Documentary Production (392-0-20)

Instructors

Debra K Tolchinsky

Meeting Info

Annie May Swift Hall 219: Tues, Thurs 4:00PM - 5:20PM

Overview of class

This course will explore documentary practices as students produce their own 6 to 10-minute short. The emphasis will be on watching and workshopping what students generate alongside viewing documentaries (primarily shorts) from a diverse array of filmmakers. Screenings will be augmented by written material as we consider crucial questions circulating in the non-fiction realm. We will reflect upon whose stories are being told, by who, and to what end. We will examine the structure of particular films and how stylistic choice underscores or subverts content. And finally, we will look at traditional versus post-pandemic possibilities for financing, viewership, and impact.

Learning Objectives

By analyzing various non-fiction films and creating a short, participants will gain a more in-depth understanding of the documentary genre.

Evaluation Method

100 total points possible

Still image assignment: 10 points

Soundscape project: 10 points

Pitch and written proposal: 10 points

Rough cut: 10 points

Final Documentary: 40 points

Attendance, participation, various written exercises, professionalism: 20 points

Grades will be determined according to 50% professionalism and 50% clarity of vision/ability to communicate that vision.

For our class, Professionalism will entail:

On-time completion of work

Fulfilling the assignment per the parameters described in the syllabus

Listening and thoughtfully responding to feedback when applicable

Considerately providing critique to your classmates when applicable

For our class, clarity of vision/ability to communicate that vision will entail:

Conceptualizing and comprehensively articulating your ideas via writing, talking or media depending on the assignment.

Class Materials (Required)

Reading/viewing assignments will be available on Canvas or in class.

Students may access cage equipment pending cage availability, provided they have a $50 deposit card on file.

Students must have access to a personal computer (price variable) or use the computer labs at school.

Required Software: Adobe Premiere (available on-campus computers or can be purchased for personal computers for approximately $20/month).

Media projects should be turned in via a private password protected downloadable link such as Vimeo. (Vimeo starter membership is currently $9 per month billed annually) https://vimeo.com/upgrade?context=homepage.

You will need a portable hard drive to store your footage and for editing—at least 1 TB recommended (price range approximately 60 to 130 dollars depending on the brand). You will also need an additional backup method. I highly recommend a second portable hard drive.

Class Notes

Attendance during the first class is required unless cleared by the professor.

Technical skills such as lighting, camera, sound, and editing will not be the focus of this class.

Group projects (two people max) will be allowed.

Students must strictly adhere to RTVF Production Handbook and Covid Best Practice guidelines: https://communication.northwestern.edu/radio-television-film/for-current-rtvf-students/.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Students must have completed RTVF 190-0 in order to register for this course (concurrent registration is not allowed)