ‘Love Letter to Tysons’

After being inspired by a project from a Seattle-based production company called Wondercamp, Tysons Reporter wants to create a video project highlighting hope and humanity during the COVID-19 pandemic — and we need your help.

Tysons Reporter is looking for video submissions of verbal “love letters” to neighbors around the Tysons area.

The point of this project is to learn how locals are keeping their spirits up and what people appreciate about life and community, even in hard times.

Submissions should be narrated like someone is reading a letter to someone they are about. An example can be found here.

Participants in Tysons, McLean, Falls Church, Merrifield and Vienna should send in videos of themselves and family members answering prompts (which can be found below) and also clips showing off a fun skill or hobby that has been keeping them occupied while staying inside, like gardening, baking, family fun, sing-alongs or playing with pets.

First responders, healthcare workers and other essential workers are also encouraged to send in videos talking about what gives them hope for a brighter future.

Answers to prompts should flow together and be applicable to a larger audience.

Please send all video submissions to our staff reporter Ashley Hopko at [email protected] before next Monday (May 4).

Prompts include:

• How has your community given you hope during this challenging time?
• Have you seen any acts of kindness lately?
• How has the pandemic helped you to reevaluate your priorities?
• What do you wish for your community and friends during this time?
• How have you helped your community in this time of crisis?

Videography Tips

• Smartphones are okay
• Speak clearly and at a steady pace
• Make sure your environment is well-lit with natural light (outside or near a window)
• Ensure you are in a quiet space
• Try to use a makeshift tripod to ensure shake-free shots
• Do a sound check before sending in your video. If you can’t hear yourself clearly, we can’t hear you either
• Avoid profanity or adult themes. This is an inclusive project for all ages

Photo via Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash