ANTHR 6110 - Documentary Production Fundamentals

(crosslisted) PMA 6510

Fall. 4 credits. Letter grades only.

Course fee: $150. Students must also purchase additional supplies and materials as determined by the instructor (est $500). Permission of instructor required. Co-meets with ANTHR 3110/PMA 3510.

N. Raheja.

This course introduces students to documentary film production and story development. Through lectures, screenings, workshops, and technical labs, students will develop single-camera digital video production and editing skills. Weekly camera and editing exercises and one-on-one sessions with the instructor will enhance students’ documentary filmmaking techniques. Additionally, students will gain an understanding of nonfiction film theory from the perspective of production and learn to critically engage and comment on each other’s work. Discussions of debates around ethnographic representation and filmmaking ethics will help students to solve practical storytelling dilemmas. Over the course of the semester, students conduct pre-production research and have the opportunity to develop a film proposal and make a short film.