Documentary Mini-Masterclass, Ethics, Research, Interviewing
What you'll learn
- Film Ethics, Research and Interviewing
- Support skills for documentary filmmaking
Requirements
- An interest in documentary filmmaking
- A basic competence in filming and editing
Description
INTRODUCTION TO MINI-MASTERCLASS 1
This is the first in a series of Documentary Mini-Masterclasses that will cover a variety of subjects related to documentary filmmaking.
In this one I cover three subjects. Ethics, Research and Interviewing skills.
The first lesson looks at the ethics involved in filmmaking, looking specifically at a filmmaker’s relationship with viewers, film participants and then also of course their own production ethics. Making factual films demand that what is presented to the viewer is accurate and reflects reality. Furthermore factual filmmakers are charged with reflecting their participants truthfully and must not transgress any trust they place in the filmmaker. This demands that filmmakers develop a production ethic that meets both viewer and participant expectations.
The second lesson covers the importance of sound research practices in factual filmmaking and how to avoid the trap of fake information in your films. With the escalating numbers of people posting information on the internet, fact checking, is more crucial now than ever. This lesson takes a look at how facts should be checked to be able to distinguished between what is an opinion and what is a fact.
The third and final lesson is about interviewing skills and how to secure a good outcome through building a sound relationship between interviewer and interviewee.
Successful interviewing depends on the rapport that an interviewer established with the interviewee. And this is no easy task. There are clear guidelines that, if followed correctly, will deliver a deeper and more meaningful interview.
In addition to the lessons there are also handouts and exercises attached to each lesson.
I trust you will enjoy and benefit from these lessons.
Who this course is for:
- Beginners
- Students who have a basic competence in filming and editing and now need broader skills.
Instructor
I have spent 35 years of my working life as a radio announcer, television reporter, investigative journalist and an executive producer for a national South African news and current affairs show. For the past 10 years I have been teaching at a documentary film school in Cape Town, South Africa. This has recently led me to branch out into developing online training courses covering factual filmmaking.
I am excited about this new journey into online skills courses and the overall positive response these have had. I really appreciate feedback from students who tell me what aspects of the courses worked for them and also what could work better. Feedback is essential for me and I invite students to tell me about their experiences.