MAP course: Documentary Video Production for Beginners

Instructor: Nancy Tong

DAY 1 – Tuesday 25 May: TECHNICAL TRAINING

Introduction

A Basic video production crew: roles and collaboration
Camerawork and practice
Screen camera assignment with feedback

Attention to details: Location scout, shooting environment, wide shots and cutaways

SCREENING: observational style documentary

Assignment

In class: Use of tripod to frame different shots

DAY 2 – Wednesday 26 May: TECHNICAL TRAINING

Audio recording and types of microphones
Importance of location sound
Different sound environments

Audio recording practice.

SCREENING: participatory style documentary

Assignment

In class: handheld, walking shots using different mics to record sound. Record wild sound and room tone.

DAY 3 – Thursday 27 May: DIRECTING

Different styles and treatment of documentary videos
Structure of documentary videos

SCREENING: TV documentary to discuss structure

Assignment

In class: discussion of perspective
In class: structural analysis
DISCUSSION OF DOCUMENTARY PROJECT IDEAS

DAY 4 – Friday 28 May: DIRECTING, SHOOTING BEGINS

Interview techniques. Formulating questions.
Discussion of project: themes, objectives, approach, list of interviewees, locations etc..
The process of editing

SCREENING: one-hour documentary with discussion of the directing process

Assignment

In class: interview setup and practice

Out-of-classroom assignment: begin shooting video documentary

FINALIZE ASSIGNMENT THEMES AND TREATMENT

DAY 5 & 6 (WEEKEND): PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTARY

DAY 7 – Monday 31 May: DIRECTING AND EDITING

Viewing of footage
Discussion on documentary structure and treatment
Editing software instructions
Logging and transcription of material

Assignment

In class: editing software practice introduction: logging, transcription begins

DAY 8 – Tuesday 1 June: EDITING

Editing practice
Structure and writing

Assignment

Picture edit

DAY 9 – Wednesday 2 June: EDITING, SCREENING ROUGH CUT, SOUND EDIT

Audio editing instructions. Use of music. Use of fonts, graphics.
View rough cut and discussion

Assignment

Sound edit and sound mix

DAY 10 – Thursday 3 June: POST-WORKS, UPLOAD ONTO INTERNET

Fine cut
See fine cut and discussion.
Upload onto internet

Assignment

Color correct, effects, titles