This advanced, project-based course offers undergraduate students two pathways for deepening their documentary practice. Through close study of contemporary non-fiction films and hands-on production work, students will sharpen their storytelling, directing, shooting, sound, and editing skills while developing a distinctive cinematic voice.
Option 1: Thesis Film. Students will research, develop, shoot, and edit an original documentary of 15 to 25 minutes, from initial pitch through final cut.
Option 2: Feature-Length Class Project. Working in collaboration with a professional crew, students will contribute to the narrative structure of a feature-length documentary and edit a sequence for the film. This pathway offers direct experience of professional workflows, creative collaboration, and the demands of long-form storytelling.
Both pathways include critical screenings and discussion, workshops and critiques, and an introduction to documentary fundraising, distribution, and career opportunities.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Documentary or a film production course.
Enrollment and selection: Students choose their pathway at registration. Enrollment in Option 2 is limited, and admission is by instructor approval based on a short statement of interest and a work sample (such as a prior class project).
If the project is selected in film festivals or for broadcast, students automatically earn a professional film credit on IMdB similar to this: The Brownsburg Conversations
Student Filmmaker, Taylor Raymond setting up for a multi-camera interview.
Feature-length Project: The Brownsburg Conversations Sample Syllabus
Students in the field capturing additional B-roll
Carving the Feature-Length Narrative
Students with Gwen Porterfield, a main participant of the documentary
