Documentary Filmmaking Workshop

FILM TV X 478.481

In this course, you focus on the creative aspects of writing, directing, and shooting documentaries in this ever-growing, multi-platform entertainment marketplace through lectures, discussions, and practical exercises.

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What you will learn.

Delve into topics such as conducting research, what to include, interviewing techniques, narrative choices, and more
Learn practical skills such as outlining a shooting script, prepping and planning your first shot, and creating a shot list
Understand the art of directing, capturing B-roll, writing an edit script, and pitching
Shoot three short documentaries that are screened in class

About this course:

Today, with hundreds of cable and web channels, and more on the way, there is a real need for documentary programs and dedicated filmmakers to produce them. In this course you focus on the creative aspects of writing, directing and shooting documentaries. Lectures, discussion and practical exercises guide you through the steps of making a documentary, including the right research, what to include, interviewing techniques, narrative techniques, outlining a shooting script, prepping and planning your first shoot, laying out a shooting schedule and shot list, directing, B-roll, writing an edit script, editing and pitching. Throughout the quarter, you have the opportunity to shoot three short documentaries which are screened in class and edited outside of class.

Prerequisites

Students must have access to a camera and editing equipment. Proficiency with an editing software program is strongly recommended. Students are responsible for making their work available on media for in-class viewing, analysis and evaluation.