We often think of documentary filmmaking as being organic, “in the moment”, and impromptu. And this is all, of course true. But there is also a huge amount of prep work that needs to be done in order to turn a film idea into reality. In this course we’ll go through the whole pre-production process in detail, from research, casting, proposal writing, and taster-tape making through to funding and pitching. The course is aimed at new and emerging producers and directors, with a focus on presenting creative independent documentary film formats. Students are encouraged to prepare a real or hypothetical film to develop and “pitch” at the end of the course. This course will leave students feeling enabled to take the next step with their film ideas, and with a thorough understanding of how rigorous planning and preparation can lead to a better film.

Session 1

In this session, students will learn how and where to find documentary ideas, and then, once sought, how to dig deep. We’ll discuss how and why we research our topics and what this involves. We’ll then consider character, how to “cast” for a documentary, and what it means to build a relationship with our contributors.

Homework: start researching a documentary

Session 2

This week we’ll discuss how to tell a story in a documentary, how to develop our film ideas into a narrative, and then how to translate this into a written proposal and script.

Homework: write synopsis of film idea

Session 3

Make a taster. Pitching, funding, commissioning

During this session, students will practice reading out their film synopsis with feedback from the tutor. Students will then learn about the “industry” and how to get their films funded or commissioned. We’ll look at different examples of taster tapes and learn more about pitching our ideas.

Homework: Make a taster tape

Session 4

Figuring out logistics, budget, equipment, thinking about the look and style of our film

After watching each other’s taster tapes, we’ll then start to think more about the practicalities of filmmaking. Students will learn how to write a budget, and how much money we actually need to make a film. We’ll think about insurance, equipment and start preparing the paperwork we need to have with us on a shoot.

Session 5

Feedback session

Share synopsis and taster tapes of our film ideas and give feedback.

Photo credit: Adam Pietraszeswki.

This course will be delivered via online distance learning, and students will require a computer or other internet connected device.

This course takes place across 5 Monday evenings (7pm to 9pm) from 9th January to 6th February 2023.

Booking closes at 12pm on 9th January.

1x Universal Credit bursary place is available for this course. Please see our bursary policy here.

If you’d like to be notified about this course’s future running dates, please fill in this quick form. If you have any questions about the course, get in touch with shortcourses@opencitylondon.com.