Module Overview

Advanced Documentary Production

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 two documentary projects (Minor and Major).They will then be expected to critically evaluate their work and that of their class.1. Specialized Lighting And Camera Workshops2. Specialized Location Audio Workshops3. Research And Idea Development For Documentary4. Non-linear Editing 1. Specialized Lighting And Camera Workshops: By this stage the student will already have developed the camera skills necessary for documentary production. These workshops will continue to build upon Dublin Institute of Technology Pre-Requisite Modules code(s) Co-Requisite Modules code(s) ECTS Credits Module Code Module Title 5 Advanced Documentary 112 that foundation. Emphasis will be placed upon the development of more creative camera and lighting techniques. The intention of these workshops will be to provide the student with a comprehensive practical skill base to aid successful documentary storytelling.2. Specialized Location Audio Workshops: Workshops will be delivered on location audio recording for Documentary production. In these workshops learners will continue to be tutored in the skills necessary to follow dialogue and action and how to monitor sound correctly in the documentary domain. Again, it is expected that the student will already have a solid basic understanding of the requirements and these workshops are intended to be more advanced and focus on recording sound in complex and difficult environments. 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. 3. Research and Idea Development for Documentary: Learners will be encouraged to work more independently in the area of research and idea development. They will be responsible, whilst working in production groups, for researching their documentary project and will be given workshops in research techniques that can be applied to the practice work for their minor and major projects. As in other areas of this module, learners will be encouraged to take greater ownership of their projects, providing them with the ability and confidence to develop and realize documentary work in 4th year and beyond. 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. 4. Non-Linear Editing Workshops: By semester 2 learners will already have a solid skill base in nonlinear and linear editing so less formal workshops will be provided. In this semester, advice and guidance will be provided by the supervising lecturer in documentary story-telling techniques. To further build up their own skill-base, learners will be encouraged to work independently of the tutors in their own time. Module assessment: The student will work within production crews for two documentary projects (Minor and Major) and will be assessed on their overall contribution to those projects. Over the module of the semester learners will be given an opportunity to experience a number of production roles on non-assessed projects and exercises. This is designed 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 both the Minor and Major projects and to provide evidence of research and development for the Major 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 seminar 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 sessions on idea development, research, scripting, camera techniques, and so forth, are underpinned by practical workshops where the student can encounter directly the rigours 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