This is a five-week course for documentary filmmakers who are looking to get input and advice on their project before they get started.
Participants should have a strong one page pitch idea ready to go at the beginning of the class: ideas can be any length.
Each week a different phase of documentary will be discussed: idea development, prep, production, and post production. Documentary examples will be screened, with an eye to practical application.
Topics from aesthetic to practical will be discussed, with topics such as
– how developing a strong core idea
– planning and scheduling realistic time frames
– how to hire crew
– ideal equipment choices for various situations
– releases and legal issues in production
– how to deal with difficult interview subjects
– how to create a successful creative workflow in the edit suite
– thinking ahead to marketing your film
The emphasis is on unique, personalized advice tailored to your specific project, with plenty of time for individual feedback and questions.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Shereen Jerrett is a working filmmaker, with experience in all aspects of film production: writing, producing, directing, editing. She has credits that include animation, TV series, drama, independent art films, and commercial/corporate. She has produced international award winning work with the National Film Board of Canada, among others, and has had her work air on TLC, Discovery, PBS, W, Life, CBC, and stations around the world. Currently, she also teaches Film at the University of Manitoba.
