Real life, real characters, unscripted...
DCI workshops and seminars provide a comprehensive overview of the documentary filmmaking process, with practical and aesthetic guidance from concept through completion. We promote the production of documentaries that are original, meaningful, and skillfully crafted. Each workshop is led by a team of accomplished filmmakers and experienced educators.

Concept Development and Storytelling

An interactive workshop with participants bringing ideas for development. Topics include research, treatment writing, and storytelling techniques. During the latter part of the workshop participants prepare brief treatments and practice presenting their ideas.

Next Class: Saturday, March 6, 2010 | Details and registration

Shooting the Documentary

Provides an overview of the process of shooting documentaries. We cover technical and aesthetic approaches to shooting interviews and capturing life as it happens. Topics include planning and improvisation, shooting to edit, and elements of story. Participants receive instruction and practice in the use of cameras, lighting, and audio recording equipment in the studio and on location.

Next Class: Saturday, March 13, 2010 | Details and registration

Editing the Documentary

Covers practical and aesthetic approaches to editing raw material. Areas covered include story structure, character development, integration of music, narration, and archival and graphic elements.

Next Class: Saturday, March 20, 2010 | Details and registration

A strong command of camera, lighting, and audio techniques is key to capturing expressive material that serves the documentary narrative.  These intensive hands-on workshops are designed to help filmmakers learn and improve their technical skills for the best possible production results. 

Camera and Lighting for Documentary

This workshop covers the use of cameras and lighting for capturing stable, properly exposed and well composed footage in a range of documentary production situations.

Audio Recording for Documentary

This workshop covers the use of sound recording equipment for capturing high-quality audio in a range of production situations by recording directly to your camera.

Visiting Filmmaker Seminars

Our Visiting Filmmaker Seminars are intensive sessions for developing filmmakers focused on the process of documentary filmmaking and led by accomplished filmmakers. Presenters have included Herbert Sauper (2006 Oscar nominee for Best Documentary Feature) and Laura Poitras (2007 Oscar nominee for Best Documentary Feature).

Stories from Times Past: Approaches and Techniques of Historical Filmmaking

Focuses on the making of historical documentaries. Presenters share their experiences of making documentaries that approach historical events from personal perspectives. Topics covered include research, funding, narrative techniques, style, archival materials, and music. Come prepared to share your ideas and vision for your own historical film.