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Maru Desert Festival
Visit Maru Desert Festival with the lens of a documentarian, exploring the people and communities who showcase their ancient crafts, skills and animals at the desert festival. Make a character-led documentary with Blackline experts.
IN-PERSON EXPEDITION STARTS
22 February 2024
IN-PERSON EXPEDITION ENDS
28 February 2024
COURSE DURATION
(INCLUDING ONLINE LESSONS)
30 Days
COHORT SIZE
Max 15 people
Jaisalmer, India
Let's travel to
Experience travel like never before
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New skills, co-creators and perhaps a career?
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A documentary added to your creative portfolio
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Released in festivals, screenings and channels
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Travel with experts 👑, work with 🌟interesting people 🫂, create documentary 🎥 magic.
Maru Desert Festival
Visit Maru Desert Festival with the lens of a documentarian, exploring the people and communities who showcase their ancient crafts, skills and animals at the desert festival. Make a character-led documentary with Blackline experts.
LET'S TRAVEL TO
Jaisalmer, India
DURATION
30 Days
COHORT SIZE
Max 15 people
START DATE
22 February 2024
END DATE
28 February 2024
Etush Bansal has built an impressive 15-year career as a non-fiction director in Mumbai, India. Renowned for his dedication to authentic storytelling, keen attention to detail, and a passion for narrative excellence, he has become a stalwart in the field of documentary filmmaking.
Etush is a prolific director and producer, credited with overseeing the creation of over 1000 hours of captivating non-fiction content for broadcast and streaming platforms. His extensive projects cover a wide spectrum, some standout successes in his portfolio include "Women Fighter Pilots" a compelling exploration of pioneering women in the Indian skies, "India Baseball Dreams" a revealing look into the emerging baseball subculture in the country, "Battle Ops" an immersive journey into the realm of military operations, and "Missing" a poignant examination of disappearances echoing across India.
Etush is not merely a director; he embodies the spirit of an adventurer. His enthusiasm for travel, biking and thrilling sports radiates through the dynamic energy infused into his work. Venturing into new terrains, this passion for exploration permeates his documentaries, transforming them into visually striking and emotionally impactful experiences. Etush's storytelling resonates globally, presenting narratives that authentically reflect the essence of India.
Etush Bansal
Prapti Mittal
Hi, I'm Prapti Mittal, a documentary producer and director working globally but specially in India, United Kingdom and Spain. I'm the founder of Studio Blackline and working very hard on making documentary filmmaking accessible to all.
Most of the documentary shoots I do commercially demand me to travel, so I am used to being on the move while working simultaneously. I've also lived and worked in Spain, United Kingdom, United States and now back in my home country, India, so I know a thing or two about adapting to new cultural climates.
I love to travel (I've travelled to more than 20 countries, half of them solo). I think travel and documentary go very well together, and I would love to share that experience with you.
I will teach you three things:
(1) what makes a compelling documentary
(2) how to shoot and edit videos professionally
(3) how to tackle the challenges of travelling for documentary
"Desert Diaries" goes beyond a film—it's an immersive travel experience where enthusiasts actively participate in the art of documentary filmmaking. Immerse yourself in character-driven storytelling, tracing the journeys of dedicated and culturally nuanced individuals overcoming challenges on the way to the Maru Desert Festival.
Curious about what awaits you?
- Personal Character Stories:
Immerse yourself in the festival through the unique cultural narratives of dedicated individuals.
- Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Insights:
Gain privileged access to the intricate preparations and unseen challenges leading to the grandeur of the Maru Desert Festival.
- Observational Journey:
Experience a fly-on-the-wall adventure, where the camera quietly captures genuine moments as they happen.
Don't miss the opportunity to be a part of a documentary experience that delves beyond the surface, capturing the essence of Rajasthan's cultural celebration authentically and through compelling characters. Join us for "Desert Diaries," where the real stories unfold, and you play a vital role in shaping the narrative.Desert Diaries
Before the Expedition
1. Introduction to Documentary - Online Workshops
Begin your documentary filmmaking journey with our informative orientation webinar. Learn the fundamentals guided by our experienced team, ensuring you're well-prepared for the filmmaking adventure. Register now for essential insights and expert guidance
2. Get a Guidebook
Get your exclusive expedition guidebook tailored to be your compass on this adventure. Unlock hidden gems and discover untold stories of this remarkable destination with your own essential guidebook.
