Program 2: Developing a Complete Documentary Structure
Two days of workshops with an intervening period for experienced filmmakers to:
• develop the basic structure required for essay or storytelling, then ...
• apply a dramatic structure to the middle of their documentaries.
Special focus is placed on:
• deepening major themes,
• increasing dramatic tension,
• preventing the dreaded “sagging middle”!
Program 1: Developing the Basic Structure
A one day workshop for new/ experienced filmmakers to:
• develop the basic structure required for a documentary regardless of whether it uses ‘essay’ or ‘story’ format,
• define the beginning, the basic conflict/argument, and the ending of the film,
• address key elements of character arcs, turning points, set-up and pay-off common to all formats.
