Documentary Course

Level Beginner - No previous experience required
Must be at least 15 years old
Language English
Group Size 12
Date
Sat. 12 Sep. – 16:00 – 19:00
Sun. 13 Sep. – 16:00 – 19:00
Sat. 26 Sep. – 16:00 – 19:00
Sat. 03 Oct. – 16:00 – 19:00
Cost €250.00
(€225.00 for members. Membership costs €30/year and includes 10% off all workshops plus member-only events. Log in or join BFC while enrolling),
Student €200,
Unemployed €100
Location Online
Enrol https://dev.berlinfilmcommunity.com/course.php?slug=documentary-course

WORKSHOP INFO
Are you passionate about documentaries? Do you have a story waiting to be told but don’t know where to start? This online workshop empowers you to create cinematic, contemporary documentaries from the ground up. Bring your ideas and curiosity; I’ll help you find your unique voice and shape your story with personalized support every step of the way.
With a small, intimate group of max 12 participants, you’ll receive focused guidance in an interactive environment that nurtures creativity and skill-building. Whether you’re shooting on a mobile phone or any camera, learn essential techniques in storytelling, camerawork, sound, interviewing, and editing to bring your vision to life.

WHAT YOU WIL LEARN
1. STORY DEVELOPMENT & FINDING YOUR VOICE

• How to identify and refine a compelling story from your initial idea.
• The art of the pitch: How to articulate your core concept clearly and confidently.
• Discover your unique style by exploring different documentary genres (e.g., observational, poetic, interview-driven).
• Develop a production plan and shot list to guide your filming efficiently.

2. PROFESSIONAL FILMING TECHNIQUES (ON ANY CAMERA OR PHONE)

• Cinematic Fundamentals: Master shot sizes, composition, and framing to create visually engaging scenes.
• The secret to clean, clear audio: Learn how to capture high-quality sound using the equipment you have.
• The power of B-Roll: Discover how to intentionally capture cutaways, atmospherics, and details that enrich your story.
• Conduct powerful interviews: Learn techniques to make your subjects feel comfortable and draw out authentic, emotional stories.

3. THE ART OF EDITING & POST-PRODUCTION

• A professional editing workflow: From importing and organizing your clips to building your timeline.
• Storytelling in the edit: Learn how to sequence your shots to create rhythm, emotion, and narrative flow.
• Sound design basics: Enhance your film with music, soundscapes, and basic audio mixing.
• Finishing touches: Add titles, credits, and color correction, and learn how to export your film for any platform.

4. ETHICAL & IMPACTFUL STORYTELLING

• How to approach your subject matter with respect and integrity.
• Build confidence in sharing your work and giving/receiving constructive feedback.
• Develop a critical eye for documentary filmmaking by analyzing and discussing peer work.

SCHEDULE
Day 1: Discover Your Story & Style
Sat. 12 Sep. – 16:00 – 19:00

• Introduction & The Power of Documentary
• Pitch your Story
• Find Your Focus: Guided reflection to help participants refine their story idea into a workable core concept.
• Examples of 6 different ways to Narrate a Story
• Find the Style that resonates with you and why

Day 2: The Tools of Visual Storytelling
Sun. 13 Sep. – 16:00 – 19:00

• Pre-Production & Production
• Camerawork & Sound: Basics of shooting, shot sizes, composition, and recording sound
• Usable Footage & B-Roll: Tips for capturing essential shots
• Interview Techniques: Secrets and tips for great interviews

Day 3: Crafting the Edit
Sat. 26 Sep. – 16:00 – 19:00

• Learn basic Editing techniques
• Settings and essential Tools
• Cutting
• Transitions
• Sound
• Texts & Titles
• Exporting

Day 4: share, reflect & celebrate
Sat. 03 Oct. – 16:00 – 19:00

• Feedbacks
• Screening: Watch and discuss each other’s Films
• Celebration: Reflect on challenges and achievements

You’ll receive personalized guidance through tailored one-on-one consultations available throughout the entire course, in addition to group sessions.

Enrol https://dev.berlinfilmcommunity.com/course.php?slug=documentary-course

WORKSHOP MENTOR
Linda Paganelli is an artist, anthropologist, and filmmaker integrating more than human perspectives in her storytelling. Drawing on over 13 years of experience across diverse contexts, Linda guides participants toward non-extractive, ethically grounded visual practices that challenge dominant knowledge paradigms and foreground embodied positionalities. Since 2018, she has been working with More-Than-Human frameworks, creating short documentaries such as Journey of Waves and Imprinted, as well as installations including Carbon Spa in collaboration with scientists from the university of Twente (Netherlands) and ECO-MOURNING developed through the Community of Practice with CitizensLab (Germany). Her practice center interspecies relationships, ecological interdependence, and the agency of non-human beings in visual storytelling.
Contact: [linda@berlinfilmcommunity.com](mailto:linda@berlinfilmcommunity.com "Sender email address")
Enrol: https://dev.berlinfilmcommunity.com/course.php?slug=documentary-course