module specification

You will develop professional practices by working in small groups to produce a short documentary. The module will give an overview of the commissioning process and will include input from industry professionals.

You will be required to research, pitch, and develop a documentary proposal following industry guidelines and legal frameworks.

There will be an emphasis on how to film and work with documentary subjects (or characters) in an ethical way.

You will learn about a range of documentary modes, genres and techniques via screenings, discussion, and practice. Key figures and films will be explored as well as emerging styles and formats.

The module aims to:

• Provide students with an overview of approaches to documentary filmmaking.

• Give students practical experience of a range of documentary techniques such as sit-down interviews, vox pops and observational filming.

• Develop students’ understanding of how to research, develop and present a concept for a documentary for film or TV.

• Enable students to shoot, structure and edit a short documentary using appropriate audio and camera equipment and editing software.

The module will allow students to develop advanced media practice skills by working towards the production of a 7- 10-minute documentary. (LO1, LO2, LO3)
Key to the module is the selection of interesting and relevant themes to explore though filmmaking. (LO1)
The module will address planning, research, pitching, filming, editing and presentation of a short documentary. (LO3)
The module will address aesthetic principles such as how to frame and present an interview. (LO2)
Legal and ethical issues will be addressed via case studies and addressed in the project pitch and production. (LO1)

Teaching and learning will be carried out through lectures, screenings, and practical workshops. Lectures will include critical analysis through discussion of a range of documentary modes, genres, and techniques in relation to literature. Screenings, include short films and clips from notable filmmakers and masterclasses with industry professionals.

Effective documentary filmmaking requires the proficient practitioner to be both self-reflective and constructively critical. The documentary maker needs to be able to apply this understanding to their own work and the work of others.  The development of these skills is embedded into the module.

During workshops students will be introduced to specific principles and techniques which will be demonstrated by the lecturer or technical demonstrator and then practiced in small groups. Students will be introduced to a range of camera and audio recording equipment, which can be accessed outside of sessions from the Media Helpdesk for practice and use in the final production. Small groups will meet to develop and film their documentary outside of class time.

WeLearn materials include a range of readings, websites, and video-based learning materials such as full-length film and TV documentaries through Box of Broadcasts which students are encouraged to engage with throughout the module.

Students are encouraged to read selected texts prior to attending class, and during the development and evaluation of the documentary film production.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• LO1: Identify a range of documentary modes and techniques and understand how they can be utilised in a documentary film.
• LO2: Conduct different styles of interviews.
• LO3: Research and develop a short documentary project from the first idea to the finished film.

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