Instruction @ Emily Carr
Emily Carr University Continuing Studies
The Art Of The Documentary:
From 2D To 3D
Instructor: Alan Goldman: alan@blueplate.ca
Course Length, 10 weeks…starting September 19th
Course Description:
This ten-week course is intended to be an examination of documentary practice. The course is a combination of in-class instruction, in-class exercises. Students learn the conventions required to produce, write, direct, shoot and capture documentary films. Incorporated into the course will be a primer on documentary history and the evolution of the different documentary genres. Specific examples of documentaries will be shown to strengthen through the use of Through a series of in class exercises certain aspects of production will be taught. I.e. how to conduct an interview, light an interior and obtain good sound.
The basics of editing will be discussed and students will be introduced to Final Cut. As well students will be introduced to filming in 3D. Students will use the new consumer point and shoot Fuji W3 Finepix 3D cameras. We will study how 3D has changed the relationship between the viewer and the subject in a documentary film. We will also look at what new visual storytelling possibilities that have arisen for documentary through the advent of 3D technology.
Course Objectives:
Providing students with an overview of the skills required in creating documentary films. Students will be expected to write and create their own documentary one page proposal. In the fourth week of class the teacher will choose with input from the class three one-page proposals that the class will shoot (broken up into production groups of three). By terms end students will have shot enough material for a three-minute documentary…
Course Requirements—
- Thumb or flash drive…with at least 2-4 gigs of storage…
- Each student must watch at least one theatrical documentary and present clips
- that analyze said documentary each week…
- Presenting and pitching your documentary ideas in class
- Creation of a one-page proposal
- Participation in class and on shoots…
Class One
Documentary history…this class defines the word and elucidates how
documentary became a separate genre from fiction and how ultimately different
sub-genres were created…as well as pitching is covered…how to pitch, why it is
necessary and who are you pitching to…
Class Two
It’s in the research…You have to be the expert. As a documentarian you must
thoroughly research each and every aspect of your project. We look at some of
the different methods for researching your project. In class exercise, five shots in
camera.
Class Three
Back to your pitches…in this class you will come ready to pitch your idea…(if
warranted you can use power point to aid your presentation). Please remember
the narrative of your project must unfold in three minutes. It has be a local story,
as we cannot take the equipment off Island. Your subject(s) have to be available
during class time…you must have confirmation that they want to be involved in
your project. Remember the best documentary ideas are always something you
know or have passion for. Towards the latter part of the class we will examine
how documentary one-pagers are written and how you can write yours.
Class Four
One pager’s are due—The class will choose their three favorites. As well we will
discuss the process of writing proposals and going for grants and other public
funds. In class exercise the production interview.
Class Five
Pre-production. We talk about the films look and feel. Preparations will be
underway for the three projects…we prepare for our upcoming shoot. In class
exercise…lighting the interview.
Class Six
Shoot
Class Seven
Shoot
Class Eight
Editing Workshop
Class Nine
Stereoscopic documentary filmmaking—The History and practice of…
Class Ten
Shoot and view your stereoscopic images…