Documentary: Filmmaker's Toolkit

COURSE DATES FOR 2010 TBC

The intensive workshop is delivered by Manuela Maiguashca - an independent UK producer and director working in documentary, narrative and experimental film genres. A dynamic tutor with first hand experience of the difficulties facing documentary filmmakers, Manuela has put together a package of practical strategies and information to enable our students to get to the finish line.

The course will cover:

1. Documentary filmmaking in the UK: festivals, broadcasters, funding bodies, electronic bulletins, and resource reference points.
2. Paperwork and pitching: the treatment and the video press kit. (Students to pitch their own documentary ideas).
3. Developing and tracking a budget: focusing on decisions about crew size, camera format, sound set up, length of shoot, post production.
4. Crewing, scheduling and paperwork for shoot: contracts, release forms and insurance policies. (Sample copies will be given to students).
5. Filming your documentary: including camera and sound set ups, other equipment requirements and how to shoot for the edit.
6. Editing: the offline edit, getting to a locked picture, music, sound mix, track laying, grading and on lining for broadcast.
7. Distribution and exhibition: the role of film festivals, distributors, direct distribution, sales agents and press.