Documentary

This advanced course will provide you with a comprehensive overview of HD video production (including 4K) specifically geared towards producing short documentaries that tell human stories. Emphasis is put on the use of character, conflict, drama and surprise in telling these documentary stories. We will also look at different documentary styles and how narrative structures like story arcs are implemented.

You will learn documentary production with a journalism focus: reporting, camera technique, lighting and sound recording in the field. You will create a 10-15 minute documentary in a group of two. You'll also research and write a treatment, cast charismatic characters, get signed releases, shoot and edit the film.

Documentaries created in this course have gone on to win National College Emmys and premiere at major film festivals like Cannes and Tribeca. These films have also premiered on PBS and on online outlets.  Documentary alums work at outlets like VICE, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, TIME, CNN Films, PBS NewsHour, Kartemquin, HBO Docs, The Washington Post, The Seattle Times, Al Jazeera, The Today Show, etc.