Course Description
This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of documentary filmmaking principles and techniques. Students will learn about storytelling, research, interviewing, shooting, editing, and sound design. The course will equip students with the skills necessary to create compelling and informative documentary films.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of documentary filmmaking principles.
• Develop compelling documentary story ideas.
• Conduct in-depth research and interviews.
• Shoot documentary footage effectively.
• Edit documentary films using professional software.
• Understand the role of sound design in documentary filmmaking.
Course Format
This course will be a combination of lectures, discussions, hands-on exercises, and guest lectures from experienced documentary filmmakers. Students will have opportunities to work on group projects and create their own documentary films.
Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking
• History of documentary filmmaking
• Types of documentaries (observational, interview-based, archival)
• Elements of a documentary film (story, characters, setting, visuals, sound)
Module 2: Documentary Storytelling
• Developing documentary story ideas
• Character development and storytelling techniques
• Structure and pacing in documentary films
• Using narrative techniques in documentaries
Module 3: Research and Pre-Production
• Conducting in-depth research
• Interviewing techniques
• Finding funding and resources
• Pre-production planning (scheduling, budgeting, equipment)
Module 4: Documentary Shooting
• Camera techniques for documentary filmmaking
• Lighting and sound considerations
• Shooting interviews and B-roll footage
• Ethical considerations in documentary filmmaking
Module 5: Documentary Editing
• Editing software and tools
• Editing techniques for documentaries (cuts, transitions, pacing)
• Storytelling through editing
• Sound design and music selection
Module 6: Documentary Distribution
• Film festivals and submissions
• Online distribution platforms
• Marketing and promotion of documentaries
• Documentary film culture
Enroll here.