It's time to begin creating your own documentaries.
- 9 Film   Exercises
- 3 portfolio   pieces
- Mentorship from award-winning filmmakers
- Networking   events
Film Literacy
The initial section of the program takes an in-depth look at documentary filmmaking fundamentals. In addition to the lectures, there are production labs which enable students to have an understanding of how they should write treatments, plan design production schedules, and conduct interviews. It also includes how to record quality sound, scout subjects, and edit using Adobe Premiere.
All throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to make exercise films where they can hone their new skills.
Lecture Topics Include
- Overview of various documentary genres
- Camera Functions
- Documentary Storytelling
- Screen Grammar
- Directing
- Shooting with available light, 2 and 3-point lighting
- After Effects
- Introduction to Editing with Adobe Premiere
- Shooting with DSLR Cameras
Project: Biographical Film
This is a very popular project, and one in which lasting bonds are created between the students. The biographical film helps to bring the fundamentals of production together.
Gaining Client Experience
During the second month of the program, the foundations learned in the first month are expanded upon. Subjects such as narrative structure, how to develop a story, researching and writing are looked at in more detail. Camera movement will also be take to the next level, while students start to understand the gear that is required as an independent film maker. During this time, students will begin to develop the skills they will need to organize and plan a shoot.
Lecture Topics Include
- Narration vs. Cinema Verité
- Camera movement
- Gear for the ndependent filmmaker
- Screen grammar
- Story structure
- Treatment writing
- How to plan a shoot
- Howe to conduct a good interview
- Lighting/sound workshops
- Using Adobe Premiere to Edit
- Shooting a community-based film for a non-profit
- Delivering the perfect pitch
Project: Community Client Film
For this project, students work with charities who are in need of film content to promote and help with their causes. This is a wonderful project which provide an authentic experience with a client.
Passion Project
During the last month, we assist students in creating a 7-15 minute passion project in the form of a documentary film. Receiving mentorship from professionals within the industry, they will learn more about lighting, sound, and advanced shooting styles. Some of the practical elements involved in the film making process will also be looked at, such as how to draft a successful grant, how to write a story proposal, what is involved in developing a financial plan, budgeting, marketing, and of course distribution.
The last weeks of the course are used to perfect the final projects.
Lecture Topics Include
- Shooting styles
- Advanced lighting and sound
- Drafting a successful grant and story proposal
- Advanced editing
- Financial planning and budgeting
- how to design an interactive strategy
- Creating effective chapters and story sequences
- Creating an authorial vision
- Structure, form, and narrative thread
- Creating story rhythms and pacing
- Documentary story structure
- Professional editor's strategy: first assembly, rough cut, fine cut
Project: Your Passion Film
Prerequisites: None
Duration: 20 Weeks
Time: 9:30am-4:00pm
Days: Monday to Friday
Capacity: 10
2016 Intake: TBA