Intro to Documentary Production Class

This hands-on class for new filmmakers focuses on how to plan, shoot and edit a short documentary. The class will introduce participants to screen language and sequencing and provide hands-on experience with digital video cameras and the Adobe Premiere editing system.  Equipment will be provided.

Participants will work in small teams to produce a 3-5 minute documentary profile piece. Story subjects will be assigned to allow participants to focus their energies on learning how to use the equipment, work in a crew, and plan and structure their story.  Story subjects are drawn from people and places in the local community, including nonprofits, small businesses, and artists. Filming locations may be non-Metro-accessible (but we will try to team groups together to ensure at least one in each team has a car).

The class takes place on seven consecutive Saturday mornings at the new Docs In Progress location at 801 Wayne Avenue and at production sites in the area. Participants will also need to commit an additional 10 hours of time outside of class for production shoots and editing.

Teaching Artist
Sam Hampton co-founded Docs In Progress as a nonprofit organization in 2008 and served on its founding staff from 2009-2012. He was instrumental in developing the organization’s core curriculum of adult and youth educational programs and remains a key advisor and teaching artist for Docs In Progress classes.  Sam balances his time between consulting with nonprofits through Hampton Consulting, and producing award-winning documentaries for the educational market.  His films include My Mother’s Journey; Hidden Books; Mr. Stokes’ Mission, Transcending Surgeon, andFreak the Language. In addition to his filmmaking background, Sam has more than 25 years of experience working on social justice issues, including directing a national model community technology center and managing strategic planning and grants management for minority-serving colleges and universities.