Course Resources Archive

This practical module introduces students to advanced forms of research based documentary filmmaking. Through initial theory and practice projects students will explore a variety of documentary film forms and develop their own scripted documentary film. Students will work as small mobile team units organizing and scheduling location work over the semester towards a final production screening. As in FLP201 students have the opportunity to both specialize in a specific role area whilst gaining a broad grounding in the approaches to documentary filmmaking.

The first half of the module will introduce the basics of documentary from presenter-led features to the more advanced narrative concepts of cinema verité and fly-on-the-wall. There will be extensive opportunities for practice based learning through test shoots and edits. In the second half of the module students will be formalized into production units to produce one final piece. As with FLP201 'crew seminar' meetings will be held throughout the module to assess technical, aesthetic and logistical development during the documentary process. There will be a screening at the end of the semester to critique all work completed. Work of exceptional quality will be submitted for competition.

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. Theoretically understand and visually develop a variety of approaches and narrative theories attached to the documentary form.
2. Clearly articulate a critical argument.
3. Visualize in a running order script format a complete documentary 'story' then block and script a documentary film idea for the screen
4. Critically reflect upon research undertaken and script development using relevant language for a chosen audience
5. Assume responsibilities of chosen role within the small unit structure of the documentary filmmaking.
6. Transcribe and construct a complete film in the edit from a documentary script and full EDL (edit decision list).

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.