Documentary 1

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The subject provides FAMU International

Contents

Directing students write and direct short film up to 20 minutes-based documentary topic. Students were led in their tutorial workshops to develop a topical documentary based on true characters or events. There is no style limit, except for avoiding only poetical creation. No matter which way, but the topicality should be a clear part of the film – either the topic exposes personal and/or social issues.

In the Winter semester students shoot. Number of shooting days is given by Production Sheet and can be divided into several segments depending on the nature of the subject and the narrative requirements—in accordance with the crew’s capabilities.

The exercise is shot in the Czech Republic.

Learning outcomes

As part of the master’s program in film directing core characteristics - which builds on knowledge of both fictional and non-fictional filmmaking - the Documentary exercise serves as the primary arena for these ambitions.

A deeper understanding of documentary filmmaking is the key to success in today’s film industry. History teaches us that documentary filmmaking is also the best way to learn to understand the world, so that we can later translate that understanding into fictional narratives. At the same time combining documentary and narrative film is a way to secure creative freedom and a livelihood in the alumni future careers.

With this exercise students:

Explore different possible themes for documentary filmmaking and analyse the potential of these ideas for realization.

Recognize the progressive phases of a documentary director’s work.

Explore various possible themes and filming methods for a documentary film and assess the feasibility of these ideas.

The goal of this two-semester course is to produce a documentary film that meets the formal and qualitative requirements for festival participation.

Prerequisites and other requirements

Directing student presented the project at pitching and the project was greenlit. Pitching is part of the Directing Tutorial 2 subject.

Literature

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Evaluation methods and criteria

The tutor evaluates students' active engagement with the subject matter and its treatment, and the progress they made over the course of the semester in developing and conducting the exercise.

Documentary 1 ends with the rough footage presented to tutor and guests by the end of the Winter semester. The screening date is discussed and announced before the shooting period starts.

Note

Technical parameters of Documentary project: the camera, light and grip list must be created according to the script and location possibilities and must be approved by cinematography mentor of collaborating camera student and FAMU International production office. Digital technology is not subject to change.

Detailed exercise parameters are included in the Production Sheet.

The shooting period of the exercise spans over (November), December, January and February exclusively.

Further information

No schedule has been prepared for this course

The subject is a part of the following study plans