PHOT 0089. Documentary Filmmaking
Units: 3
Also known as AAD 89
Prerequisite: Completion of AAD 79/COMM 31A/PHOT 79 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Examines the principles, techniques and terminology that are specific to documentary filmmaking. Students produce documentary films that incorporate industry standard pre-production preparation such as creating contracts, research, location surveys, and script writing. Major topics include camera operation, capturing b-roll, location sound recording, mixing, editing and formatting for distribution. (CSU, UC)
PHOT 0089 - Documentary Filmmaking
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/phot-0089/
Catalog Description Also known as AAD 89 Prerequisite: Completion of AAD 79/COMM 31A/PHOT 79 with grade of "C" or better Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory) Description: Examines the principles, techniques and terminology that are specific to documentary filmmaking. Students produce documentary films that incorporate industry standard pre-production preparation such as creating contracts, research, location surveys, and script writing. Major topics include camera operation, capturing b-roll, location sound recording, mixing, editing and formatting for distribution. (CSU, UC) Course Student Learning Outcomes CSLO #1: Create pre-production to support the production of a short documentary with an understanding of truth and ethics. CSLO #2: Apply processes of producing an interview through camera work, sound recording and lighting application. CSLO #3: Critique finished works using terminology from class discussions related to documentary filmmaking. CSLO #4: Analyze copyright law, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and the ethical concerns they raise. Effective Term Fall 2025 Course Type Credit - Degree-applicable Contact Hours 90 Outside of Class Hours 72 Total Student Learning Hours 162 Course Objectives Lecture Objectives: Discuss ethical issues related to documentary filmmaking; identify the distinguishing characteristics of documentary films; analyze documentary films for the influence of various political, social and historical forces; evaluate the effectiveness of documentary films to educate and persuade; compare micro-documentaries to feature length documentaries; differentiate the sub-genres of documentary filmmaking; identify suitable subjects for a documentary film; demonstrate knowledge and proper use of terminology related to production; explain the technical issues associated with on-location documentary filmmaking; design equipment set-ups for efficient and effective interviews and supporting footage; identify editing techniques as they relate to documentary filmmaking; compare different options for marketing and distributing a short documentary film; explain copyright and legal issues surrounding story, music and intellectual property rights. Laboratory Objectives: develop a pitch and treatment for a documentary film; demonstrate various interviewing techniques and strategies; adapt field and studio production techniques during actual filmmaking; produce documentary films with strong point of view (POV) and story line; manipulate cameras, lenses, lights and sound equipment for documentary production; utilize non-linear editing software to edit documentary films; assemble a soundtrack to accompany visuals; produce both micro and short documentary films appropriate for distribution on the internet, at festivals, or other outlets; create text, graphics, and titles for digital media projects; analyze the effectiveness of completed documentaries for content, communication, POV, story line, editing, camera work and sound techniques used. General Education Information Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability AA/AS - Fine Arts CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval) Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval) IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval) Articulation Information CSU Transferable UC Transferable Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Example: Students will discuss and evaluate the documentary films created by all class members. The discussion will take place during an in-class critique. The critique is graded with a rubric based primarily on participation during the class discussion. (Lab Objective 10) Projects Example: Students will create a three to five minute micro-documentary. These films will be graded using a detailed rubric that allots points for each project expectation and outcome. (Lab Objective 8) Skill Demonstrations Example: Students will conduct an on-camera interview where they will demonstrate proper use of camera equipment and composition, lighting equipment and placement, as well sound recording and microphone use. Grading will be based upon a rubric provided to students. (Lab Objective 5) Repeatable No Methods of Instruction Laboratory Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Lab: Instructor will demonstrate foundational skills in non-linear video editing using sample video clips. Students will follow along with the instructor in order to gain the skills necessary to edit their own work and ask for clarification or assistance as they progress through the techniques demonstrated. Instructor will alternate between demonstration and working with students at their computer stations in order for them to become proficient with the computer program. Lecture: The instructor will present a lecture on research methodology related to documentary filmmaking. Students will take notes, ask clarifying questions and relate the topic to assigned documentary film. Distance Learning Instructor will provide information on the 5 different forms of documentary filmmaking and create a discussion board prompt on the subject. Students will reply to the prompt by identifying a film that uses one of the formats. Students will then research and discuss the ways in which the film communicates the format. Students will also explain why they are most attracted to this film. Students will reply to at least two other student posts with additional relevant information and/or a thought-provoking question. Instructor will provide a detailed description of how to use a three-point light set up for an interview. Instructor will also provide a demonstration video of this technique. Students will follow an assignment prompt that directs them to produce an interview using three point light technique. The assignment outline will present specific learning objectives and requirements. Typical Out of Class Assignments Reading Assignments 1. Read Chapters from text on Documentary Ethics and Legal Issues, and “Documentary Voice and Vision: A Creative Approach to Non-Fiction Media Production”. Write a short summary of each reading assignment of the main points and be prepared to discuss in class. 2. Read Chapter in text on Finding and Developing Ideas in “Documentary Voice and Vision: A Creative Approach to Non-Fiction Media Production”. Be prepared to discuss in class. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Practice utilizing a Treatment as a communication tool for your final documentary assignment. Read the page in module four called, "Documentary Filmmaking Treatments". After reading the page, use the format information on that page to write your treatment. You have two weeks to brainstorm, research and plan your project. Writing your treatment will help you visualize you film. Please submit a treatment for your final documentary. Please submit only typed, digital files. Minimum one page, Maximum three pages, 12 point font, double or single spaced. Please upload your treatment to the submit assignment button. (Lab Objective 1) Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) 1. Watch the short documentary film called, Marathon. The run time of this film is roughly 10 minutes. This film reveals how an Ecuadorian prep-chef has become one of the fastest marathon runners in New York City. Write what you see. Be specific. Document the visuals you see, the lighting, the effects, the edit, juxtapositions, and whatever else you see in the film. Find at least 10 different visuals you see. Write what you hear. Be specific. Document the sounds you hear, the ambient, the sound effects, the music, the voice overs, and whatever else you hear in the film. Find between 5 and 10 different sounds you hear. Your write up can be bulleted or written in paragraph form. Upload your response to the submit assignment button. (Lecture Objective 2 and 3) Required Materials Introduction to Documentary Author: Bill Nichols Publisher: Indiana Press Publication Date: 2017 Text Edition: Third Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Documentary Editing: Principles & Practice Author: Jacob Bricca Publisher: Routledge Publication Date: 2018 Text Edition: First Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Documentary Filmmaking: A Crash Course Author: Abu Imam Publisher: Independently published Publication Date: 2024 Text Edition: First Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
