Eight-Week Documentary Filmmaking - Courses

Program Overview

The Eight-Week Documentary Filmmaking course equips aspiring filmmakers with technical and creative skills to turn their documentary ideas into reality. Through hands-on training and guidance from industry professionals, students develop a strong foundation in documentary filmmaking, culminating in the creation of their own short documentary films. The program emphasizes social responsibility and ethical considerations, preparing graduates for careers in the documentary filmmaking industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Eight-Week Documentary Filmmaking (full-time) course is aimed at aspiring filmmakers who are eager to turn their passion and ideas for documentaries into reality. The program offers thorough training in both technical and creative skills, culminating in the creation of a short documentary film by each student. The course is designed for beginners, so no prior experience is necessary.

Objectives:

• Equip students with fundamental documentary filmmaking skills.
• Focus on the challenges of the documentary genre, such as working with people and capturing reality.
• Enhance students' understanding, knowledge, and practice in various areas, including:
• Recognizing the current documentary filmmaking context and different forms.
• Researching, developing, structuring, and pitching ideas with awareness of the potential market and audience.
• Employing digital cameras, sound recording, lighting, and editing software.
• The importance of narrative and storytelling in documentary filmmaking, and developing a unique voice as a storyteller.

Outline:

The program covers a wide range of topics and themes related to documentary filmmaking. While the specific modules may vary depending on the semester, the following outline provides a general idea of the program's curriculum:

• The Factual Landscape:
Examining the concept of "factual programming," generating and developing factual content such as single documentaries, constructed documentaries, fixed-rig formats, and analyzing and interpreting factual stories to enhance audience engagement.
• Camera, Lighting, and Sound:
Gaining hands-on experience with digital cameras, lighting techniques, and sound recording, focusing on utilizing these elements in various factual scenarios, like interviews, voice-overs, and vox pops.
• Visual Storytelling:
Mastering the art of visual storytelling through composition, blocking, camera positioning, and audience engagement techniques.
• Production:
Mastering project planning and preparation essentials, including health and safety considerations, budgeting, and designing a shooting schedule. The course is offered at both MetFilm School campuses in London and Berlin.

Assessment:

Students will be assessed through a combination of coursework, practical work, and a final project. The specific assessment methods and criteria will be provided at the beginning of the course.

Teaching:

The course is taught by experienced professionals in the documentary filmmaking industry. The curriculum focuses on a hands-on, practical approach, ensuring students gain valuable skills and experience. The program also features guest lectures and workshops from established filmmakers.

Careers:

The Eight-Week Documentary Filmmaking course offers graduates a strong foundation for entering the documentary filmmaking industry. Potential career paths may include:

• Documentary filmmaker
• Editor
• Camera operator
• Sound recordist
• Researcher
• Factual producer
• TV researcher
• Journalist

Other:

• The program emphasizes the importance of social responsibility and ethical considerations in documentary filmmaking.
• Students have access to industry-standard equipment and facilities.
• Individualized support is provided to help students achieve their full potential.
The actual program content and structure may vary depending on the semester and location.