
Learn to craft a documentary narrative by choosing topics, developing characters, editing effectively, selecting equipment, and conducting interviews for a solo production.
Choose documentary stories by topic or by a character, starting with a topic you are passionate about and narrowing to a focus such as homeless women veterans.
Identify a compelling character from your community or a news article, then contact them through journalists or social media. Be honest about your intent and respect boundaries when requesting interviews.
Reach out to your documentary subject with a brief, personal note on social media or email, explain why their story matters, and invite a quick call to discuss a pre-interview.
Master the pre-interview with clear time expectations, light initial talk, and off-limits checks; record with permission and use respectful, spontaneous follow-ups to shape a fitting documentary story.
Use the pre-interview approach with known or unknown subjects, be open about boundaries and what you’ll share, and explain your purpose to deepen connection to spur action against human trafficking.
Navigate the pre-interview by setting date and time, planning shoot duration, and choosing location and b-roll needs to fit the story, whether at home or elsewhere.
Assess locations by asking about natural light, window directions, room size, and noise to tailor lighting and lens choices.
Map your story by planning the visual approach, selecting topics, and deciding on shots and look to guide locations, interview style, and end result.
Start filming a documentary with the camera you have, prioritizing story over gear. Scout the space, experiment with slow motion and 4K, and choose lenses like 50mm and a zoom.
In this course, you will learn how you can find, structure, shoot, and share a story you are passionate about.
I will cover every stage of my creative process from finding the story or subject of your short documentary to shooting and editing.
Lessons cover:
Pre-production: discovering and researching your subject
Production: tactical tips for capturing visuals and audio when it's just you and a single camera (in a day).
Post-production: editing tips for rhythm, pace, and style
You'll learn how to create the kind of character-driven video portraits that distinguish great filmmakers.
This class is perfect for filmmakers, documentarians, journalists, and all creative storytellers passionate to tell compelling narratives about the stories all around us.
As a class project, share an update corresponding with the lessons.
-Chose a subject based on a topic or a person and share it with the class.
-Pre-interview them
-Make a shot list for the production day
-Prepare a list of topics and sample questions you would like to cover during the interview
-Shoot your interview and get the necessary B-roll
-Edit your short documentary and add the music
-Share the final short 4-8 minutes documentary with the class.
As a follow-up to this course, you can take my other course here on Udemy titled "Edit Your First Short Documentary" which will take you step-by-step through the entire editing process. That way you can have your entire documentary ready to be released to the world.
Good luck and please reach out if you have any questions or suggestions.
Luchia