Topics in Non-fiction Media (377-0-20)

Topic

The One-Person Crew Documentarian

Instructors

Danielle Beverly

Meeting Info

Annie May Swift Hall 109: Mon 9:00AM - 11:50AM

Overview of class

This production course teaches the One Person Crew approach to documentary making: recording picture and sound alone in the field. To make a documentary takes access and intimacy with your participants. Working solo has the potential to yield great trust from those in front of the camera, but it is also fraught with technical challenges, producing pitfalls, and directing difficulties. In this course you will learn to develop and produce ideas suitable for the one-person crew, and how then to distribute this work as producer. Grab your multiple hats, because you will be wearing them all as you successfully complete a short documentary in this course as Producer, Director, Cinematographer, and Editor. Works from renowned solo filmmakers will be screened as example, with readings assigned that illustrate key concepts. Written production plans and a midterm will be included in the curriculum.

Registration Requirements

Juniors and above.

Learning Objectives

To conceptualize, research, produce, execute, and complete a short documentary as a one person crew. Students will also gain knowledge about the documentary form from viewing documentaries in class, and through assigned readings.

Teaching Method

Seminar

Evaluation Method

Attendance
Class participation
Group work
Peer assessment
Presentations

Class Materials (Required)

External 1 TB hard drive to store media, estimated price = $70. We also have a loaner program for the required external hard drive.

Students use Adobe Premiere Pro to edit their work, and RTVF provides the license

Enrollment Requirements

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