This module is designed to develop the effective conceptual, research, production and directorial skills required for documentary production. Learners will be taught how to write a documentary proposal, develop that concept through focused research, production planning and interviewing and finally, produce and direct a documentary project.
The aim of this module is to provide the student with a comprehensive understanding of the skills and requirements of video documentary production. The approach adopted for this module will require the student to reason and solve production issues in their role as director or producer. They will, therefore, be encouraged to take responsibility for their position and critically assess their role, contribution and input to the overall production.
Learners should acquire an understanding of the skills required to produce and direct a video documentary, such as research, interviewing, budgets, time planning, shooting schedules and so forth. They will also be expected to have developed an understanding of the technical production issues arising from documentary film making (framing, camera movement, lighting and sound, editing practices etc.) so that they can actively contribute to all areas of the documentary production.
Documentary Production
Scripting and shoot preparation, including: Idea development, drawing up a synopsis, writing a documentary script, producing a shooting script and generating a shot list.Research methodology and effective interviewing techniqueConceptualizing the documentary idea and producing and developing an effective content and visual rationale.Directorial techniques, including: Accessing research materials, articulating and developing documentary style and language and style.Working with production crews, working with interviewees/subjects and so forth.Effective presentation and critical assessment, including: Formal class pitching sessions, individual and group critical assessment of project work and written production dossier. Module assessment: Learners will be assessed on their individual production roles, including production dossier, show-reel
This module will be both lecture and workshop based, providing the student with an understanding of research and practice. It will also provide the student direct experience of working in a documentary environment. Theoretical lectures on idea development, researching, scripting, storyboarding, camera techniques, interviewing skills and so forth, are underpinned by workshops where the student can encounter directly the rigors and requirements of documentary practice.
Research is vital for documentary filmmaking and the student will be encouraged to thoroughly explore the topic they 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. Throughout the year, in a series of practical assignments, the learners will take responsibility for their role as producer or director, work in a team environment with a technical crew and develop and produce documentary projects and then critically evaluate their work and that of their class.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |