Intro to Documentary Certificate

About this course

The course follows a documentary from initial research and concept development through production, editing and distribution. Participants examine how to define an audience, assemble a team, prepare treatments and permissions, develop budgets, and make ethical, safe decisions when filming interviews. Teaching combines project consultations, group work and case studies covering broadcasters, festivals, funding bodies and newer media platforms. The course also addresses pitching, production planning, post-production workflows, exhibition and distribution, with attention to balancing practical and artistic considerations.

What you'll learn

• Research and develop a documentary concept
• Prepare documentary treatments, release forms, schedules and permissions
• Construct production budgets that account for crew, camera, sound, shooting and post-production requirements
• Plan and direct interviews with attention to discretion, ethics and safety
• Organise footage through viewing and logging as part of post-production
• Present documentary projects using pitching techniques

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginner documentary filmmakers working towards a first project. A project already in development can be brought to the course, but this is not required. Participation combines individual project consultations with group work.

• Suitable for learners developing a first documentary
• A project idea or existing project may be used, but is not a prerequisite
• Includes collaborative group work alongside individual project development

Before you go

• Example treatments, release forms, schedules and permissions are provided.