The “L.I.S.A. video” section is intended to provide a unique film portal which addresses the growing importance of the Internet as a viewing platform for videos as well as increasingly for formats traditionally the preserve of TV, such as news, commentaries, documentaries and features. This displacement of film content onto the web reflects a permanent change in lifestyles and viewing habits, with the Internet possessing the crucial advantage that film or video is available and accessible from anywhere, at anytime.
The “L.I.S.A. video” project additionally is also connected with other goals.
1. Publicity for science: The Internet opens up new channels of communication and presentation for science. The Internet can be used to deliver sophisticated content in a modern and popular way to a wide, young audience. The aim of “L.I.S.A. video” is therefore not least to get young people interested in science.
2. Advancement of science: Use of the Internet can no longer be ignored as a source of information for everyday research. “L.I.S.A. video” offers scientists and research groups a modern platform on the web which enables them to present their own individual work, projects and results to a broad and interested public in an attractive, easily-understood way.
3. Networking for scientists: The Internet's advance has brought with it changes to the scientist's job. Exchange of information on research issues, theories and results has intensified and accelerated, and today research work is primarily team based. “L.I.S.A. video” also takes into account this transition, inviting students, doctoral students and established scientists to work together on projects.
The films presented in the “L.I.S.A. video” section are the result of a project launched by the Gerda Henkel Foundation at the end of 2008. Eight research teams have since been filming their scientific work using a professional video set-up. The “Peter Prestel Filmproduktion” production company (behind the ZDF Science series “Schliemanns Erben” [Schliemann’s Legacy] and “Humboldts Erben” [Humboldt’s Legacy]) trained the scientists beforehand in filming and editing work together with the basics of journalism, and also provided editorial support during filming.
The compiled unedited footage was then professionally edited down by the production company, working alongside specialists, into three-minute documentaries.
The individual projects will continue to be documented until the research work is completed and will be published in individual episodes in the form of a scientific film series on “L.I.S.A. video”.