Documentary Filmmaking From A to Z

Have a documentary you’ve always wanted to make, but don’t know where to start? This workshop gives an overview of the cycle of the documentary filmmaking process and focuses on best practices and effective strategies in maintaining control over a project. We’ll cover pre-production development, writing, budgeting, fundraising and pitching. Why do I need to think early on about structure, character development and who the audience is for my film?

You will learn how to manage a production effectively and get an understanding about the post-production flow. We will look into festivals and the different distribution and marketing outlets including social media.You will elaborate a draft proposal for your own documentary.

In this five-session workshop, participants will apply project management strategies to their own projects, and will be exposed to successful models of how to tell a meaningful story and stay on task at the same time.

PLEASE NOTE: This is not a hands-on video production workshop. For that, you may want to take our Intro to Documentary Production class which is offered several times a year. Visit our website and see our Education page for more details

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Adele Schmidt is no stranger to the Docs In Progress community.  As the co-founder of the organization in 2004 and staff member from 2009-2010, Adele was instrumental in helping the organization expand beyond its signature work-in-progress screenings to provide a full array of educational, professional development, and mentoring programs for emerging documentary filmmakers. In addition to more than 15 years working as a producer, director, editor, and consulting producer for award-winning long-form documentaries and short feature films, Adele has extensive teaching experience in film and video production — at American University, Catholic University of America, Fairfax Public Access TV, and at a film school in Mexico City. She has also served as a panelist for the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, reviewing applications in the disciplines of writing, philosophy, history, and media arts.