Learn How To Create Nonfiction Films
In the 15-Week Online Documentary Filmmaking And Micro Docs Workshop, students learn the fundamental aspects of narrative and documentary filmmaking and are introduced to the arena of digital social media micro docs. Through a series of lectures, in-class screenings, and practicum assignments, award-winning filmmakers shepherd students through the production of three original 1-5 minute documentaries which can be made traditionally or as social media micro docs. Films include an Observational Film, Interview Film, and Final Film.
Workshop DescriptionWorkshop Name: 15-Week Online Documentary Filmmaking And Micro Docs
Production and post-production of all films created in this workshop can be accomplished using a home computer and a smartphone. As each film is completed, students screen their work with their classmates and instructors and engage in feedback sessions and discussions.
Prerequisites – This is an introductory workshop, no prerequisites are required, nor is any prior experience expected.
To learn more, request more information.
Class Details
The 15-Week Online Documentary Filmmaking And Micro Docs Workshop include directing, documentary storytelling, camera & lighting, producing, and editing.
Times and Breakdown by Week
The 15-Week workshops follow the same curriculum as the 4-Week Workshops spread over 15 weeks and are designed to meet the needs of students with other commitments. The 15-Week workshops will meet as a class with a live instructor Tuesdays and Thursdays, with an additional class on Wednesdays for weeks 14 and 15.
Scheduled classes are as follows:
- 1 x 2.5-hour class on each meeting day, as indicated above.
- There are two program schedule options to choose from:
- All 15-Week Online workshops (excluding Screenwriting) are offered in Time Zone Option 1: 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time / 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. Pacific Time (for the start time for other time zones, click here)
Total Course Hours = 80
Week 1 – 2:
- Documentary Storytelling / Directing & Pre-Producing An Original Doc / Smartphone Cinematography
- Practicum: Shoot Observational Film
Week 3 – 5:
- Editing
- Directing Interviews / Smartphone Cinematography / Interviews & Zoom Interviews
- Practicum: Edit Observational Film / Shoot Interview Film
Week 6 – 9:
- Sound Editing Techniques
- Directing the 1st Person Documentary / Documentary Storytelling – Pitch & Action; Sequence Beats / Producing Archival Footage
- Practicum: Edit Interview Film / Shoot and Gather Materials for Final Project
Week 10 – 15:
- Advanced Editing Techniques / Supervised Editing Sessions
- Directing Feedback / Producing: Distribution
- Practicum: Edit Final Film / Workshop Rough & Fine Cuts
Program and Software Requirements
This course requires the following software and equipment:
- Smart Phone with a camera
- Filmic Pro app (additional student cost is approximately $14.99)
- DaVinci Resolve Editing Software (no additional student cost)
- Laptop or desktop computer with minimum specs for editing
Suggested Resources
- External hard drive (optional) would cost an additional $30-$200
- Voice Record (PRO) app which is free to download
Students will join this class remotely. To get the best experience from our online workshops, we recommend that students have a reliable computer, external hard drive, strong internet connection, and a quiet place to work.
During the workshop, students create three (3) original 1-5 minute documentaries which can be made traditionally or as social media micro docs. Films include Observational Films, Interview Films, and Final Films. Projects are subject to change.