Documentary Practice – (M.A.)

Contents

The course is approximately 70% practice, 30% theory.

The course focuses on both mainstream and alternative documentary traditions. It has both a UK and international focus. The practical components of the Course are taught by working documentary filmmakers. You will also work with our new digital camera and Avid editing suites. The theoretical components of the course are taught by full time academic staff who are research active in the field of documentary and journalism.

The course encourages you to develop your own interests and skills and is not prescriptive about the kinds of documentary you can make. As a London based university we have access to a dense network of filmmakers and developing links with organisations such as Doc House, the Documentary Filmmakers Group (DFG) and the One World Broadcasting Trust. We believe that the future for many independent documentary filmmakers will no longer be limited to the old model of getting commissions from broadcast television. The shift to user-generated content and web-based dissemination of work will be increasingly reflected in our curriculum.

Module Content (all core)

Theory and History of Documentary Practices

This introduces students to the key theorists and practitioners of documentary, explores its different institutional contexts in film and television, and offers comparative analysis of the development of documentary in the UK and, by way of contrast, Latin America.

Documentary Practices I

This is a double unit running over two terms. Students will learn the practical methods for mainstream documentary production procedures such as writing the proposal, researching the idea, interviewing techniques and shooting strategies.

Editing Practices

This is specifically devoted to instructing students on the University's Avid digital editing suites and developing competence in different editing strategies.

Alternative Practices

This module mixes theory and practical elements. It explores documentary traditions that in some way lie outside and/or challenge the more mainstream documentary or television documentary practices. Much contemporary documentary provides perspectives on current events and issues marginalised by mainstream news and current affairs provision. We also look at the interface between documentary and more avant-garde, experimental practices. You will also be taught web design and construction. The internet has become a crucial means for independent documentary filmmakers to publicise their work, disseminate it and build support networks.

Documentary Practices II

Continues the practical exploration of mainstream documentary procedures and practices, including such topics as the creative use of sounds, writing documentary commentary, production management planning, and questions of funding and distribution.

Short Video Project

This offers the opportunity to produce a short video in preparation for the longer video project in the third term.

Final Project

In the third term you take the final video project which involves bringing your practical, historical and theoretical knowledge to bear on a substantive documentary on a subject and in a style (or styles) of your own choosing. You will have tutorial guidance but will need to demonstrate considerable independence of thought, creativity and initiative.

Recent examples of documentaries by students taking this course include:

* US military bases on Greek islands
* The potential impact of the Olympics on the East End
* Life in Beirut
* The Armenian genocide
* The Vietnamese Boat People
* Loss of a twin sibling.
* Indigenous struggles in Chiapas, Mexico.
* A women´s only village in Kenya.