This course is for anyone who wants to make their own short documentary and already has
the basic skills. Over 12 weeks, you’ll work under guidance on your own film plans, from idea
to final product. You choose your own starting point: a news item, a subject from reality, a
personal experience, or something else entirely. The focus is on developing your own film
language and style for a short documentary.
What will you do?
We start by developing your film plan. What exactly do you want to tell? How do you build a
good story? Which type of documentary suits you as a maker and your subject? Will you use
found footage, or do you want to capture real life? When do you choose static shots,
hand-held camera, close-ups, medium shots or wide shots?
You’ll plan your shoots in your own time. You’ll get the most out of this course if you have
enough time to work on your own project during the week. In the final lesson, your own
production will be screened and discussed.
Who is it for?
You have a new project that you want to develop during the course, so a film that is already
in the editing stage is not suitable. The start of the course is about coming up with or
sharpening your idea, so it’s fine if you don’t have an idea yet or if it’s still a bit unclear.
You have completed the basic course or have comparable knowledge and experience. If you
have little or no experience, the basic course is a better place to start, as you’ll need that
knowledge to keep up in this course.
