THE DOCUMENTARY FILM MAKERS MASTERCLASS 2010

After three years away, they are back! Genevieve Jolliffe and Andrew Zinnes are passing through London on their way home from Cannes to LA, and they are running their incredibly successful two day Documentary Film Makers workshop in Ealing Studios.

This will be the fourth time we have hosted this workshop and each time it just gets better, successfully empowering and focusing doc film makers, transforming their ideas and projects into successful films that reach the market, win awards and launch careers.

As this is a fully interactive workshop, places are limited to 18 max.

Is there a story you want the whole world to know, but aren't sure how to do it?

Maybe you have a social cause that needs more attention? Learn how to make a documentary film and you can get your story or message to the masses. But documentary filmmaking sounds like something that takes years of training and requires lots of expensive, technical equipment, right? And you might think, “I’m not all that “experienced.”

Yes, it does take some know how and the equipment can seem a bit daunting at first - but we can help you with all of that, and much more too.  And maybe YOU have that one ingredient that REALLY makes a documentary successful - a GREAT idea! We can’t teach you that, but we can teach you everything else.

Our two-day workshop provides you with an interactive and relaxed environment that will guide you to your goal. Through practical tips, hands on experience with filmmaking gear and video examples, you will feel empowered and confident to go out the very next day and get started on your project. We will take your knowledge and passion and help you laser focus it into a great project.

And don't think that after the seminar is over that you are on your own. Our instructor is available for e-mail questions and a one hour consult session long after the event is over, to refresh your memory, give advice and help guide you through YOUR process.

And if you aren't completely satisfied we will return your money. No strings attached.

LONDON, £237 (inc VAT)
When: May 22nd / 23rd 2010
Where: Ealing Studios, West London

Day 1 INSTRUCTION: Saturday, 10:00AM-6:00PM

Concept/Story: An easy to follow discussion of documentary storytelling that includes plot, structure, character, tone, POV and style. The end result is a clear understanding of what makes a compelling documentary subject and how to organise your story.

Research/Proposal Writing: A doc is only as good as the questions asked. And you learn what questions to ask by doing your homework. We give tons of tips on how and where to look for the information pertinent to your subject. And further, how to mould it into a proposal that will open up doors to financing, interviews and endorsements.

Funding: The various kinds of funding (grants, private equity, etc.) both foreign and domestic that are available to you. How to approach funders with your proposal, and how to create a sustainable budget. How to use fiscal sponsorship. We advise on professional organisations and resources, specific grantmakers and strategies.

Legal: A thorough discussion on one of the more confusing aspects of documentary filmmaking. Topics include contracts, copyright, footage use, permits, releases, agreements, Fair Use and licensing archival and music material.

Production: Interview techniques, camera and sound advice via hands on experience with the gear. HD vs. HDV vs other fomats. How to get deals, addressing problematic situations, dealing with locations & schedules, finding crew, what to do if things go wrong.

Day 2 INSTRUCTION: Sunday, 10:00AM-3:00PM

Post-Production: A guide through the editing workflow specifically targeted toward HD, giving an overview of some of the technical issues one needs to know to navigate this area.

Sales, Distribution, & Marketing: How to get your message out to the world. Tips on film festivals, publicity, marketing and sales agents/distributors. And for the first time, we will be introducing a whole new section on self distribution and alternative distribution that includes using social networking (Facebook, Twitter, blogging, vlogging) to build YOUR community around your project. SPECIAL MODULE - HOW TO WIN AN OSCAR WITH A SHORT DOC

Surviving as a doc filmmaker: how to make money on your documentary, revenue / career-building options: production jobs, promotional docs, events, gov. and non-profit sectors, life stories, etc.

DOC TONIC WORKSHOP: Sunday, 3:15PM-6:00PM
One of the MOST valuable parts of the workshop. Get instant feedback on your project no matter what stage it's at. At the end of this session, you will know exactly what to do next with your project. Our past delegates find this step transformational.

Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Andrew Zinnes has spent the last 15 years in the producing end of filmmaking. He's worked for Norman Lear (PRINCESS BRIDE, STAND BY ME), Donald DeLine (THE ITALIAN JOB, FOOL'S GOLD) and USA Networks (HELEN OF TROY, MONK) before working independently as a writer and producer of documentary and reality TV. He currently works as the production manager for Operation Repo on TruTV as well as the producer for the documentary film PAPER PROMISES sold to Superchannel Canada.

Notes on Attending

1. Ealing Studios can normally accommodate parking at weekends, but there are no guarantees. If there is no onsite parking there are several roads behind the studios where you can park. So far we have never turned anyone away. The nearest tube stop is Ealing Broadway, which is on the District and Central Lines. The Piccadilly Line is also close with South Ealing tube station. A map of the local area is here.

2. Kick off is 9.00am on Saturday and 9.30am on Sunday – sharp.

3. Before attending it’s a good idea to think about what you want out of the course. If you have any areas where you want to ask questions, make a list. Don’t rely on remembering as information can come thick and fast over the two days.

4. The course discussion ends at around 6.00pm, depending on how many questions have been asked during the day.

See you there!

Onwards and upwards!

Chris Jones, Film Maker and Author
www.livingspirit.com
www.chrisjonesblog.com
mail@livingspirit.com