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Course Detail

Course Name Documentary Production
Course Code 24VMC355
Program B.Sc. (Honours) in Visual Media and Communication
Credits 3
Campus Kochi

Syllabus

Unit I

Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking

Documentary genres and styles- Analysis of influential documentaries- Key concepts in documentary studies: truth, representation, ethics, and bias, Analysis of seminal documentary films and filmmakers.

Unit II

Pre-production Planning

Evaluating story ideas- Developing the story and treatment- Research methods and resources- Proposal Writing- Location scouting and obtaining permissions, Assembling a documentary crew: roles and responsibilities

Unit III

Scripting

Importance Being Specific and Universal, Scene, Sequence, Three Act Structure- Structuring multiple storylines- Scripting techniques.

Unit IV

Production Stage

Preparations- Filming Ideas- Camera operation and cinematography basics- Lighting techniques for documentary- Sound recording and design- Interview techniques -Techniques for conducting effective interviews- Ethics in documentary interviews- Case studies of successful documentary interviews.

Unit V

Editing and Post-Production

Editing: Reviewing the footage, Editing Script, Assembly Cut, Rough Cut- Incorporating B-roll and archival footage -Building Narration, Fine Cut – Sound design and music selection.

Objectives and Outcomes

Objective:

This course aims to equip students with the basic knowledge and practical skills required to produce high- quality documentary films. Through a combination of workshops, and hands-on exercises, students will develop proficiency in various aspects of documentary production, including pre-production planning, filming techniques, interviewing skills, editing, and post-production. By the end of the course, students will have the ability to conceptualize, plan, execute, and deliver their own documentary projects.

Course Outcome (CO):

CO1: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the history, evolution, and various genres/styles of documentary filmmaking.

CO2: Students will be able to evaluate documentary story ideas and assess their viability for production. CO3: Students will apply research methods to gather relevant information and resources for documentary production.

CO4: Students will analyze the ethical considerations involved in documentary interviews and develop strategies to maintain integrity. Students will critically evaluate their own and others’ documentary projects, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

CO5 Students will incorporate footage, interviews, narration, and other elements into cohesive documentary narratives during the editing and post-production stages.

CO6: Students will critically evaluate documentary distribution strategies and select appropriate methods to reach target audiences effectively.

CO-PO Mapping:

 

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Text Books / References

Suggested References:

  • Documentary Storytelling: Making Stronger and More Dramatic Nonfiction Films: Sheila Curran Bernard
  • The Documentary Film Makers Handbook: Andrew Zinnes and Genevieve Jolliffe
  • Directing the documentary: Michael Rabiger

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