A vintage handicam that has been lovingly crafted out of play dough sits next to the title text.

INTRO TO INDEPENDENT DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING

March 2 - March 23, 2021

4 PM - 7 PM EST

This workshop will be an introduction to independent documentary filmmaking with an emphasis on how to create a documentary with a very small team and an even smaller budget! We will explore the basics in how to take the first steps into creating a documentary from researching, crafting your narrative, preparing interviews, budgeting, choosing gear, and editing. Students should come prepared to workshop their documentary film ideas as the coursework will help students get started on their films. Additionally, the workshop will center the ethics of documentary filmmaking.

Course Outline

  • March 2nd – Research: How/Where to Get Started on Your Documentary
  • March 9th – Storytelling: Crafting your narrative through visuals
  • March 16th – The Technicalities: budgeting, gear, and editing basics 
  • March 23rd –  Ethics of Documentary Filmmaking

Materials

This course will take place online. To join the meeting, participants will need to create a Zoom account (register for the free account here). Link for the virtual classroom will be sent to participants on Monday, March 1st. Participants should also submit a brief description, notes or an outline of their documentary project (1pg. max) by the registration deadline. Please email your project to access@sawvideo.com

About DARC's Workshops

Digital Arts Resource Centre (DARC) provides training in a varied range of disciplines related to filmmaking and media art while making a dedicated effort to create a pathway to an intersectional education. We aspire to be a platform for creative support and community building through active participation and exchange of knowledge. Our workshops and courses explore the ways in which technical and conceptual frameworks can be used as tools to improve your creative practice. DARC’s educational offerings are open to members and the general public engaged in the creation of non-commercial, independent productions and work.

Workshop Pricing

DARC’s single-session online workshops are offered on a sliding scale, meaning individuals determine their own fee based on what they can afford.

We understand that everyone’s situation is different. When registering for workshops, we ask that you honestly examine your privilege (i.e. education, generational wealth, parental or community support, partnership status, and other circumstances that may provide a safety net when financial setbacks occur).

DARC also offers a no cost ticket option if access to funds is a barrier to participation. For more information please email us.

Who Is Eligible to Register for Workshops?

Workshops are open to Digital Arts Resource Centre members and the general public engaged in the creation of non-commercial, independent productions and work (Non-commercial, independent productions are productions for which the director retains copyright and artistic control, and for which the production is neither being produced for a client nor for the purpose of advertising or promotion).

Who Is Ineligible for Workshops?

Digital Arts Resource centre does not offer our workshops to persons employed by any government body or any major corporation if the resources are being used to facilitate benefit for one’s employer or for corporate professional development within one of these kinds of organizations. Our workshops are heavily subsidized as they are available only for independent artists/learners who cannot typically afford to take corporate rate workshops. You can find non-subsidized workshops from our friends at SPAO or Henry’s.

Cancellation

DARC is unable to provide course attendee refunds for cancellations. DARC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses if necessary.