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If you've got an idea brewing or a project that's just itching to get off the ground then have a look at our Research Masterclass - a one-day course to get you clues up in the mysteries and wonders of Research. Research Masterclass10 April Knowing how to research for factual tv is an essential craft to master. In this intensive, practical workshop you will discover the different approaches to research needed for different factual genres. You will also learn how to access, analyse and use information in a confident manner; how to make the best use of the internet for film research; how to access archive footage and stills; and how to find contributors and locations. Whether you are keen to develop and improve your research skills for your own documentary, or wanting to enter the industry, this course will get you researching creatively and effectively. For more info or to book your place: www.dfgdocs.com/trainingt: 020 7249 6600 e: training@dfgdocs.com
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Roll yourself into one all-singing, all-dancing, fabulous self-shooter, confident and director with two upcoming courses at DFG. Self Shooting for Documentary13-14 April It is now an increasingly common industry requirement that documentary filmmakers should be able to self-shoot. Do you know how to get the most out of a DV camera? Want to get the best sound for your film? This intensive two-day workshop will guide you through the complex workings and potential of the HDv camera and cover how to record good quality sound on your shoot. The course is taught on the Sony Z1, the camera of choice for many documentary filmmakers. Through a series of practical exercises, you will learn how to identify the potential, and work with the limitations, of your documentary subject matter and location, and create a customised ‘look’ for your film using the variety of settings on the camera menu. You'll also get to grips with the range of sound equipment you are likely to use or encounter as a self shooter - and how you should use it. Interviewing and Directing Workshop17-18 April Hone both your directing and interviewing techniques with this two-day intensive workshop. Through hands-on practical exercises (using a Sony Z1 camera) and team-work you will get to grips with basic documentary styles, and how to work independently as well as in a small crew. Participants will be introduced to a range of different interview styles and techniques, and through practical exercises and demonstration you will explore the core skills involved in this process including the golden rules of open questioned interviewing, how to prepare an interview and how to bring out the best in your subjects. For more info or to book your place: www.dfgdocs.com/training t: 020 7249 6600 e: training@dfgdocs.com
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New DocLab dates announced for May! Plus: book early to get fabulous discounts for DocLab and Doc Diploma. DocLab Intensive Documentary Filmmaking Course10 - 24 May Early Bird Discount: Book by 9 April and save £200!Do you want to get ahead in documentary filmmaking? Get the skills to make your own film in just two weeks with DOCLAB. This course is for people prepared to eat, sleep and breathe documentary, absorbing the production process whilst making your own film. Taught by award-winning industry professionals you get the skills you need to pursue your career in documentary filmmaking. Graduates of DOCLAB have screened their films at film festivals around the world, and have gone on to work for UK broadcasters and independent production companies. Doc Diploma21 June - 16 July Early Bird Discount: Book by 9 April and save £350!This highly intensive Diploma is designed for people who may not be able to afford to take a year off to study at Film School, and who want to gain the technical and practical skills you need to start working as a broadcast documentary filmmaker - fast. DFG's one month intensive Diploma in documentary filmmaking will give you the technical and practical skills you need to enter the industry and become a broadcast documentary filmmaker. By the end of the course you will be a confident self-shooter. You will have directed and edited two short films and be able to write, research and pitch your ideas - plus much more! For more info or to book your place: www.dfgdocs.com/trainingt: 020 7249 6600 e: training@dfgdocs.com
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Applications are now open for The Pixel Lab, a brand new cross-media residential workshop from Power to the Pixel, to be held 4-10 July. The Pixel Lab is a unique, project-led workshop which will enable European producers and media professionals to tap into the business knowledge-base of the film, online, gaming, broadcast and mobile industries. The Pixel Lab is supported by the Media Programme of the European Union, Skillset, TorinoFilmLab and ARTE. Strategic partner EAVE. Deadline for applications: 16th April 2010.Find out more here.
