An advanced survey and application of documentary storytelling with a balance of theory and production. The specific objective of this course is to acquire the knowledge, skills, insight and judgment needed to research, develop, pitch, and create a documentary production. The broader goal is to facilitate the development of each filmmaker’s unique cinematic voice through the exploration of a documentary story idea that they feel passionately about. They will also write, shoot, and edit a short documentary, or a video pitch at the end of this project-based course.
On top of this, students will be given a chance to work on a feature-length documentary during their Spring, Summer, or Fall Break. The course teaches students to look at their world and to develop the ability to create compelling and dramatic stories in which real people are the characters and real life is the plot. Through close study and analysis of feature length and short documentaries, as well as hands on directing, shooting, sound-recording and editing, students rigorously explore the possibilities and the power of non-fiction storytelling for video. The course is a dynamic combination of individual and group production work in which each student will be expected to complete five projects. There will also be some consideration of documentary fundraising, distribution, and career possibilities. As a cinematic form, documentary has experienced an explosion of creativity in recent years. In addition to discussion of class projects, we will view all or part of numerous documentaries, and consider the almost limitless range with regard to style, tone, and subject matter that contemporary non-fiction filmmaking can embrace.
This course follows the EDIT 10: BEST PRACTICES FOR INCLUSIVE TEACHING IN MEDIA PRODUCTION
For sample research and media projects, please connect with me through the Reach Out page.
Sample posters for the Spring 2023 student film festival screening and documentary pitch.
During an interview session at the Cape Coast Castle in Ghana with student Teresa Querciagrossa
Summer Internship with students Kiefer Zumlas, Khiry Hollowell, and Michael Shults, filming the feature-length documentary,
BRO: Men with Hope to Bring, Summer of 2013.
The course teaches students to look at their world and to develop the ability to create compelling and dramatic stories in which real people are the characters and real life is the plot. Through close study and analysis of feature length and short documentaries, as well as hands on directing, shooting, sound-recording and editing, students rigorously explore the possibilities and the power of non-fiction storytelling for video. The course is a dynamic combination of individual and group production work in which each student will be expected to complete five projects. There will also be some consideration of documentary fundraising, distribution, and career possibilities. As a cinematic form, documentary has experienced an explosion of creativity in recent years. In addition to discussion of class projects, we will view all or part of numerous documentaries, and consider the almost limitless range with regard to style, tone, and subject matter that contemporary non-fiction filmmaking can embrace.