Create a Short Documentary Video Portrait

How can you structure, shoot, and share your best story? Join filmmaker Elaine McMillion Sheldon for a tactical, inspiring class on balancing artistry and authenticity in documentary video portraits and short films.

Covering every stage of her creative process, you'll go behind-the-scenes as she films a video portrait of Brooklyn-based musicians Coyote & Crow. Bite-sized lessons cover:

• storytelling: discovering and researching your subject
• single-camera shooting: tips for capturing visuals and audio when it's just you
• polish: editing tricks for rhythm, pace, and style
• pitching: advice on reaching out to commissioning outlets and brands

You'll learn how to create the kind of character-driven video portraits that distinguish great filmmakers — the films that turn into Vimeo Staff Picks, New York Times Op-Docs, film festival shorts, and more.

This 55-minute class is perfect for filmmakers, documentarians, journalists, and all creative storytellers eager to craft compelling narratives about the stories all around us.

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We recommend that students have a basic technical knowledge of their camera and equipment, but all levels are welcome!

• Introduction
• Preview the Film: Coyote & Crow
• Approach
• Equipment
• Subject Prep
• Shooting
• Editing
• Watch the Film: Coyote & Crow (with Director Narration)
• Watch the Film: Coyote & Crow
• Pro Tips: Pitching Your Work
• Closing