| Creative Nonfiction Filmmaking

Guided by an Oscar-winning filmmaker, discover new creative storytelling techniques to amplify the power of your nonfiction films.

The creative evolution of nonfiction filmmaking has led to a diversity of compelling and often astonishing films that have challenged how we perceive the form. Films like Dick Johnson is Dead, Procession, The Pigeon Tunnel, The Rescue, Waltz with Bashir, Flee, The Five Obstructions, Capturing the Friedmans, and Summer of Soul have demonstrated how a spirit of risk and invention can make stories land with new degrees of impact. This workshop will help students explore new ways of visually relaying factual information—and will challenge preconceived notions about documentary filmmaking.

Through case studies, lectures, discussion, and experimentation, students will gain a keener understanding of how a variety of creative storytelling techniques—such as incorporating archival footage, animating sequences, using actors to recreate past events, and challenging boundaries between genres—can help enhance the power of nonfiction filmmaking.

Through hands-on exercises, students will have the opportunity to experiment with various creative techniques that compliment their film’s subject matter. Beyond the theoretical aspects, the course will also touch upon many of the practical aspects of documentary filmmaking, such as licensing archival footage, photos, and music—as well as discussing the fair use doctrine and usage circumstances. Because creative decisions have different budgetary implications, the instructor will also touch upon this facet of the process.

Expand your creative repertoire and leave the week inspired to take new risks in the service of telling your stories.