WW: Making The Documentary
—Published on 29th Jul, 2020.
“In documentary we deal with the actual, and in one sense with the real. But the really real, if I may use that phrase, is something deeper than that. The only reality which counts in the end is the interpretation which is profound.”- John Grierson
Documentaries teach us about our fascinating and complex world. They allow us to meet people we may never encounter in our lives, see unimaginable places and learn about issues that urgently need our care. The non-fiction filmmaker is a keen storyteller who is driven to explore and tell such stories, but contrary to the belief that is held by some, doc filmmaking is far from being a scattered process.
FILMCO is pleased to present this online five-week workshop in documentary filmmaking with Christopher Laird. This hands-on six-session instruction with Laird will take participants through the different stages of making your doc. Christopher will discuss the practical elements involved in producing professional documentaries, such as concepts, pre-pro, scripting, filming and post-production. Participants will also have the opportunity to create a documentary over the course of the workshop. Here they will benefit from Laird’s 40 years of experience- mentorship in an intimate and supportive environment.
Please note that this workshop will not teach participants about fundraising, marketing or distribution for documentary films.
LOGISTICS
Dates: September 30th, October 7th, 14th, 21st, 26th and 29th.
Duration/Time: 6 sessions over 5 weeks: 2 hrs./session, 5:00pm– 7:00pm.
Location: Online (Zoom).
Book Online Now: Tickets are $800TTD and will cover the cost of the six sessions. FILMCO members/students will receive a 20% discount on the ticket price. To receive a discount code, please email admin@filmco.org. Get your tickets online here: https://filmco.org/product/weeknight-workshop-making-the-documentary.
PREREQUISITES
- Participants should have some documentary experience and have completed one (1) documentary film or video (short or feature-length).
- Participants should have access to elementary filming equipment and editing software.
- Participants should also prepare a documentary project to present from which we will choose two for the two groups.
COURSE BREAKDOWN
Week 1- Session 1: Introduction to documentary modes and tendencies. Preparation of participant projects (short documentary).
Week 2- Session 2: Presentation of projects- concepts and discussion.
Week 3- Session 3: Presentation of projects, plans and results of filming thus far; analysis of progress.
Week 4- Session 4: Review of rough cuts and/ or of scripts.
Week 5- Session 5: Review of rough cuts.
Session 6: Screening and discussion of completed films.
ABOUT CHRISTOPHER LAIRD
Christopher Laird has produced over 300 documentaries, dramas and other video productions with Banyan Ltd. over the past 40 years garnering a score of national, regional and international awards. He has overseen the establishment of what is arguably the world’s largest digitised collection of Caribbean culture on video in the Banyan Archive. In 2003 he founded, with Errol Fabien, the region’s first all Caribbean free to air television station, Gayelle. In 2009 he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of the West Indies.
BOOKINGS
Book your space today! Tickets are $800TTD and will cover the cost of the six sessions. Tickets are available at: https://filmco.org/product/weeknight-workshop-making-the-documentary.
FILMCO members/students will receive a 20% discount on the ticket price. To receive a discount code, please email admin@filmco.org.
This workshop will be conducted online via Zoom. Once booked, you will receive your login information for access to the online sessions.