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Get it pitch perfect with an April course: How to Write and Pitch a Commission-Winning Proposal8 - 9 AprilGetting your proposal right first time is crucial, as for most filmmakers it represents the first chance to get your foot in the door with broadcasters. On this intensive workshop led by TV Mole's Nicola Lees you'll explore the processes involved in writing and pitching your proposal for factual programming. During the two-day course, you will cover the standard writing techniques and formats for television proposals, vital information on the commissioning process and the particular types of proposals required by different commissioning bodies. You will also get help with visualising your story and learn how to make your proposal eye-catching. Prior to the workshop, participants will submit a one - page proposal for a documentary or a factual project that will be developed and pitched during the workshop. For more info or to book your place: www.dfgdocs.com/trainingt: 020 7249 6600 e: training@dfgdocs.com
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We get lots of members asking us where they can get personal advice on their projects from an experienced industry insider. Whether it's a second look at a proposal, seeking an opinion on the viability of a project, or advice on where to look for funding, sometimes you just want a bit of time with an Executive Producer to get a few answers and get you back on track. That's why we came up with Doc Clinic - an evening session for members only, to give you the opportunity to get some advice, feedback and support. Doc ClinicWeds 24 Feb & Weds 24 March18.30 - 21.30Over these sessions, each taking place in a small group, you will learn how to develop your two best tools for getting ahead in this industry: you and your ideas. Working with an experienced Executive Producer you’ll get honest feedback on the best options open to you, direction on your documentary ideas, feedback and advice on your proposal and tips on how to get ahead in the world of factual programming. All in a safe, supportive environment that's dedicated to YOU. Don't forget: DocLab - our Intensive Documentary Filmmaking Course - runs 15 - 29 March 2010. Click here for more information!For more info or to book your place: www.dfgdocs.com/trainingt: 020 7249 6600 e: training@dfgdocs.com
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The BBC is asking its audiences worldwide to submit 2 minute films about their lives. The project aims to find original stories from each continent, with compelling personal narratives. Our hope is to be able to create a vivid and compelling picture of life in the world today. Up to 50 films will be broadcast by the BBC and judges selecting the films include Cara Mertes from the Sundance Documentary Fund and Oscar-winning producer Greg Sanderson from BBC Storyville amongst others. In addition, there is HD Sony camera equipment on offer to the director of the best judged film. The closing date for the competition is 5 March 2010 and more information is on the BBC website: www.bbcworldservice.com/myworld.
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It stands to reason that if you've got a good idea you've got a better chance of getting it funded. We have new dates for two of our favourite development courses coming up in March which will help you with both the ideas and the money. Developing Your Factual Idea4 MarchThere are many ideas around but it takes a lot of work to make the idea into a programme or film - so where do you start? This practical development workshop focuses on moving your idea into actuality, adding depth, possibility and originality to your factual programme or documentary. Funding Your Documentary5 MarchOpportunities for funding can be found not only through television but through various other sources, including new opportunities for cross and multi-platform documentary projects - explore these options with this one day workshop. For more info or to book your place: www.dfgdocs.com/trainingt: 020 7249 6600 e: training@dfgdocs.com
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We have two incredibly useful courses coming up over the next week. First up, How to Write and Pitch a Commission-Winning Proposal led by TV Mole's Nicola Lees. This two-day workshop starts TOMORROW and runs 4 - 5 February. So for those who like to leave it late: get that call in now! You've got just a bit more time to get yourself booked onto our Intensive Production Management Workshop next week. Intensive Production Management Workshop11 - 12 FebruaryDo you want to upgrade your skills as a Production Manager in factual television? Or are you a producer looking to manage the production of your own documentary? On our Intensive Production Management Workshop you'll undertake in-depth practical training in planning, scheduling and budgeting for factual programming and documentaries and the various complex issues they raise. For more info or to book your place: www.dfgdocs.com/trainingt: 020 7249 6600 e: training@dfgdocs.com
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This week Britdoc has announced that its Channel 4 funding has been renewed for another two years. Say they: "With the current deal coming to an end, funding has been agreed to at least 2012 - a commitment of 400,000 GBP a year for a slate of ambitious feature documentaries." Over the past 4 and a half years, the Foundation has funded award-winning films such as Chosen (BAFTA), Afghan Star (double Sundance winner) and We Are Together (Tribeca winner), The Yes Men Fix the World (Berlin winner) Here's Johnny (Double Grierson winners) and campaigning films like The End of the Line. For more details see the BRITDOC website.
