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Documentary Production (CINE 2245)

Total Credits: 3
Lecture Credits: 2
Lab Credits: 1

Description: Documentary Production explores the history, theory, and practices of documentary. You will also research, produce and edit short documentary assignments. You will examine what constitutes a documentary and analyze the fundamental aesthetic tools of documentary film-making (camera, sound, structure, and interviewing). Must be taken A - F.

Topical Outline:
1. Elements of the documentary, genres, ethical considerations, style and substance
2. Documentary film from its origins to today, major trends in documentary production: Cinema Vérité, Direct Cinema, use of narration, re-enactments, stock footage, advocacy
3. Research methods and techniques in documentary work. Developing the non-fiction story idea: outlines, treatments, scripts, and proposal. Applying for grants.
4. Preproduction issues, acquiring access to subjects and locations, permits, releases, copyright, fair-use
5. Documentary shooting procedures, location sound recording, narration, B-roll, interviews
6. Post-production: editing and structure, finding the story, logging footage, transcripts, selects, paper edits, stock footage. Color correction, sound design, music and mix. Documentary festivals.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Distinguish between documentary and fiction, documentary and other non-fiction forms
2. Develop research skills for producing documentary work
3. Develop interviewing skills for documentaries
4. Practice documentary production methods

Prerequisites:  CINE 2110