3. Understand Your Characters
Discover captivating characters and subjects carefully chosen for your documentary, guaranteeing a compelling narrative for you to share. Immerse yourself in their unique worlds and prepare to capture their stories with help of our expert guidance.
Days 1-3
1. Meet and Greet for Fellow Filmmakers
Connect with fellow documentary enthusiasts, share your passions and build lasting bonds during our Meet and Greet. This is the starting point for your creative journey.
2. Meet Your Expert
Begin your expedition with guidance from an industry expert. Meet your mentor, who will offer invaluable insights and advice throughout your filmmaking journey.
3. Do a Recce and Meet Your Characters
Explore Jaisalmer's stunning landscapes, vibrant markets, and picturesque locales during our Recce session. Meet your chosen characters and immerse yourself in their captivating stories.
4. Filming Essentials: Interviews, B-rolls, and Location Shots
Roll the cameras and capture the essence of Jaisalmer. Conduct interviews, gather compelling B-roll footage, and shoot stunning location shots to breathe life into your documentary.
5. Organize and Log Footage
Understand the significance of organization in filmmaking. Learn to catalog and log your footage for a seamless post-production process. Join us to elevate your documentary filmmaking skills.
Days 4-7
1. Explore Storytelling Mastery with Real-Time Sequences for Compelling Narratives
Dive into the world of storytelling and elevate your craft by exploring real-time sequences. Discover how to skillfully present the progression of your story, enhancing its impact.
2. Bringing Characters to Life: Filming Real-Time Sequences
Apply your storytelling expertise by filming real-time sequences featuring your characters. Capture the stories as they unfold, creating engaging narratives to captivate your audience and provide a memorable viewing experience.
3. Ensuring We Have All Sequences to Tell the Narrative
Thoroughly review your footages to ensure you've captured all the vital sequences needed to weave a captivating narrative befitting the grandeur of Jaisalmer. Elevate your storytelling with a comprehensive review of your material.
Expedition Schedule
After the Expedition
1. Get a Certificate of Completion from Studio Blackline
Get a Certificate of Completion from Studio Blackline to acknowledge your hardwork and for you to show future employers.
2. Film Editing Services at Studio Blackline, Mumbai
Embark on the post-production journey by choosing Studio Blackline for the editing of your film. Our skilled editing team is dedicated to shaping your documentary into a cinematic masterpiece.
3. Online Workshops: Enhancing Storytelling in Post-production
Immerse yourself in three enriching online workshops dedicated to the nuances of storytelling in post-production. Explore cutting-edge editing techniques and unlock the secrets of captivating storytelling.
4. Film Festival Submission and Screenings
Our dedication extends beyond production—let us propel your documentary onto the global stage. We'll submit it to esteemed film festivals and arrange screenings, ensuring your work gains the recognition it deserves.
5. Exclusive Documentary Screening at Studio Blackline, Mumbai
Celebrate your achievement with an official screening of your documentary at Studio Blackline, Mumbai. Extend invitations to your friends and family to witness your cinematic masterpiece on the big screen.
Enjoy the entire expedition in a comfortable twin-sharing room with a fellow participant. Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Standard Price
₹1,25,000
(inclusive of all taxes)
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Transfers upon arrival & departure.
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Comfortable accommodations as per your selection.
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Meals as indicated in the pricing options.
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Filming equipment to be used on a sharing basis among the group participants.
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Cost of Production, including transportation to filming locations, location fee, permits, insurance, payment to subjects, etc.
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Cost of editing including edit stations, editing machines, edit softwares. Post-production costs like professional final cut editing, sound design and colour grading.
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Instruction fees of the expert and professional crew leading the course.
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A Wrap Party (of course)!
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Film Festival application fees post-expedition.
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Airfare to and from location, and any internal flights.
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Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance.
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Visa fees, if applicable.
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Tourist location visits, excursions, adventure sports and other touristic activities.
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Meals that are not mentioned in the pricing options.
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Any alcoholic beverages.
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Laptops, mobile phones and personal camera equipment (participants are encouraged to bring their own for an enhanced experience).
