This workshop will be an introduction to independent documentary filmmaking with an emphasis on how to create a documentary with a very small team and an even smaller budget! We will explore the basics in how to take the first steps into creating a documentary from researching, crafting your narrative, preparing interviews, and securing funding and resources. Students should come prepared to workshop their documentary film ideas as the coursework will help students get started on their films. Additionally, the workshop will center the ethics of documentary filmmaking.

Course Outline

Week 1 - Research: How/Where to Get Started on Your Documentary

Week 2 - Storytelling: Crafting your narrative through visuals and interviews

Week 3 - Funding, Resources, Gear

Week 4 -  Ethics of Documentary Filmmaking

Materials

• A laptop with a microphone and/or webcam and an internet connection (registrants must have access to a webcam or microphone and have them both on to be eligible to participate).
• Zoom Account (register for the free account here). Link for the virtual classroom will be sent to participants on Monday October 5th.  
• Participants should also submit a brief description, notes or an outline of their documentary project (1pg. max) by the registration deadline. Please email your project to access@sawvideo.com