Documentary film narration and directing (5 - 10cr)

Objective

After performing the course the student is able to
- recognize the main principles of documentary expression and aspects of defining documentary film
- explain a historical modes, styles and genres of creative documentary filmmaking
- apply different directing methods and artistic styles to own creative documentary film making
- independently plan, write and direct a creative short or middle length documentary film

Content

The modes of documentary film, styles of creative documentary film, workflow and production of documentary film from research to final product, methods of directing, a documentary film history and genres, essential documentary film directors and filmmaking schools. The course is divided into two sections: In the first section, principles of documentary expression, historical modes, styles and genres of creative documentary filmmaking, directing methods are covered. In the second section, students develop their own creative documentary film project and deepening their directing methods and artistic expresssion.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Evaluation criteria 1-2
Participation in the course is very low. Performance is narrow, superficial, or poorly matched to as-signment. The performance is limited to listing things of documentary film directing and narration. Execution may contain errors or ambiguities.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Evaluation criteria 3-4
Participation in the course is regular. Performance corresponds to assignment, demonstrates under-standing and the ability to analyze and justify. Basic understanding and skills in documentary film directing and narration is formed, but there may be shortcomings.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Evaluation criteria 5
Participation in the course is active. The performance outlines a broad entity and the knowledge and skills in documentary film directing. Performance demonstrates independent grip and insight. Performance is an intact entity that includes justified self-thinking or critical reflection. The assignments and final works are well performed.

Materials

Nichols, Bill: Introduction to Documentary, 2010

Quinn, James: This Much is True: 14 Directors on Documentary Filmmaking, 2012

Mclane, Betsy, A: New History of Documentary Film: Second Edition, 2012

Further information

The second year of master studies

Execution methods

1. Section: Lectures and exercises 56 hours and independent work for 79 hours.
2. Section: production meetings and guidance 14 hours and independent directing work 121 hours
Teaching profile: FACE-TO-FACE and hybrid3

Accomplishment methods

Active participation to the lectures, successful completion of assignments and analyses, a learning diary 5 cr and directing a creative short documentary independently or within a pair fulfill course to 10 cr.