Documentary 101: Direct and Produce Reality and Documentary Film

Documentary 101: Direct and Produce Reality and Documentary Film

Start Date: 6 February 2022

R 9 200

Course Highlights

  • Fully Accredited Short Course (skills programme) 
  • 24 Hours To Become an Expert in Directing and Producing Reality and Documentary Film (4 Hours of Theory A Week Over 4 Weeks and a 2-Day Practical)
  • Online Live Interactive Sessions 
  • Courses delivered by professionals in the field
  • 2-Day Practical in a Working Studio 
  • Assignment is a portfolio of evidence

Course Overview

Gain all the necessary skills to know what it takes to be an accomplished director in the fast-growing genre of reality and documentary filmmaking. Course topics covered include: developing a concept, preparing a pitch, raising the finance, preparing for the shoot and finishing your film. You will be guided by leading industry professionals and learn from experts in the field. 

The course comprises 4 theory modules delivered through live online lectures as well as a practical session where you will need to direct and produce your own in-person filmed interview..

Course Duration

The 4-week Documentary 101: Direct and Produce Reality and Documentary Film Short Course is made up of 2 x 1-hour live interactive theory sessions each week as well as a 2-day practical session in-studio (8-hours each day).

The course provides a high level of theoretical and practical expertise in directing and producing documentary and reality film in a total of 24 hours.

How You’ll Learn

The FFDS Documentary 101: Direct and Produce Reality and Documentary Film Short Course theory is delivered through weekly interactive online lectures and webinars. You will also be required to complete a live practical film project over 2-days in-studio (either at our studio premises in Cape Town or Gauteng).

Over the course period, you would also be expected to conduct self-learning to supplement the course modules, based on content and references prescribed by your lecturers.

Certification

Upon completion of the FFDS Documentary 101: Direct and Produce Reality and Documentary Film Short Course, you will be endorsed with a statement of result and receive a certificate of completion.

Accreditation

The Documentary 101: Direct and Produce Reality and Documentary Film Short Course is a NQF Level 4 course and is aligned with the SAQA unit standards:  

https://regqs.saqa.org.za/showUnitStandard.php?id=255774 and  https://regqs.saqa.org.za/showUnitStandard.php?id=12500. The course counts for 10 credits.

Documentary 101: Direct and Produce Reality and Documentary Film – Course Modules
The course comprises 4 theory modules and a practical presentation assignment, detailed as follows:

Theory Modules:

  • The Idea 
  • Logline Practice 
  • Approaching the Subject 
  • Getting the Subject to Commit 
  • Financing 
  • Treatment Practice
  • Budget and Schedule 
  • Shot-List and Scene Ideas 
  • Travel and Gear
  • Interviewing Subjects 
  • Basic Camera Operation 
  • Sound Recording 
  • Lighting for Interviews 
  • A Typical Shoot Day 
  • Cinema Vérité 
  • B-Roll 
  • Releases
  • Prepping the Edit 
  • The Assembly 
  • The Rough Cut 
  • Music and Score 
  • Locking Picture 
  • Sound Mix and Edit 
  • Narration 
  • Titles and Graphics 
  • Color and Online 
  • Screening the Film for Subjects

A 2-day in-studio presentation (8 hours each day)

  • Day 1 – Film and In-Person Interview
    You will need to film an in-person interview using professional camera, audio and lighting equipment.

    You will be able to choose any topic and interview subject  for your interview, however, will be encouraged to select a topic and interview subject that aligns with your preferred area of factual film interest.

    This is your opportunity to apply the knowledge and insights you have learnt through the theory modules.

  • Day 2 – Feedback And Assessment
    Edit your interview and overlay titles, music and B-roll. The FFDS panel will assess your filmed interview and provide feedback on how to improve your final project. You will also receive a formal assessment of your filmed interview.

Next Steps and How to Start

Here’s what you need to do, to become an expert in  directing and producing reality and documentary film, 

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3

1. Download and complete our FFDS Enrolment Form (on www.ffds.co.za)
2. Submit the completed enrolment form and all necessary documents to us (info@ffds.co.za)
3. We will contact you to finalise fee payment and confirm your course commencement date

Once everything has been confirmed, you start your learning journey to becoming an expert in 24 hours!

Course Details

Course: Documentary film making 101

Duration: 4 Weeks

Credits: 10

Price: R 9 200

Payment Options

These payment options are available

Documentary film making 101

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