Making a Documentary: how to Research, Write, Design the Process and Make a Low Cost Documentary

From 80 C$ /h

What do you like about documentaries and what do you have to say to an audience? What insights can you give about your context? What stories near you have a meaning that matters? What images you see are powerful to touch the public? Your own ideas and experience is our main source for the decision making of what film are you ready to write and direct. The purpose of sharing my methods and process is that you find your own voice and style for developing meaningful documentaries and designing low cost production processes.

Extra information

You need to be able to shoot and to edit, no matter the equipment or the software.
You will learn how to do field research, how to make interviews and how to find the right participants and the best scenes.

Location

Online from Netherlands

About Me

At the age of 36 I was making documentaries when a Media School asked me if I could give a workshop and a new adventure started with the discovery of teaching. To my surprise (I always thought I wasn't good enough to teach) the students made more short videos and reports than ever in the previous years of the school. It seemed that I was good for them and to share my knowledge and skills was a great experience.
Nowadays, I give workshops and short courses or lessons, and I am developing games for education too. I am a passionate person who loves whatever I do because I like to know more, to have challenges and to work with others.

Education

Masters Degree Cinema and Television, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, 2007-2008.
Philology Degree, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
Bachelor of Audiovisual and Media, EMAV, Barcelona.
English for Teaching Purposes, Coursera Online Course.
Design and Development of Games for Education, MITx Online Course.

Experience / Qualifications

Documentary Filmmaker. Game Designer.
Lecturer at Universitat de Vic - Universitat Central de Catalunya. 2005-2016. Started teaching at Audiovisual Communication Studies and ended with a full-time job, completely devoted to my students and dedicated to creating new study projects and to the needed research. Meanwhile, I directed 18! Final Thesis Projects.
Guest Lecturer at International Institutions and much more.

Age

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Duration

60 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Spanish

Catalan

Skills

Filmmaking

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -04:00)

New York

Online via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Speak Spanish through Conversations: a fun and practical course. Don't say vino, say [b]ino!

60 C$ /h

With this course you will learn Spanish in a playful easy way: we will look at the words and the grammar as part of a game that we play. So every time we play, we are better at it!

Learning and practicing how to speak a language can be challenging. My method is based in playful learning while creating scenarios in which you will discover the words we need to use and the right way to make sentences in that situation. I prepare the scenarios based on the list of interests you have. Once we can have a small conversation in that scenario, we will repeat it at the next meeting and it will be included in our "refresh quarter" which is a 15 minute revision on all the words and ways of saying that you keep learning. My focus is on connecting the language to your needs and wishes, to make sure the learning is well grounded.

Pitch and Public Presentations: how to prepare yourself

78 C$ /h

Being able to express your ideas and projects in public is a fundamental ability for your professional career. In the audiovisual field where I have been working for fifteen years, giving a good convincing pitch was the only way to find investors for my documentary projects. Later, working as a teacher at a Faculty of Media and Communication, I had the opportunity to help students prepare their presentations, and very especially their Final Thesis Presentations. All and all, I have my personal toolbox for preparing anyone (welcome shyness!) to feel confident and at ease in order to communicate with the verbal language, the body language, and the visual language.

Antoine

5.0

(10)

— Methodology —

This course is designed for all levels, from beginners wanting to start their first project to professionals looking to refine their creative vision.

— Learning Philosophy —

I believe that learning is a dialogue. My approach is flexible and adapts to your needs: field case studies, participatory guidance during creation, and targeted training on specific aspects.

Sessions are scheduled according to your needs and constraints, ideally every two weeks to maintain a good rhythm.

— First Meeting —

During our first meeting, we will define the framework, method, tools, and objectives of the training together.

