Past Workshop Descriptions

Documentary Storytelling

NOTE: This workshop is in person. It is recommended that participants wear a mask while on the premises.

What is a documentary? What makes it different from a newscast, a journalistic reportage, or a nature program on the Discovery Channel? Can objectivity in documentary exist? Should it exist? If “reality” is the raw material of documentary filmmaking, how can we know the path it will take? This two-day extensive workshop will explore these questions, and aims to introduce students to the enormous dramatic, visual, emotional, poetic and narrative potential of non-fiction storytelling. 

Is a script even possible? How are characters created in documentary? What role do the theme, premise and conflict play in documentary storytelling? How can we conduct meaningful and heartfelt interviews in order to reach and touch audiences? Participants will be guided through the early process  of documentary filmmaking. The aim is for them to be able to develop and flesh out their documentary ideas so that by the end of the workshop they have a dramatically structured outline. Topics will include: the foundations of dramatic writing for documentary, the documentary script, character development, dramatic structures, narrative resources in documentary filmmaking, types of scenes, interviews as conversations, the basics of photography and sound, the steps in the process of documentary filmmaking, the pitch deck. Learn to reach widespread and diverse audiences, emotionally connect with viewers and deliver inspirational stories using the language and tools of documentary filmmaking.

Past Instructors: Caitlin Starowicz, Andrea Martinez Crowther & Tiffany Hsiung
Category: Filmmaking Intensive
Maximum Capacity: 12
8 hours of instruction in 2 parts$125 /member$150 /nonmember

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