Documentary Filmmaking: Core Elements

You have an idea for a documentary film, but now you want an expert in the field to help guide you as you take the next step. In this eight-week self-paced course, you will learn how to move from concept through post-production with a documentary film. Along the way, you will develop a compelling proposal for potential funders of your project and get feedback on your work from a Sundance Advisor.

This is a self-paced course. Self-paced courses allow you to watch pre-recorded lectures at your own pace, while working on deadlines to get individualized feedback on your work.

What you bring to the course:

• an idea for a short or feature-length documentary you plan to produce and/or direct. Creators at any level of experience are welcome.

What you’ll get from the course:

• An overview of a wide variety of formal approaches to documentary.
• An understanding of the difference between your topic/issue and your story.
• Tips to identify ethical issues in documentary filmmaking.
• An approach to access and cast your characters.
• Interview techniques and best practices.
• Methods for achieving your aesthetic goals.
• An understanding of the basic considerations of production, including assembling your team and gear and anticipating potential roadblocks in the field.
• Methods to organize and prepare your material for post-production.
• An overview of strategies for outreach and engagement campaigns.

This course will:

• offer opportunities for designated homework to be reviewed by a Sundance Advisor. The work is designed to move your project idea through to a polished draft of a funding proposal.
• connect you with other creators via a discussion board where you can discuss core concepts and share your work.
• analyze clips from documentary films.

You will submit your work to a Sundance Advisor for written feedback at two points throughout the 8-week course. For an additional fee, you may elect to meet with your advisor for a 60-minute one-on-one session during the course term.

A limited number of need-based scholarships are available and are considered on a rolling basis as they are received. Those who apply earlier will have a greater chance of getting support. To apply for a scholarship, please complete the registration form and follow the instructions on the left side to fill out a scholarship application.

Sundance Collab provides accommodations and support services to participants with disabilities. Accommodations and services are designed to meet the needs of each participant. Please email us at accessibility@sundance.org to arrange for services.