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Thursdays 11th, 18th and 25th March, 6.30-9pm @ DFG, LondonThis spring DFG introduces a new strand of masterclasses taking an in-depth look at the creative process of documentary filmmaking, starting with award-winning editor David Charap. Charap, a regular collaborator with Marc Isaacs from Calais: The Last Border through to last year’s Men of the City, has also worked on acclaimed dramas including the recent Mrs. Mandela and Pawel Pawlikowski’s Last Resort and My Summer of Love. Over three sessions, he will deconstruct several of his films, focusing on key aspects of the editing process: narrative technique, characterisation, and the all-important editor/ director partnership. In the final session he will be joined by director Marc Isaacs for a candid look at the process of collaboration in the edit. 1. Tools of the Trade
11th March, 6.30pmIn this first session, Charap will explore the key tools of an editor’s trade, including the manipulation of time and the use of music and voice over. Examining a range of films - including In the Land of the Free, a new feature doc scheduled for cinema release in March - you will be encouraged to consider a range of stylistic and narrative approaches when contemplating a documentary edit. 2. Shaping the Character
18th March, 6.30pmOne of the cornerstones of a documentary edit, in this session Charap will consider the ethics and strategies involved in depicting real people in documentary edits, with special reference to Calais: The Last Border and Black and White in Colour, the award-winning 1999 documentary directed by Mira Erdevicki. 3. Partnership in the cutting room: A special session with Marc Isaacs
25th March, 6.30pmFor the final session, director Marc Isaacs will join Charap to examine the partnership between director and editor. Together they will look at two of their recent collaborations in particular: Men of the City and All White in Barking. The session will feature Cutting Barking, a candid insight into how the film emerged from through editing process. Tickets:1 session - £23.50/ £11.75 DFG Members 2 sessions - £42/ £21 DFG Members 3 sessions - £53/ £27 DFG Members To book, call 020 7249 6600
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FOCAL International supported by Skillset are offering a five day Introduction to the Audiovisual Archive World. Responding to demand expressed to Skillset, FOCAL International is following the success of its popular summer Training Week, held annually in London, by providing this Continuing Professional Development introduction to all elements of audiovisual archive management. This is the course for you – whether you are looking to develop a career in audiovisual archive management, film archive research or you own a collection that is in need of order! We aim to introduce you to: - Who are the users of audiovisual archives, what do they want?
- What is Metadata and Media Asset Management, how does it work?
- Where are the challenges in managing an exemplar Regional Film Archive
- Why the history of film and video formats are significant to archives and researchers
- How is a Library Sales business set up
- End to end research
- Copyright law
With visits to: - North West Film Archive
- National Media Museum, Bradford
- BBC North
And an opportunity to meet industry professionals at a Networking event. The course will be based in and around the audiovisual archives of Manchester From 8th – 12th March 2010. NB. OPEN TO UK RESIDENTS ONLY Cost: £250 plus VAT For more information and booking form contact the FOCAL International office tel: 020 3178 3535 or email info@focalint.org
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15 - 29 March 2010 Early Bird Discount: Book by 5 February and save £200! DOCLAB is an intensive course taught by award-winning industry professionals that gives you the skills you need to pursue your career in documentary filmmaking. You will gain essential technical skills on industry standard HDV cameras, sound equipment and digital editing software. Through researching and making your own documentary under the expert guidance of our tutors, you will gain knowledge of and insight into the documentary production process to get the edge in this highly competitive industry. By the end of the course you will also have your own film. Graduates of DOCLAB have screened their films at film festivals around the world, and have gone on to work for UK broadcasters and independent production companies. Places are limited, so early booking is recommended! For more course details see here. For more info or to book your place: www.dfgdocs.com/trainingt: 020 7249 6600 e: training@dfgdocs.com
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No news is good news, so they say - but not if news is your business! As the journalistic world opens up and video becomes an essential component of a report, make news matter with DFG courses on how to both make and edit news and current affairs features. News Feature FilmmakingWednesday 27 January 2010There are more and more opportunities for independent documentary filmmakers to produce news features. They usually get commissioned because the producer can bring something to the story the broadcaster can't - think access, special footage, or particular knowledge of the country or topic covered. But in order to be successful you need the determination, knowledge and confidence to get yourself on location and finally come back with the footage you promised to get. This intensive workshop will outline current opportunities, giving you insider knowledge of what commissioners are looking for and imparting tips on how to approach them and pitch your story. Fees: Freelance DFG members: £150 + VAT = £176.25
Freelance non members £175 + VAT = £205.63Introduction to News Editing with FCP28 - 29 January 2010This two-day course introduces participants to Final Cut Pro, and is designed specifically for those wishing to edit news and current affairs features. You will learn to perform a range of editing functions while familiarising yourself with FCP software and the broadcast news industry workflow. Over the two days of the course you’ll get tips for efficient set up, customisation, and trimming techniques. You’ll learn the best methods for making audio adjustments, how to use common transitions and effects, splice in tight sound bites, cover narration with B-Roll footage, and prepare a story for delivery. Fees: Freelance DFG members: £300 + VAT = £352.50
Freelance non members: £330 + VAT = £387.75For more info or to book your place: www.dfgdocs.com/trainingt: 020 7249 6600 e: training@dfgdocs.com
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