This module is set up as problem based learning around the subject of documentary production. The module is designed to operate like a production company where the tutors act as the executive producers. Students are given work to complete each week and they are tasked with individual research and learning to achieve the weekly goals.

The students will be in development and pre-production in a production meeting room and/or independent study for 4 weeks. Then move to 4 weeks production and development on location and then 4 weeks edit development in editing facility and conducting reshoots and pickups where needed.

1) Analysis of factual production trends and develop ideas for future broadcast or festival
2) Develop, pitch and produce factual content in a production style environment
3) Plan and produce a documentary to a professional standard in a set short period of time from concept to finished film
4) Apply ideas and content to produce a factual film taking into consideration any legal, health and safety and ethical issues.
5) Evaluate the finished product

Camera, lighting and sound equipment
Editing systems
Meeting room and editing space
Blackboard
Library including eResources

Directing The Documentary 6th ed, Rabinger Michael, (2015) Focal Press
Rethinking documentary, Austin, Thomas, Jong, Wilma de, (2008) McGraw-Hill
Greenlit, Lees, Nicola (2010), Methuen ISBN 9781408122679
Industry journals including:
Televisual
The Producer
Broadcast

Online learning resources:
DOCUMENTARY FILMAKERS GROUP UK http://thedfg.org/
BBC ACADEMY http://www.bbc.co.uk/academy
CREATIVE SKILLSET http://creativeskillset.org/
BRITDOC https://britdoc.org/resources/
TV MOLE http://www.tvmole.com
DOCUMENTARY TELEVISION http://www.documentarytelevision.com
REALSCREEN – RADARSCREEN http://realscreen.com

1. APPLY PRODUCTION AND SCRIPT TECHNIQUES TO DOCUMENTARY
[Application]

2. CLEARLY DEFINE, DESCRIBE AND PITCH AN IDEA AND MAINTAIN A CLEAR DIALOGUE ON DEVELOPMENT OF A FACTUAL PRODUCTION. YOU MAY ALSO COMMUNICATE WITH A RANGE OF PEOPLE INCLUDING POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTORS FOR THE FILM PRODUCTION.
[Communication]

3. SOLVE COMPLEX PROBLEMS AND PROVIDE A NUMBER OF POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS IN A FAST TURNAROUND ENVIRONMENT
[Problem Solving]

4. DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF DOCUMENTARY PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES INCLUDING PRE PRODUCTION, PRODUCTION AND POST PRODUCTION TO TIGHT DEADLINES.
[Knowledge and Understanding]

Documentary- assessing learning outcomes 2, 3 , 4 (80%)

Portfolio - Production and development materials including idea development, pitching, progress meetings and production paperwork including paper edit and script (if necessary) assessing learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 (20%)

This module will run as a series of workshops and development sessions 3 hours per week with average breakdown:
The majority of the work will be of a practical nature and students are expected to use their independent study time to consolidate this work.

1 x 3 Hour Workshop per week over 13 weeks.

A practical industry focused module to develop existing film business knowledge from levels 4 & 5 to create a documentary with fast turnaround in preparation for festivals and distribution for graduation this semester.
A prior knowledge of factual film making is desirable although not essential however production and technical skills are required in camera, sound and lighting as well as having a proven track record in producing short or long form film in this or another genre. The module will be taught in the form of production office where you will work within a structure from idea, to development, to testing, shooting and editing the content.