Explore the camera’s unique and pivotal role in nonfiction storytelling

There are no available registration dates at this time.

NOTE: This class will be held in a live, online format using the Zoom Platform. 
Class meets Mon-Fri 1-5pm ET

Today’s audience has become very sophisticated in their appreciation of the visual art of filmmaking. Expectations by audiences are for high-level production quality in all visual forms of storytelling, including documentary film. This workshop provides students with an understanding of how photography and cinematography tools and skills are adapted to address the unique demand of non-fiction filmmaking.

This course is for emerging and professional documentary filmmakers and cinematographers who want to explore the technical and creative role that the camera plays in documentary production. Through screenings, analysis of documentaries, examination of camera style, and a close look at technical and storytelling solutions, students will become experts at defining what makes a convincing documentary. Throughout the week the class will examine the importance of anticipating technical and logistical choices before the shoot. The workshop covers storytelling, shot design, sequencing and continuity, blocking and camera moves, composition, POV, and lens selection.

Notable former students include Academy Award-winner, Laura Poitras, director “Citizenfour” (Best Documentary, Oscars – 2015)

Testimonials:

“I came away knowing 500% more than I knew coming in“

– Matthew Johnson, Washington, DC

“Documentary camera was both humbling and empowering as a whole new way of ‘seeing’ & perspective opened with regards to filming and as we were given unusual opportunities to practice new skills with encouraging feedback“

– L. Stager, Searsmont, ME

Note: For the Online iteration of this course, students may incur modest streaming fees ~$10-$20.

Image Credits: Devin Altobello, Sophie Gibbings, Header Image:  Skip Klein

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