— Topics Covered —

Preparation

• Defining the specifications, objectives, and intentions
• Concept development
• Research
• Pre-existing similar projects
• Narrative/visual aesthetics, inspirations
• Directing concepts: the director’s responsibilities
• Production concepts: the producer’s responsibilities

Scriptwriting/Outline

• Formatting
• Structure
• Dialogues
• Effective formulas

Budgeting

• Breakdown

Preproduction

• Theoretical concepts: the hierarchy of a production
• Responsibilities of a production manager and assistant director
• Artistic direction
• Storyboarding and image grammar
• Scouting (technical)
• Material preparation, rental management
• Workflow
• Rehearsals

Shooting

• Sound recording
• Mastering the camera and viewpoint
• Visual storytelling
• Using light to influence emotions
• Building a cinematic image
• Directing actors

Postproduction

• Editing: techniques and grammar
• Sound design: sound effects, audio narration
• Interaction with a music composer
• Color grading: the power of image treatment and visual aesthetics
• Introduction to special effects with After Effects

Amy

5.0

(10)

If you need expert support in your creative writing, whether it's turning that idea into the screenplay you've always dreamed of, or improving your confidence in your writing voice, this class is perfect for you.

Each class will be tailored to you and your needs, so that you are both supported and challenged.

You are in good hands! I have a Diploma in Script Development from the National Film and Television School, one of the top five international films schools. I graduated with a First Class Honors in English Literature and Creative Writing, specializing in fiction and screenwriting. I have worked for the BBC for years in scripted television, as well as other major London production companies.

Andrea

5.0

(10)

Creative Writing is a subject for those with imagination, talent, and a passion for literature, film and television, poetry and so much more. Whichever pathway you wish to discover, this class will give you the necessary skills to develop and explore different styles of writing, giving you an example of industry-standard work.

This class can help you work towards English Language/Literature/Creative Writing qualifications at many different levels, hopefully inspiring you to pursue a university education or career in this field. However, if you simply wish to explore your talent in fiction writing, I can provide insight into the industry and university level education of this subject.

Belgin

5.0

(10)

Making a documentary is a creative and challenging process. In this lesson you will learn how to conceive, research, write, direct, interview and edit a documentary. You will also learn how to choose an angle that makes your story compelling and relevant. I am an experienced documentary filmmaker and I can guide you through every step of the process. Whether you are a beginner or have experience, I can help you take your documentary to the next level.

Baudouin

5.0

(10)

I offer private lessons in Directing, Image Technique and Editing.

This course is for you if you want to start or improve your skills in:
- Realization of short films
- Realization of advertisements
- Production of music videos
- Production of corporate films
- Creation of content for Social Networks (ads)
- Technical Camera
- Editing on Adobe Premiere Pro

Ana

5.0

(10)

Online and/or face-to-face methodology.
I have several years of experience as an audiovisual teacher, I have taught subjects such as audiovisual culture, history or production. I also give script classes and analyze audiovisual projects as a script doctor.

I remain at your disposal for any questions :)

Niels

5.0

(10)

In my masterclass workshop "Artistic Coaching in Photography, Film Editing and Filmmaking", I will show you how to use Adobe Premiere Pro and other film editing tools, how to make a film from start to finish, how to make your film visible to film festivals, how to create photography with your own unique signature, how to grow your audience, how to unblock limiting beliefs of being an artist and thrive as one!

In today's profound world of photography and audiovisual content (where everyone with a phone can be an artist), I will help you develop as a REAL artist through methods and years of expertise and self-study, which worked for me and other professionals

Whether you just want to practice or let me be your guide, as a recognized filmmaker I have worked with nominated film directors, been selected by film festivals, and have received the endorsement of many incredible artists and collectives all over the world with my photography.

Jhon

5.0

(10)

Video editing software is essential for achieving impactful visual productions, and for current strategies that aim to elevate brand or product positioning. In the classes you join, you'll learn not only about the software but also the production and editing process for visual productions.

Dan

5.0

(10)

Learn how to make films from script to screen.
Learn the whole process, taking ideas to scriptwriting through to directing and camera to editing.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn professional film production this is the class for you.

Also available: Scriptwriting and film directing.

As an award winning feature film director and film tutor at many of Londons top 5 film schools, I can help you succeed at filmmaking, whilst having fun and helping you by nurturing your creative talents to your full potential.

