FLM 265 Documentary Filmmaking

Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Introduces digital filmmaking hardware and editing software with a focus on non-fiction production, including news packages and short documentaries. Emphasizes camera technique, audio recording skills, project management, and effective storytelling.

Prerequisite: Second-year standing in the Visual communications program; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Plan a documentary project using project management skills.
Apply production techniques including lighting, audio, composition, pacing, shot selection, and camera movements to a documentary project.
Transfer video and understand file management workflow
Apply video editing skills using motion images, still images and audio mixing.
Add titles, transitions, and special effects to digital video.
Select distribution methods and create required media.
Use industry standard terminology in discussing projects.
Apply ethics, copyright, and legal issues to video projects.
Understand documentary business management and funding

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Interpret and engage in the Arts and Letters, making use of the creative process to enrich the quality of life
Critically analyze values and ethics within a range of human experience and expression to engage more fully in local and global issues.

Content Outline

Idea Development and Pre-Production
- Writing a preliminary treatment
- Conducting background research
- Script writing
- Developing a shooting script
- Production theory
- Project management
- Terminology
Determining Appropriate Equipment Needs
- Video formats
- Tripod, microphones, and lighting
Operate a Video Camera
- Composition/framing/vectors
- Focus
- Angles
- Locked camera and camera movement
- Handheld techniques
- White balance
Sound Recording Equipment and Techniques
- Monitoring audio
- Microphones and cables
- Reading VU meter
Lighting Techniques for Video
- Three-point lighting
- Using available light
Shooting Techniques
- Basic sequence
- Shoot to edit
- Art of the interview
- B-roll
Editing Techniques
- Logging video for file management and professional workflow
- Transcription and organization
- Using non-linear editing software
- Adding still and motion graphics
- Adding titles and transitions
- Matching visuals to audio
Audio Mixing
- Finding and creating background music
- Proper levels for voice, music, and SFX
Publishing and Distribution Choices
- Distribution standards for streaming and broadcasting
- Promotion
- Business management and funding
Ethics, Copyright, and Legal Issues
- Release forms
- Stock video and other assets
- Shooting locations and restrictions