Description
Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking – online course is designed for a new generation of storytellers. With interactive, step-by-step learning, you will find you’re immersed from session one. It is run over five weeks; each session is two hours long. Small class size. Learners must be Adults (18+).
If documentary film is your passion then by the end of this course you will have:
- a broader knowledge of storytelling in documentary and factual filmmaking
- a deeper understanding of story structure
- the confidence and ability to tell a story in a variety of documentary and factual filmmaking styles
- an intensive overview of the history of documentary and the industry in respect of festivals, broadcasters and funding bodies
- knowledge of researching “the story”, producing and conceptualising, scriptwriting, defining your audience and finding your key team
- knowledge of filming; of using cameras and sound recording equipment
- key document templates including treatments, release forms, schedules and permissions
- information about how to create a budget (considering crew size, camera format, sound set-up, length of shoot and postproduction – and how to balance practical and artistic considerations)
- knowledge of how to film an interview discreetly, ethically and safely
- information about the post-production process – notably the needs of your documentary, from viewing and logging footage to producing a finished film ready for distribution
- the opportunity to pitch your project and receive feedback
- knowledge of exhibition, distribution and broadcast strategies, with a range of case studies from traditional TV documentaries to new media platforms
Who is Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking – online course aimed at:
Confident beginners (18+) wanting to make their first documentary, and improvers looking to make better work that reaches wider audiences.
This course doesn’t focus on technical equipment, but the skills and knowledge you need to get great stories into production and out to audiences.
Sessions are run on Zoom and are recorded so you can “catch up” on missed sessions or watch again.
What do I need to prepare:
Documentaries have been described as the 21st century’s most influential art form as they can help us understand and connect to our fast-changing world. They can grab the heart, alter public opinion and offer a window into the daily lives of real people. However, a documentary does not have to have a complex premise and it’s often the simplest theme or narrative that has the most impact. With this in mind, learners are encouraged to bring three ideas for a documentary to the first class, with the idea of using one of these as a basis for development throughout the course. This will greatly enhance your enjoyment and will help you focus on finding your own creative voice.
In addition, all participants are expected to read the sessions notes prior to the start of each session (which will be available via our online “Moodle” portal.)
Your tutor – Andi Reiss
Andi Reiss is an independent media producer, filmmaker and video artist. His documentary films, photographs and art installations aim to focus on realism and social commentary with a distinctive experimental style, highlighting issues of controversy and distant voice. Andi’s screenplays and drama work aim to entertain; his commercial work aims to innovate and earn. Essentially, his work aims to explore how people are fugitives of lived time, within the context of being in the world, and yet somehow not of it.
As a producer, a director, writer, self-shooter, editor and colourist, photographer, media artist, video painter, cartoonist and university lecturer, his work challenges the constraints and conventions of spectatorship and chronicles an emotive connection between people and their relationship to the worlds and scenarios they inhabit. It spans film, installation, graphics and performance, employing a range of methodologies in media. Over twenty years of working independently, Andi has won international festival awards and has gained experience of most film-making situations, producing many varied types of content from live events, digital videos, long-form observational documentary, short and very short films, to a 90-minute feature and multi-channel video installation, or video variants. He has a Master of Arts with Distinction in 21st Century Media Practice, and outside of professional activities, his interests include trampolining, bubblewrap, Avril Lavigne’s underrated latter work and stone-skipping.
Early booking discount & concessions
Book early to get 10% reduction on the full price course fee. See the date at top right of this page (usually two weeks before the course start date, but may vary).
UK based Students, NHS workers and people on some means-tested benefits are eligible to claim the concessionary rate. Evidence is required, such as student card, NHS staff card or benefit letter.
Means tested benefits: JSA, Income Support; Working Tax Credit (not child tax credit); Council Tax Benefit (not student/single person/reduction due to disability); Housing Benefit; Pension Credit (guarantee); Unwaged Dependent of these benefits & Universal Credit.
This online course is for Adults (18+).
Like Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking – online course? You may also like:
Introduction to Screenwriting – online course
3-Day Video Production – in-person course, put the theory into practice and make a film over three days
Additional information
| Pricing | Concession, Full price |
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