Nathalie

5.0

(10)

Description:
This class is for anyone who wants to learn how to tell powerful and authentic stories through digital media. You’ll discover how to translate your ideas into engaging video or social content that truly connects with your audience. We’ll explore storytelling structures, filming techniques, and creative strategies to make your message stand out in today’s digital world.

What you’ll learn:

The fundamentals of storytelling and story structure

How to identify your authentic voice and message

Basics of filming, framing, and visual composition

How to use light, sound, and editing to enhance your story

Creating content that inspires trust and emotion

Tips for sharing your story effectively online

Georges

5.0

(10)

Blender is more than just a simple animation software, since it was designed to cover all aspects of animated film making by integrating asset and character modeling, animation, lighting, special effects, compositing and video editing. Hesitant? You can also read the details of these courses and ask your questions during one of the 2 hours per week accessible at the minimum price of Apprentus - See the course "Blender and 3D animation production: Discovery"
This specific course focuses on the basics of modeling. Box modeling, sculpt, hard surface, according to your interests, whether for the realization of assets or characters. At least a 90-minute summary on the subject, or a more complete training based on a project to be defined with you.
This course is associated with a common reference site accessible between courses, including content, shortcuts used, tutorials and additional exercises.

Tags: Blender - 3D Animation - Blender - 3D Animation - Blender - 3D Animation - Blender - 3D Animation

Matias

5.0

(10)

• Storytelling and script development

• Directing for film

• Editing and visual rhythm

• AI image generation

• Graphic design for film and story decks

• AI animation and image to video

• AI music and sound creation

• Voice generation and dialogue

• Full AI filmmaking pipelines

• Creative project development

Alvaro

5.0

(10)

Hi! I'm someone who loves learning and talking about culture, and I offer casual tutoring sessions for anyone who wants to explore the world of film, art, music, and history in an enjoyable and relaxed way.

If you're curious about cinema beyond the latest blockbusters, we can dive into art house films and discover directors like Ingmar Bergman, Kurosawa, Haneke, Andrei Tarkovsky, Kubrick, Agnès Varda, Jean-Luc Godard, David Lynch, or Wong Kar-wai. Whether you're just getting started or already a film lover, we can discuss storytelling, symbolism, cinematography, and the ideas behind great movies.

Art is another passion of mine. We can explore the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Francisco Goya, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Frida Kahlo, Edward Hopper, and many others. Together, we'll look at different artistic movements, from the Renaissance to Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, and contemporary art.

. If classical music interests you, we can explore the masterpieces of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Debussy, and Stravinsky, learning how their music shaped history and still influences artists today.

History connects everything. From Ancient Greece and Rome to the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the French Revolution, World War I and II, the Cold War, and modern global events, we can explore the people, ideas, and moments that changed the world.

My tutoring style is friendly, interactive, and based on conversation rather than memorization. I believe learning should be enjoyable, inspiring, and adapted to your interests. Whether you're preparing for school, improving your English through cultural topics, or simply expanding your knowledge for fun, I'm happy to help.

No pressure, no boring lectures, just interesting conversations, great recommendations, and the chance to discover some of the most fascinating works of human creativity together.

Marcela

5.0

(10)

Photography is a highly sought-after skill, whether as a hobby or a business. Many people want to learn and already own a camera, or have always wanted to learn just for the fun of it. I have 11 years of experience as a photographer, and with me, you’ll learn everything from the basics to advanced techniques, focusing on the genres that interest you, from how to use your camera and take great photos to editing your images and building a portfolio.

Nikoletta

5.0

(10)

My classes are tailored to each student's goals, interests, and experience level. Whether you are interested in creative writing, short stories, novels, plays, or screenwriting, we will work together to develop strong characters, engaging plots, authentic dialogue, and a unique writing voice. Lessons combine practical writing exercises, script and text analysis, and personalized feedback on your work. My goal is to help you gain confidence as a writer, refine your storytelling skills, and bring your ideas to life in a supportive and inspiring environment.