Making Visually Exciting Films

This course is about how to use visuals to tell the story that you want to tell. Documentary filmmaking uses exactly the same visuals as fiction filmmaking. In this set of lessons we look at the different types of shot that you can use. We focus on how to think visually when telling your story. We in particular look at how to shoot sequences that allow your story to breathe and make activities more interesting and compelling for the viewer.

Pictures are the central part of any documentary film. It tells the story. Make sure those visuals are captivating, exciting to look at and tell your story effectively. And plan them well in advance so that you know what you are going to have to film.

This course is for beginner and intermediate level students who are looking for some insight into the kinds of shots you can use and also takes a look at using sequences to tell your stories.

All films start with a simple idea – and it’s generally an idea that appeals to you the filmmaker. And as you think about and start researching your idea – it grows. And as it grows more detail is added. That’s when you start thinking in terms of specific visuals that will carry your storyline. How doing you tell your story through pictures.

This course starts by looking at the importance of writing a shotlist that will ensure that you get all the shots you need for your film.

We then look at all the different shots available to you as a filmmaker and explain when and how to use these shots to develop the visual narrative of your story.

Finally we take a look at how to use all the different shots to build visual sequence – moving from a two-shot sequence right through to a five-shot sequence.

The course also includes handouts that will guide you through some practical exercises in how to use different shots to create effective sequences

Enjoy the course and never be afraid to try new ways of telling stories - remember through your visuals you can bring light and understanding to people all over the world.