Documentary Filmmaking

This course will give students an introduction to documentary film and video production, with a special emphasis on the practical challenges of producing films in the real world. Students will learn fundamental filmmaking techniques from a professor with thirteen years experience running her own film production company, as well as a handful of guest professionals in the fields of cinematography, casting, and editing. Production and critique of student work will be augmented by film screenings, readings, and discussion of the effects that practical realities can have on the creative process.

Sample reading list:
Andrei TarkovskyThe Artist’s Responsibility
Daniel FranklinPolitics and Film: The Political Culture of Film in the Unit
Werner HerzogMy Best Friend
Abby McDonaldWhip It Good: Hollywood, Women and the Faint Green Shoot
Geeta GandbhirWhen the Levees Broke

Reading/Writing assignments:
Four short films: Interview, character study, journalistic documentary treatment, narrative documentary treatment. 4 to 6 hours per week viewing films for discussion in class; brief but frequent writing assignments

Faculty

Sections

S01

Friday, 11:00 am - 12:20 pm
185 Nassau Street, Room 304

U01

Friday, 1:30 - 4:20 pm
185 Nassau Street, Room 304

Instructor(s)

Emily Abt