Eight-Week Documentary Filmmaking
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-05-12 | - |
| 2025-06-02 | - |
| 2025-07-28 | - |
Program Overview
Eight-Week Documentary Filmmaking
Overview
The Eight-Week Documentary Filmmaking (full-time) course is ideal for students who want to bring their passion and ideas for a documentary to life and require training in technical and creative filmmaking skills. The course culminated in the production of your own short documentary film. This course is suitable for beginners, no previous experience is required.
Why Take the Course?
Eight-Week from Documentary Filmmaking is an intensive and practical course that equips students with the fundamental skills and focuses on the challenges of the documentary genre, such as working with people and filming reality. Designed to improve students understanding, knowledge and practice in the following areas:
- an understanding of the current context of documentary filmmaking based on the history of the documentary genre and its different forms
- the ability to research effectively, and to develop, structure and pitch your ideas with the potential market and audience in mind
- knowledge and skills to operate a digital camera, sound recording, light a scene and use editing software
- an appreciation of the importance of narrative and storytelling in documentary filmmaking and developing a voice as a documentary storyteller.
What you will study
The following list is an overview of the topics and themes covered in Eight-Week Documentary Filmmaking.
The Factual Landscape
Students examine what is meant by the term ‘factual programming’ and how to generate and develop factual content such as single documentary, constructed documentary, fixed rig and formats. Students will be analysing and interpreting factual stories to understand how these ideas resonate with an audience.
Camera, Lighting and Sound
Students explore when and how to use elements of image and sound ‘control’ in a variety of factual circumstances including spoken scenarios such as interviews, voice-overs and vox pops.
Visual Storytelling
Students learn how to tell stories through the use of visual mediums. Looking at composition, blocking and camera positions and how to engage and audience.
Production
Students will learn the importance of planning and preparation; Health & Safety, budgeting and designing a shooting schedule.
Post-Production
Through training in Adobe Premiere Pro, students will develop their technical and creative editing skills, which will give them the necessary understanding to take their own project through the editing process.
Final Production
Students will collaborate across their cohort to prep, shoot, and edit their final short factual films.
Entry Requirements
- Minimum Age: 18 at the start of the course.
- This course is open enrolment and there are no entry requirements.
- In order to get the most out of the course, you should be able to both speak and write in English to a reasonable standard.
Duration and Location
- Duration: Eight Weeks Full-Time (Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm).
- Location: London, Berlin
Dates & Prices
- London:
- 12 May 2025 - 4 July 2025: £4,995 (Fully Booked)
- Berlin:
- 2 June 2025 - 25 July 2025: €4,250
- 28 July 2025 - 19 September 2025: €4,250
*Book and pay in full to receive a 20% discount on this short course. This limited-time offer is available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotions or discounts.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Eight-Week Documentary Filmmaking (full-time) course is aimed at aspiring filmmakers who are eager to turn their passion and ideas for documentaries into reality. The program offers thorough training in both technical and creative skills, culminating in the creation of a short documentary film by each student. The course is designed for beginners, so no prior experience is necessary.
Objectives:
- Equip students with fundamental documentary filmmaking skills.
- Focus on the challenges of the documentary genre, such as working with people and capturing reality.
- Enhance students' understanding, knowledge, and practice in various areas, including:
- Recognizing the current documentary filmmaking context and different forms.
- Researching, developing, structuring, and pitching ideas with awareness of the potential market and audience.
- Employing digital cameras, sound recording, lighting, and editing software.
- The importance of narrative and storytelling in documentary filmmaking, and developing a unique voice as a storyteller.
Outline:
The program covers a wide range of topics and themes related to documentary filmmaking. While the specific modules may vary depending on the semester, the following outline provides a general idea of the program's curriculum:
- The Factual Landscape: Examining the concept of "factual programming," generating and developing factual content such as single documentaries, constructed documentaries, fixed-rig formats, and analyzing and interpreting factual stories to enhance audience engagement.
- Camera, Lighting, and Sound: Gaining hands-on experience with digital cameras, lighting techniques, and sound recording, focusing on utilizing these elements in various factual scenarios, like interviews, voice-overs, and vox pops.
- Visual Storytelling: Mastering the art of visual storytelling through composition, blocking, camera positioning, and audience engagement techniques.
- Production: Mastering project planning and preparation essentials, including health and safety considerations, budgeting, and designing a shooting schedule. The course is offered at both MetFilm School campuses in London and Berlin.
Assessment:
Students will be assessed through a combination of coursework, practical work, and a final project. The specific assessment methods and criteria will be provided at the beginning of the course.
Teaching:
The course is taught by experienced professionals in the documentary filmmaking industry. The curriculum focuses on a hands-on, practical approach, ensuring students gain valuable skills and experience. The program also features guest lectures and workshops from established filmmakers.
Careers:
The Eight-Week Documentary Filmmaking course offers graduates a strong foundation for entering the documentary filmmaking industry. Potential career paths may include:
- Documentary filmmaker
- Editor
- Camera operator
- Sound recordist
- Researcher
- Factual producer
- TV researcher
- Journalist
Other:
- The program emphasizes the importance of social responsibility and ethical considerations in documentary filmmaking.
- Students have access to industry-standard equipment and facilities.
- Individualized support is provided to help students achieve their full potential. The actual program content and structure may vary depending on the semester and location.
Met Film School
Overview:
Met Film School is a renowned film school with campuses in London, Berlin, and Leeds. It offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and short courses in various film and screen-related disciplines. The school is known for its industry connections and practical approach to learning.
Services Offered:
Met Film School provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses:
A wide variety of degree programs in areas such as acting, filmmaking, screenwriting, producing, cinematography, and post-production.Short Courses:
Intensive workshops and courses covering various aspects of filmmaking, from acting and directing to cinematography and editing.Student Support and Wellbeing:
Dedicated support services for students' academic, personal, and professional needs.Career Support:
Guidance and resources to help students launch their careers in the film industry.Masterclasses:
Opportunities to learn from industry professionals and gain valuable insights.Screenings and Mixers:
Events that provide networking opportunities and exposure to industry trends.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Met Film School offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can expect:
State-of-the-art facilities:
Access to professional-grade equipment and studios.Industry-standard learning environment:
Practical training and real-world experience.Strong sense of community:
Opportunities to connect with fellow students and industry professionals.Networking events:
Opportunities to build connections and gain valuable industry contacts.Key Reasons to Study There:
Industry connections:
Strong ties to the film industry, providing students with access to professionals and opportunities.Practical learning:
Emphasis on hands-on experience and real-world projects.Experienced faculty:
Industry professionals and educators who bring real-world expertise to the classroom.Global reach:
Campuses in London, Berlin, and Leeds, offering diverse perspectives and opportunities.Academic Programs:
Met Film School offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate:
BA (Hons) degrees in Acting for Screen, Content, Media and Film Production, Digital Film Practice (various specializations), Film and Screen Business, and Practical Filmmaking.Postgraduate:
MA degrees in Cinematography, Directing, Documentary and Factual, Film and Television Production, Post Production, Producing, Screen Acting, and Screenwriting.Other:
- Minimum Age: 18 at the start of the course.
- In order to get the most out of the course, you should be able to both speak and write in English to a reasonable standard.
- Please be aware that we have a limited number of places available for each course intake and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Duration and Location
- Duration: Eight Weeks Full-Time (Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm).
- Location: MetFilm School Campus at Ealing Studios or BUFA Studios.
