Documentary

Program Overview

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The Documentary Film Program at Prague Film School equips students with the skills and knowledge to become independent documentary filmmakers. Through a combination of practical exercises, theoretical instruction, and industry exposure, the program prepares students for work in the field, covering a wide range of topics and issues. Graduates are equipped to handle all aspects of documentary production independently and have gone on to successful careers in the documentary film industry.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Objectives:

• Develop independent documentary filmmakers through intensive practical and theoretical work.
• Adapt narrative tools of drama to tell truthful stories about the real world.
• Entertain, educate, and inspire audiences.
• Develop professional-level production and post-production skills.

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Description:

• The Documentary Film Program at Prague Film School is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful documentary filmmakers.
• Through a combination of practical exercises, theoretical instruction, and industry exposure, the program provides a comprehensive learning experience that prepares students for work in the field.
• Students learn how to use documentary techniques to tell compelling stories, covering a wide range of topics and issues.
• They also develop strong technical skills in areas such as camera operation, sound recording, editing, and lighting.

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Key Features:

• Praxis-oriented: Students begin shooting documentary projects from week one and continue throughout the program.
• Skills-oriented: Students acquire proficiency in operating industry-standard equipment and software.
• Knowledge-oriented: The program includes a thorough examination of documentary history, theory, and ethics.
• Creates self-sufficient and versatile filmmakers: Graduates are equipped to handle all aspects of documentary production independently.
• Stories available: Prague offers a wealth of historical, social, and cultural subjects for exploration.
• Boutique program: Offers personalized attention and guidance from experienced instructors.
• Intensive: Prepares students for professional careers in a compressed timeframe.

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Outline:

The Documentary Film Program consists of two tracks:

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Documentary Year Program:

• Semester 1: Covers foundational skills and knowledge in documentary filmmaking, including camera operation, sound recording, editing, lighting, documentary history, theory, and ethics.
Students complete numerous shooting assignments, crew on each other's projects, and produce a 10-minute documentary short film.
• Semester 2: Focuses on advanced documentary filmmaking techniques and project development.
Students complete a diploma film and crew on classmates' projects. They also engage in extensive brainstorming and pitching sessions to develop a portfolio of critiqued project ideas.

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Documentary Semester Program:

• Semester 1: Covers the same foundational skills and knowledge as the first semester of the year program.
Students complete seven film projects and develop a strong understanding of documentary filmmaking techniques.

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Both programs include:

• Documentary Theory/History: Explores the historical and theoretical foundations of documentary filmmaking.
• Documentary Workshop: Provides hands-on experience in various aspects of documentary production.
• Cinematography: Covers camera operation, lighting, and visual storytelling techniques.
• Editing: Teaches students how to use Avid Media Composer and other editing software.

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Assessment:

• Formative assessment: Regular feedback through critiques, discussions, and assignments.
• Summative assessment: Evaluation of projects, exams, and final thesis film.
• Criteria: Originality, creativity, technical proficiency, storytelling ability, research, and critical analysis.

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Teaching:

• Experienced faculty: Program instructors are renowned filmmakers, documentarians, and academics.
• Hands-on learning: Emphasis on practical exercises and real-world projects.
• Individualized attention: Small class sizes and personalized feedback.

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Careers:

• Documentary filmmaker: Produce and direct documentaries for television, film, web, and other media.
• Videographer: Shoot and edit videos for various purposes, including news, corporate, and educational.
• Editor: Edit documentaries, films, television shows, and other video content.
• Camera operator: Operate camera equipment for film, television, and other media productions.
• Sound recordist: Record sound for film, television, and other media productions.

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Other:

• The program offers students the opportunity to participate in the industry section of the Jihlava and One World documentary film festivals held annually in the Czech Republic.
• Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in the documentary film industry, including winning awards and working on internationally acclaimed projects.
• The program is academically rigorous and approved for university credit by many top colleges and universities.
• Students benefit from the vibrant cultural and historical setting of Prague, which provides a rich source of inspiration for documentary filmmaking.