“Documentary Storytelling” is designed to further develop the skills needed for creating compelling storytelling in the non-fiction arena. This course is taught by an Emmy-award winning documentary filmmaker and will include additional guest lectures/discussions with prominent professionals in the area of music composition, editing, cinematography, 

and new media.

Students will participate in the different phases of the video storytelling process through the conceptualizing, shooting, directing and editing of two short (2-3 minutes) videos and a longer (5-7 minute) final video project.  Students will work in teams of two.  The final video project will be of broadcast quality.

   

All of the video projects will focus on developing and telling stories about “The Other D.C.” – parts of the city that visitors rarely see.

 

Regular viewing and discussion of documentary films with emphasis on understanding and learning about the basic principles of storytelling will accompany the hands-on production work.

1. What makes a good story and how to "find" original stories.

2. Developing characters and storyline; choosing a style; and interviewing techniques

3. The legal and business aspects of documentary filmmaking.

4. The use of new media in documentary filmmaking.

5. Using documentary films to effect social change.

6. The current state of the documentary marketplace.

7. How to package, promote, and market a film project.