Documentary Film Diploma Program - September 2013
DOCUMENTARY FILM DIPLOMA
Call 604-767-4306 or email info@pullfocusfilms.com for more information.
Click here for registration requirements.
Program Overview
Film Literacy
The first portion of the diploma program explores the fundamentals of documentary filmmaking. Lectures are combined with production labs to give students an overview of how to write treatments, design production schedules, scout subjects, conduct interviews, collect B-roll, record quality sound, and edit using Final Cut Pro. Exercises will be assigned throughout the course to give students the opportunity to practice their newly-acquired skills. This course is perfect for people interested in getting a taste of documentary filmmaking. We teach you the skills necessary to realize your vision and gear you up for professional development in the second month of the program.
Lecture Topics
- Overview of various documentary genres
- Camera functions
- Documentary storytelling
- Visual screen grammar
- Shooting with available light
- Shooting action sequences
- Introduction to editing with Final Cut Pro
Gaining Client Experience
The second month builds on foundations taught in the first month by diving deeper into narrative structure, research, writing, story development, and execution. Camera movement will be explored further and the students will get a crash course in the gear they will need as an independent filmmaker. Additionally, students will develop organizational skills for every detail of planning a shoot, from shot lists to location scouting.
Lecture Topics
- Narration vs. Cinema Verité
- Camera movement
- Gear choices for the independent filmmaker
- Screen grammar
- Story structure
- Treatment writing
- Planning a shoot
- Conducting a good interview
- Lighting/sound workshops
- Editing with Final Cut Pro
- Shooting a community-based film for a non-profit
- Delivering the perfect pitch
Passion Project
In the final month, we help students realize their passion projects by creating a 7-15 minute documentary film. Through extensive mentorship with industry professionals, students explore advanced shooting styles, lighting, and sound. Students learn the practical elements of making films including grant writing, proposal writing, financial planning and budgeting, marketing and distribution.
The final 2 weeks of the course are dedicated entirely to perfecting final projects and there are no formal lectures.
Lecture Topics
- Visual storytelling; exploring shooting styles
- Advanced lighting/sound
- Drafting a successful grant, story proposal
- Advanced editing classes
- Financial plan/budget
- Designing an interactive strategy
- Create effective chapters and story sequences
- How to create an authorial vision
- Structure, form, and narrative thread
- Create story rhythms, pacing, and seamlessness
- Documentary story structure
- Professional editor's strategy: first assembly, rough cut, fine cut
Project: Your vision. Your film.
TUITION
EARLY BIRD: $3500 - must be submitted by May 10
Regular Tuition: $3900
View the Documentary Film Diploma brochure online:
