Producing Documentaries Course

Program Overview

This documentary filmmaking course covers the creative and technical aspects of producing successful documentaries, from concept to distribution. Participants develop a project proposal, learn about storytelling techniques, and explore the business and financial considerations of documentary production. The course is taught by industry professionals and includes guest speakers, screenings, and discussions of documentary genres.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Overview: This course explores the stylistic and narrative, as well as technical and business approaches to successful documentary filmmaking from inception to distribution.
Participants create their own project proposal based on the strategies learned.
• Objectives:
• Develop an understanding of effective documentary storytelling for several genres
• Understand the development of both television and feature documentaries
• Draft a synopsis for a one-hour television documentary
• Learn how to properly pitch and elaborate on your personal project
• Content:
• Documentary production process, from idea through distribution
• Story, structure, and style
• Budget, financial, and technical aspects of television documentaries
• Course Schedule:
• Tuesday evenings, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM PT

Teaching:

• Methods: Lectures, guest speakers