Module Overview

Documentary Production

Lighting and Camera WorkshopsLocation Audio WorkshopsNon-Linear Editing WorkshopsResearch and Idea Development for DocumentaryLighting and Camera Workshops: Workshops dealing with camera skills necessary for documentary production, focusing on, interview framing techniques, illustrative cut-aways, camera movement (panning, tilting, arcing etc), movement within the frame, handheld and ‘moving’ practice, camera movement in and out of the frame, defining shot selection, lighting etc. The intention is to take a student through the process of creating a smooth visual flow and thus enable fluid editing and, subsequently, successful documentary storytelling.2. Location Audio Workshops: Workshops will be delivered on location audio recording for Documentary production. In these workshops, learners will be tutored in the correct assembling of sound equipment, how to mike and boom correctly, how to follow dialogue and action and how to monitor sound correctly. Individual workshops will be scheduled outside of the ‘camera’ classes but correct audio practice will also be integrated into these workshops. The intention of the workshops is to ensure that the documentary crew work as an integrated unit (director, camera, sound and lighting) when they are recording. Non-Linear Editing Workshops: Students will build on their experience from first and second year, developing their understanding of both the technical and story-telling elements of editing. To build up their own skill-base, learners will be encouraged to work independently of the tutors in their own time. Research and Idea Development for Documentary: Learners will be responsible, whilst working in production groups, for researching their documentary project. They will be given workshops in research techniques that can be applied to the practice work for their minor and major projects. Research is vital for documentary filmmaking and learners will be encouraged to thoroughly explore the topic the wish to document. This will involve clearly identifying an issue to explore, highlighting specific aspects and subjects to accurately relate that story and successfully producing a coherent argument and structure for their audience to understand. The subject chosen, the people identified for interview and the style in which this is executed should be determined at the research stage. Learners will, therefore, be given direction in clarifying ideas, conceptual development and identification of story and production planning.Module assessment:The student will work within production crews for a documentary project and will be assessed on their overall contribution to that project. Over the duration of the semester, learners will be given an opportunity to experience a number of production roles on non-assessed projects and exercises. This isdesigned to both encourage the multi-skilling of the learners and provide them with greater opportunities for the practical application of their production skills. On the assessed projects, they will choose a production role and will be assessed on how they perform in that role. All the necessary skills required for the various positions will have been practiced in the workshops and the student will be assessed on how well they apply that knowledge on the project.Learners will also be required to generate an individual documentary production idea for a project and provide evidence of research and development for that project. They will have to produce a 1000 word Production Log, which will act as a diary of their skill development and should include a critical reflection on their project, their role and how they performed. They will also have a final, short, practical examination.

This module will be both lecture and workshop based, providing the learners with a theoretical understanding of documentary practice and a direct experience of working in the audio-visual environment. Theoretical lectures on idea development, research, scripting, camera techniques, and so forth, are underpinned by practical workshops where the student can encounter directly the rigors and requirements of documentary practice. Throughout the semester, in a series of practical assignments, the learners will take responsibility for their own individual role whilst working in a team environment to ultimately develop and produce a documentary project. They will then be expected to critically evaluate their work and that of their class.

Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown	%
Other Assessment(s)	100