Documentary Filmmaking: Write, Film and Edit A Short Documentary

My name is Olaf, I am a do-it-yourself filmmaker with over two-decade experience. Through my film career, I've directed actors like Academy Nominee Florence Pugh (Black Widow, Little Women), James Cosmo (Braveheart), Johnathan Price (Brazil), Michael Imperioli (Sopranos), JJ Field (Captain America), to name a few.

In this class, I'll share all the tools that I've learned by completing seven feature documentary films. In this step-by-step guide to Documentary Indie Filmmaking, you'll teach yourself how to complete a short documentary film independently through manageable action steps.

[BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY OTHER CLASS ON INDIE FILMMAKING]

> CLASS OUTLINE

> THIS CLASS IS FOR ANYONE who is starting or has done a couple of documentary projects; in either case, this class will deepen your understanding of documentary filmmaking. 

> YOUR CLASS PROJECT is doing a 1-3 minute documentary short film.

I'll share the fundamentals of what I've learned - for you to discover your unique style. All you need for this class is a camera, something to write on, and a computer to edit your film. Here are some of the things you'll learn in this class:

• Experience hands-on a complete documentary film process
• The fundamentals of documentary filmmaking
• Develop your style as a visual storyteller
• Receive documentary production tips that can save you from unnecessary agony
• Complete a documentary film on a micro-budget

We'll start with your documentary Idea, talk about my favorite development tools Theme, Genre, and the Fairy Tale tool. We'll discuss Production, Cinematography, and Directing before hitting the post-production phase. Inviting you to do tasks and challenges along the way.

This course will not only demystify the documentary process, but it'll also illuminate your creative strengths and help you identify areas of improvement and opportunities.

This class comes with a certificate. When you've completed your short documentary, you can send it to me for review and you'll receive a confirmation of completion.

> BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY OTHER CLASS ON INDIE FILMMAKING]

- "Olaf's experience and compassion is a unique resource for all who are open and ready" Giancarlo Esposito, actor, Breaking Bad

- "Olaf's coaching helped me realize I was ready to write my first film. What for many years seemed daunting, became possible because of his expertise and warrior spirit." Suilma Rodriguez, actress

- "Olaf's ability to see beyond the surface is like conjuring. I am forever grateful for his pragmatic, and expansive guidance." Jesse Megan Eidsness, CEO of Wild Love Apothecary

- "I mentored Olaf and I'm happy he's spreading his wisdom" Dr. Jeff Spencer, The Cornerman Coach

• Class Trailer
• Class Project
• Your Documentary | Parameters
• Your Idea | Bonus Audio
• Your Documentary | Information
• Create A Film Proposal For Financiers
• The Map Tool
• The Story Tools
• Fairy Tale | Story Tools
• Genre | Story Tools
• Theme | Story Tools
• Story Control & Environment
• Directing A Documentary
• Simple Film Test
• Film Test Example
• What is B-Roll
• Screenplay For This Class
• Shooting Plan | Production
• Cinematography | Consistency
• Cinematography | Being Clumsy
• Cinematography | Example
• Bonus :: Metaphors in Cinematography
• Cinematography | Visual Style
• Cinematography | Camera vs Sound
• Interviews & Light Sources
• Edit | Your Footage
• Edit | Log First Impressions
• Edit Session | Final Cut Pro X
• Edit Sprint | Real Time Demostration
• Color Grading Your Footage
• Bonus | Cinema Look
• Exporting Your Film
• Sound Post Production
• Making Of This Class
• Thank You!