📀 One Month Course: Documentary Editing (Intermediate)

Course Description: In this one-month intensive documentary editing course, participants will embark on a transformative journey to master the art of crafting compelling narratives from real footage. Through a combination of practical hands-on sessions, in-depth discussions, and guidance from industry experts, participants will learn the fundamental principles of documentary storytelling and editing.

Week 1: Practical Hands-On Editing Sessions with Industry Experts (Editors and Directors) 

The course kicks off with immersive, practical editing sessions led by experienced editors and directors from the documentary film industry. Participants will work with raw footage from real documentaries. Watching and analysing well-edited documentaries with experts, participants will explore various approaches to shaping narratives.

Week 2: The Art of Actuality: A Documentary Fundamental

During the second week, participants will delve into the heart of documentary filmmaking – actuality. Working on real footages, editors will learn how to use unscripted moments in building characters and moving the story forward. Watching and analysing documentaries that use actuality, participants will learn how to use actuality moments to enhance the emotional essence of the story.

Week 3: Understanding Documentary Editing through Writing Techniques 

Editing is not just about manipulating footage but also about effective storytelling. In week three, participants will learn various story writing rules and learn to apply them for shaping documentary narratives. Participants will use unreleased documentary footages from expert filmmakers for this. The module will also touch upon creating tension, pacing, and the emotional arcs that resonate with audiences.

Week 4: Where and How to Use B-Roll and Archive Footage Effectively

In the final week, participants will learn to elevate their documentaries by effectively incorporating B-roll and archive footage. They will gain insights into identifying suitable visuals that complement and enhance the main narrative, providing a more profound context to the story. The module will emphasize the ethical use of archival materials and copyright considerations.

Final Project:

Throughout the course, the editors will work on editing a short documentary film, which they can use as a valuable addition to their portfolio. 

By the end of this one month course, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in documentary editing. They will have honed their practical skills, developed a critical eye for storytelling, and gained the confidence to pursue a successful career in the world of documentary filmmaking.

Note: Participants should have some experience in video editing and be familiar with the basics of editing software such as Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro. Participants with a working knowledge of editing tools will be better equipped to fully immerse themselves in the advanced techniques and concepts presented throughout the course.