1. An interim learning report, reviewing research, skills and practical requirements needed to develop a documentary for radio or video or interactive media. (In negotiated small groups, equivalent to 1000 words each.) [Learning Outcomes 1, 4]
2. A written research report / proposal for a coherent documentary production, based on the findings of assessment 1 and supported by a 15 minute presentation. (In small groups, equivalent to 1500 words each) [Learning Outcomes 2]

As its title suggests, this module is for you to research and develop a documentary project, for radio, video or interactive media, from the initial idea up to and including the point of pitching it to a client or commissioning editor, i.e. prior to final scripting and production. Firstly you explore the range of possible projects in the local area and the resources at your disposal. Following on from your introduction to documentary forms in Level C you consider the theory and practice of documentary making in more depth and start to apply those principles to whichever medium you decide to work in. A professional documentary maker will give their perspective on their craft. Working in small teams (number by negotiation) you carry out preliminary research into a subject for a documentary and then review what you will need to develop it to a professional standard of production: research on matter of fact; study of examples on which you could model aspects of style and structure; particular technical and directing skills you need to acquire; how to target style and content to the identified audience; scouting locations and potential contributors; sourcing archive material; what permissions you may need to obtain. As part of this process you test your skills and try out ideas by recording and rough editing trial sequences. At the end of the module you draw together all you have learned to present a pitch to your "client". If you chose to take your idea forward into the Production 1 module in semester 2 you will be able to use this pitch and the feedback you receive as the basis of your final scripting and recording of the project.

In the first half of the module a series of illustrated lectures introduce the theory and practice of documentary making. Working in small groups (numbers by negotiation and as appropriate to this preproduction phase) and in negotiation with the "client"* you negotiate a practicable brief for specific documentary project and then write an interim report thoroughly reviewing what you need to know in order to translate the brief into production. This becomes your learning plan for the remainder of the module, which you carry through independently, but with continuing tutorial support, to enable you to present a fully developed written proposal, including budget and production schedule. Although the written proposal forms the basis of assessment 2, you will support it with a face to face presentation to your "client"*, followed by Q & A. For those taking their project into production in semester 2 the feedback from this presentation forms the basis for modification of the brief.

* For groups that have opted to take their project into production in semester 2 this is likely to be a genuine client.

Library resources, including published CDs/tapes & off-air recordings.
Access to relevant archives, e.g. The Staffordshire Film Archive
Digital stills cameras
Location recording kits (audio and/or video as appropriate)
Audio or video editing workstations
OHP / PowerPoint and audio / video playback facilities

Chater, K. (2002) Research for Media Production Oxford: Focal
Emm, A (2001) Researching for Television & Radio London: Routledge
Hampe, B (1997) Making Documentary Films Aurora, Co.: Henry Holt & Co
McLeish, R (1999) Radio Production 4th Edn. Oxford: Focal
Nichols, B. (2001) Introduction to Documentary Indiana University Press