Documentary Fundamentals Workshop

With participation from The New York Times Op-Docs, this course gives developing storytellers the tools they need to complete a short film.

Students will explore documentary styles, the language of film production, and the legal and ethical considerations involved in chronicling the lives of their subjects.

DFW includes readings, pre-recorded video lectures, self-prep exercises, and screenings of classic and modern films. The course culminates with each student making a 3-5 minute digital doc.

Students can book two one-on-one sessions with the instructor, and schedule time with their classmates to view work and provide feedback.

Time Commitments and Instructor Involvement

• It is recommended that students spend at least three hours per week on this workshop.
• Each student will have two 1:1, 10-15 minute live video sessions with the instructor . Students can schedule these at any point via the Smashcut online platform.
• DFW does not include live, mandatory meetings with the instructor and the entire class.
• Students will submit assignments to the instructor for review; additional optional self-prep exercises will not be reviewed.
• The workshop includes solo assignments, and one collaborative project, and culminates with an individual final documentary film project .
• New York Times Op-Docs staff will participate via the pre-recorded lectures; students will also hear from filmmakers who have had their work featured on Op-Docs.

Grading

Grades will be based on the following:

• On-time completion of assignments, including written work, production, and post-production.
• Additional evaluation will be based on your ability to be a team player and participate in crew activities—which include giving your peers feedback in the self-prep exercises.
• Your films will be evaluated based on their ambition and integrity, and the formal success of their realization.
• You are welcome to refine and re-submit work that you are unhappy with, and this can improve your grade.
• However, we won’t have time for critiques of work turned in for a second time. All work must be completed by the end of the course.

Equipment

Each student is required to provide a cell phone or personal digital video camera, as well as a computer with Premiere Editing software. It is recommended students purchase the app FilMic Pro for their phones. The use of any additional gear you might want to employ for the course can be discussed with the instructor. You’ll find out early on if the equipment you have is appropriate for the class. We feel strongly that we will be able to work with the gear that you have available.

A New Way to Learn Filmmaking

Our collaborative courses redefine online film education.Powered by a dynamic, interactive platform, you’ll learn new skills and get project feedback from NYU faculty.

Expert-led 6-week courses tailored to your passions — and your schedule

• Kickstart Your Portfolio: Our fun and focused courses are designed to help students create standout shorts and screenplays — providing guidance, support, and technical chops.
• Create & Connect: You’ll meet one-on-one with faculty to discuss your goals, supplement rigorous class discussions, and receive key feedback on your projects
• A New Learning Platform: Our new platform powers real-time feedback, live video meetings, peer collaboration, and more. Staff is on-hand to answer any questions about the platform.

Dynamic Courses

Modeled on Tisch’s renowned film school curriculum — and built to avoid the impersonal experience of so many online programs — each of our courses includes weekly individual and collaborative assignments.

Designed to offer you scheduling flexibility, you’ll join live video meetings with faculty and classmates.

Video lectures delivered by Tisch faculty and produced by real-life filmmakers allow students to delve into the material at their own pace.

You’ll be inspired to create great work and receive plenty of guidance.

Note: some features not available for Cinematography Fundamentals