Creative Writing for Documentary Filmmakers
- Intermediate
- 18 and older
- $150
- 30 John St, Brooklyn, NY
- 6 hours over 2 sessions
Thankfully we have 1 other Independent Film Class for you to choose from. Check our top choice below or see all classes for more options.
Actors Connection New York @ 630 9th Ave, New York, NY
Join acclaimed US Casting Director Ally Beans for an immersive TV/Film Intensive! Gain insights from Ally's extensive experience in casting award-winning independent films showcased at renowned festivals worldwide. Participate in a Q&A session and present scenes on-camera with feedback for a comprehensive learning experience.
This two-part, six hour workshop is for all levels of documentary filmmakers, ideally with a film in development or production. Participants will use and improve their creative writing skills to develop their subjects into characters and to describe the action of a film in dynamic, readable ways that make audiences want to engage more with the project. Filmmakers will write, and through peer collaboration, come away with writing that can be applied to grant applications, letters of inquiry, crowdfunding campaigns, pitch meetings, dinner parties and even the structure of the film itself.
The instructor for this course is Rose Vincelli Gustine, a film advisor and programmer who guides filmmakers on how best to finish and present their films, and how to write and talk about them. She is a producer, and on faculty for the MFA Social Documentary Film program at School of Visual Arts.
Before class begins, your assignment is to increase your reading. Start thinking about the writing as though you are a student. Read fiction and non-fiction, news, and essays. Consider how the sentences convey their meaning instead of what they say. In what way is the information conveyed? Is it overt or implied, clear or convoluted? Start to think about how you want to use these methods to describe your film.
Day 1 will include writing games to help you get loose, and then we’ll dive right into imagining the action and scene exploration through free-form cluster-writing. Learn to focus on a scene you will film through the lens of your goals for story development and what you want audiences to understand about your character. Day 1 will also cover how to write a good film description based on character, action, location, conflict and resolution / outcome. You’ll end the day by breaking into groups for peer feedback on what you’ve written.
Day 1 homework: Write a three act structure for the film you will make. Don’t spend more than an hour or two on it. Don’t overthink it! Set a timer to incite you to do the work in the time allotted. Daydreaming can be helpful, but we’re busy people, too.
On Day 2, we’ll review and discuss your homework assignment. You’ll continue editing your peers’ work with care. You’ll take some time to consider and discuss the group’s feedback with your writing partner.
What You Will Learn
Plans change. We get it. But if you can't make it to a class / event / workshop, please email [email protected] at least 8 business days before the scheduled event date. No refunds will be given after this timeframe.
In any event where a customer wants to cancel their enrollment and is eligible for a full refund, a 5% processing fee will be deducted from the refund amount.
In the event that an instructor or the school needs to cancel at the last minute, students will receive a refund less a 5% non-refundable registration fee.
Get quick answers from CourseHorse and past students.
We are a collaborative workspace and community designed to support and connect media and tech entrepreneurs, innovators, and artists with industry resources, events, mentorship, and educational opportunities.
Our alternative educational platform called ClassWork is a set of personalized courses guided...
Read more about Made in NY Media Center by IFP
This school has been carefully vetted by CourseHorse and is a verified NYC educator.
Made in NY Media Center by IFP
DUMBO, Brooklyn
30 John St
At Jay St
Brooklyn, New York 11201 DUMBO, Brooklyn
30 John St
At Jay St
Brooklyn, New York 11201
Booking this class for a group? Find great private group events
More in Film
Get special date and rate options for your group. Submit the form below and we'll get back to you within 2 business hours with pricing and availability.