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1
After the Application
Once we review your application, our team will contact you to set up a customised payment plan that suits your needs.
2
Flexi-Plan
We offer a flexible payment option, allowing for the payments to be divided into two convenient instalments. The last instalment must be paid 30 days before the expedition Start Date.
Pay in
your currency
You can pay in the following currencies with 0% conversation fee- USD, GBP, EUR and INR.
3
Pay by
Bank Tranfers
We accept bank transfers to keep the payment transactions clear, traceable and secure for our customers.
4
PRICING AND PAYMENT
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
FAQs
A. If the minimum cohort size is not reached then the expedition will not take place. Any person who has booked the expedition will be informed and any payments made will be returned in full.
A. In this case, we will try to book interested and serious applicants in a future expedition.
A. No, filling the application form does not guarantee a spot on the expedition. Since the expedition is a serious commitment, we will screen all applicants and contact them regarding payment plans. Once the payment has gone through, the spot is irrevocably booked for the participant.
A. Flexi Plan allows participants to divide the payments into two (2) instalments with the final payment due 30 days before the expedition Start Date. Failure to fulfil the payment commitments will lead to the loss of first instalment payment and reservation for the expedition.
A. While it is not mandatory to book accommodation with the expedition, we would recommend doing so for a better experience. Some of the expeditions are at unique locations with not too many accommodation options. If you decide not to take the expedition accommodation, please ensure that you can make yourself available at the expedition meeting location on time everyday.
A. 15 days before the start of the expedition.
A. You can find the inclusions and exclusions in the each expedition's page. Please read the information carefully.
A. All participants will be entitled to a password protected link of the finished documentary once the final editing, sound design and colour grading is finished to show family and friends, or future employers. Since we will send the documentary to Film Festivals, we require participants to not put the documentary in the public domain.
A. The copyright of the documentary will be owned by Studio Blackline.
A. Studio Blackline, under the banner of Black Line Productions, is in the business of producing, distributing and publishing audiovisual content across platforms. The documentaries produced will be sent to film festivals and for distribution and licensing, with the aim to achieve more exposure for the films and the participants.
1
After the Application
Once we review your application, our team will contact you to set up a customised payment plan that suits your needs.
2
Flexi-Plan
We offer a flexible payment option, allowing for the payments to be divided into two convenient instalments. The last instalment must be paid 30 days before the expedition Start Date.
Pay in
your currency
You can pay in the following currencies with 0% conversation fee- USD, GBP, EUR and INR.
3
Pay by
Bank Tranfers
We accept bank transfers to keep the payment transactions clear, traceable and secure for our customers.
4
FAQs
A. If the minimum cohort size is not reached then the expedition will not take place. Any person who has booked the expedition will be informed and any payments made will be returned in full.
A. In this case, we will try to book interested and serious applicants in a future expedition.
A. No, filling the application form does not guarantee a spot on the expedition. Since the expedition is a serious commitment, we will screen all applicants and contact them regarding payment plans. Once the payment has gone through, the spot is irrevocably booked for the participant.
Flexi Plan allows participants to divide the payments into two (2) instalments with the final payment due 30 days before the expedition Start Date. Failure to fulfil the payment commitments will lead to the loss of first instalment payment and reservation for the expedition.
APPLICATION AND PAYMENT
TRAVEL AND LOGISTICS
A. While it is not mandatory to book accommodation with the expedition, we would recommend doing so for a better experience. Some of the expeditions are at unique locations with not too many accommodation options. If you decide not to take the expedition accommodation, please ensure that you can make yourself available at the expedition meeting location on time everyday.
A. 15 days before the start of the expedition.
A. You can find the inclusions and exclusions in the each expedition's page. Please read the information carefully.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
A. All participants will be entitled to a password protected link of the finished documentary once the final editing, sound design and colour grading is finished to show family and friends, or future employers. Since we will send the documentary to Film Festivals, we require participants to not put the documentary in the public domain.
A. The copyright of the documentary will be owned by Studio Blackline.
A. Studio Blackline, under the banner of Black Line Productions, is in the business of producing, distributing and publishing audiovisual content across platforms. The documentaries produced will be sent to film festivals and for distribution and licensing, with the aim to achieve more exposure for the films and the participants.
STUDIO BLACKLINE
Get in touch
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