Craft of Documentary Filmmaking

This course will provide a comprehensive education in documentary filmmaking, covering all aspects of the art and craft from concept to distribution. Students will learn how to develop a story, plan and execute a production, and edit and finish their film. They will also gain an understanding of distribution and marketing, and the ethics and responsibilities of documentary filmmaking. By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a documentary filmmaker.

Some potential careers in documentary filmmaking that students may be interested in pursuing after completing this course could include:

1. Documentary filmmaker

   • This career involves creating and directing documentary films, including developing concepts and stories, conducting research, planning and executing productions, editing and finishing films, and distributing and promoting the finished product. This course could provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed as documentary filmmakers, including technical and artistic skills, as well as an understanding of the ethics and responsibilities of the craft.

2. Documentary producer

   • This career involves overseeing the production of documentary films, including managing budgets, schedules, and crew, coordinating logistics and resources, and ensuring that the final product meets the artistic and technical standards of the filmmaker and the audience. This course could provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed as documentary producers, including project management, communication, and leadership skills.

3. Documentary editor

   • This career involves working with the director and producer to shape the raw footage of a documentary film into a coherent and effective final product, including selecting and arranging shots, adding music and sound effects, and creating a visual and narrative structure that tells the story effectively. This course could provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed as documentary editors, including technical proficiency with editing software, and an understanding of storytelling and pacing.

4. Documentary researcher

   • This career involves conducting research and gathering information for documentary films, including interviewing sources, collecting and organizing data, and verifying the accuracy and credibility of the information. This course could provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed as documentary researchers, including research methods, data analysis, and fact-checking.

5. Documentary distributor

   • This career involves acquiring and releasing documentary films to audiences, including securing distribution deals, promoting the films, and ensuring that they reach the right audience. This course could provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed as documentary distributors, including an understanding of distribution channels, marketing strategies