Documentary Filmmaking Fundamentals (Ages 18+)

Constellation’s Documentary Filmmaking Fundamentals provides a comprehensive introduction to the art and craft of documentary filmmaking, designed specifically for adult learners with little or no prior experience. Students will explore the entire filmmaking process, from initial concept development to final exhibition. 

Key topics covered include:

- Storytelling & Ethics: Identifying compelling real-life stories and navigating the ethical responsibilities of working with real subjects and sensitive material.
- Pre-Production: Researching topics, developing proposals, planning shoots, creating shot lists, and managing logistics and budgeting.
- Production: Camera operation using your own smartphone device, sound recording techniques, and lighting for interviews and vérité footage.
- Post-Production: Introduction to user-friendly editing software, structuring narratives, basic sound mixing, and color correction.
- Distribution: Strategies for sharing finished films through festivals, online platforms, and community screenings.

Through a mix of lectures, screenings of classic and contemporary documentaries, practical exercises, and peer feedback, students will gain the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to produce their own short documentary film. The class will culminate in a screening of students' final projects.

NOTE: Constellation Stage & Screen programs are not eligible for Ivy Tech Employee Fee Remission.