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The good news is that we live in a time when it's incredibly easy to just go out and shoot a documentary. The bad news is that most peoples' efforts are unwatchable and unsellable.
On this intensive 5 day course you will learn how to develop a documentary idea and turn it into a finished film that an audience will want to see.
The first part of each morning will be spent developing the participants' own documentary ideas. Then for the rest of each day the five aspects of directing a documentary will be explored. After completing this course, previous students have gone on to direct documentary films with ITV and BBC.
Previous course participants have said:
'I learned more over 3 sessions with Col than I did over my entire Documentary MA.'
'The knowledge I have now can't be compared to any other course.'
'Col's enthusiasm and experience was invaluable in helping to move my documentary development process forward.'
'Within an hour of working with Col I felt a million times better, my ideas were transformed.'
Day 1 - Developing Your Idea
How you can discover if your idea is worth turning into a documentary film and ways to develop your idea into something an audience will happily pay money to see.
Day 2 - Interview Style & Technique
Who you decide to appear in your film and how you choose them. You will also look at great interview technique and five serious mistakes to avoid.
Day 3 - Camera, Lights & Style
How you translate your idea into the language of film; Do you want to make a serious subject funny or a light subject serious? And how to decide an appropriate camera and lighting style. You will also discover ways to reveal truth on camera.
Day 4 - Editing & Sound
Creating drama and emotion through editing; The best way to use sound and music to express your vision as a director
Day 5 - Sell Your Documentary
Getting your film made on all budgets and making sure it secures an audience. How to earn a living as a documentary filmmaker.
In order to participate in this course, please bring one or two of your own ideas which you will work on throughout the week.
Freelance Rate: £800
Corporate Rate: £1550
Bursaries, supported by Screen Scotland, to contribute to the costs of attending this course may be available to those who are eligible. Please read the bursary guidelines which are published below first to check if you are eligible. If you are eligible, please indicate if you are also applying for a bursary or not.
Please apply as far in advance of the course date as possible to give yourself the best chance of securing a supported place, as we may not be able to accommodate all applications.
Your bursary application and supporting documents should be sent to scotland@nfts.co.uk after submitting this application form. Please submit your bursary application within 24 hours to ensure your course place is reserved while your bursary application is processed – otherwise we may be required to release it to another applicant. Your bursary documents are reviewed by a panel and we aim to be in touch as soon as possible with an outcome for you.
NFTS Scotland Bursary Guidelines
NFTS Scotland Bursary Application Form
If you are not eligible for an NFTS Scotland bursary, please read our Alternative Funding Avenues document, which points you in the direction of a few other places which may be able to help. Please submit your application in plenty of time as timescales for funders differ.
Please complete the application form to apply.