Production of short documentary films focusing on research, interviewing, and non-fiction storytelling techniques.
About this course
This course introduces the practical and ethical skills required to produce non-fiction film. You will move through the full production pipeline, starting with topic selection and research, moving through field recording, and finishing with post-production editing. The focus is on storytelling that respects your subjects while maintaining narrative drive.
You will learn how to structure an interview, capture compelling b-roll, and organize hours of footage into a clear argument. The course also covers the legal and ethical considerations unique to documentary work, including consent, privacy, and fair representation.
Who takes this course
This course is a required component for students in the Video & Broadcast Production program.
Credits: 3 · Hours: 60
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
- Plan and execute a short documentary project from concept to final cut
- Conduct professional pre-interview research and draft interview questions
- Apply non-fiction narrative structures to shape raw footage into a coherent story
- Operate camera and audio equipment in uncontrolled, location-based environments
- Edit documentary footage using industry-standard software with attention to pacing and ethics
Evaluation
| Component | Weight (%) |
| Research proposal and treatment | 15 |
| Interview execution and B-roll package | 25 |
| Rough cut screening and feedback | 20 |
| Final documentary film | 40 |