AAD 0089 - Documentary Filmmaking
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/aad-0089/
Catalog Description Also known as PHOT 89 Prerequisite: Completion of AAD 79/COMM 31A/PHOT 79 with grade of "C" or better Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory) Description: Examines the principles, techniques and terminology that are specific to documentary filmmaking. Students produce documentary films that incorporate industry standard pre-production preparation such as creating contracts, research, location surveys, and script writing. Major topics include camera operation, capturing b-roll, location sound recording, mixing, editing and formatting for distribution. (CSU, UC) Course Student Learning Outcomes CSLO #1: Create pre-production to support the production of a short documentary with an understanding of truth and ethics. CSLO #2: Apply processes of producing an interview through camera work, sound recording and lighting application. CSLO #3: Critique finished works using terminology from class discussions related to documentary filmmaking. CSLO #4: Analyze copyright law, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and the ethical concerns they raise. Effective Term Fall 2025 Course Type Credit - Degree-applicable Contact Hours 90 Outside of Class Hours 72 Total Student Learning Hours 162 Course Objectives Lecture Objectives: Discuss ethical issues related to documentary filmmaking; identify the distinguishing characteristics of documentary films; analyze documentary films for the influence of various political, social and historical forces; evaluate the effectiveness of documentary films to educate and persuade; compare micro-documentaries to feature length documentaries; differentiate the sub-genres of documentary filmmaking; identify suitable subjects for a documentary film; demonstrate knowledge and proper use of terminology related to production; explain the technical issues associated with on-location documentary filmmaking; design equipment set-ups for efficient and effective interviews and supporting footage; identify editing techniques as they relate to documentary filmmaking; compare different options for marketing and distributing a short documentary film; explain copyright and legal issues surrounding story, music and intellectual property rights. Laboratory Objectives: develop a pitch and treatment for a documentary film; demonstrate various interviewing techniques and strategies; adapt field and studio production techniques during actual filmmaking; produce documentary films with strong point of view (POV) and story line; manipulate cameras, lenses, lights and sound equipment for documentary production; utilize non-linear editing software to edit documentary films; assemble a soundtrack to accompany visuals; produce both micro and short documentary films appropriate for distribution on the internet, at festivals, or other outlets; create text, graphics, and titles for digital media projects; analyze the effectiveness of completed documentaries for content, communication, POV, story line, editing, camera work and sound techniques used. General Education Information Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability AA/AS - Fine Arts CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval) Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval) IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval) Articulation Information CSU Transferable UC Transferable Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Example: Students will discuss and evaluate the documentary films created by all class members. The discussion will take place during an in-class critique. The critique is graded with a rubric based primarily on participation during the class discussion. (Lab Objective 10) Projects Example: Students will create a three to five minute micro-documentary. These films will be graded using a detailed rubric that allots points for each project expectation and outcome. (Lab Objective 8) Skill Demonstrations Example: Students will conduct an on-camera interview where they will demonstrate proper use of camera equipment and composition, lighting equipment and placement, as well sound recording and microphone use. Grading will be based upon a rubric provided to students. (Lab Objective 5) Repeatable No Methods of Instruction Laboratory Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Lab: Instructor will demonstrate foundational skills in non-linear video editing using sample video clips. Students will follow along with the instructor in order to gain the skills necessary to edit their own work and ask for clarification or assistance as they progress through the techniques demonstrated. Instructor will alternate between demonstration and working with students at their computer stations in order for them to become proficient with the computer program. Lecture: The instructor will present a lecture on research methodology related to documentary filmmaking. Students will take notes, ask clarifying questions and relate the topic to assigned documentary film. Distance Learning Instructor will provide information on the 5 different forms of documentary filmmaking and create a discussion board prompt on the subject. Students will reply to the prompt by identifying a film that uses one of the formats. Students will then research and discuss the ways in which the film communicates the format. Students will also explain why they are most attracted to this film. Students will reply to at least two other student posts with additional relevant information and/or a thought-provoking question. Instructor will provide a detailed description of how to use a three-point light set up for an interview. Instructor will also provide a demonstration video of this technique. Students will follow an assignment prompt that directs them to produce an interview using three point light technique. The assignment outline will present specific learning objectives and requirements. Typical Out of Class Assignments Reading Assignments 1. Read Chapters from text on Documentary Ethics and Legal Issues, and “Documentary Voice and Vision: A Creative Approach to Non-Fiction Media Production”. Write a short summary of each reading assignment of the main points and be prepared to discuss in class. 2. Read Chapter in text on Finding and Developing Ideas in “Documentary Voice and Vision: A Creative Approach to Non-Fiction Media Production”. Be prepared to discuss in class. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Practice utilizing a Treatment as a communication tool for your final documentary assignment. Read the page in module four called, "Documentary Filmmaking Treatments". After reading the page, use the format information on that page to write your treatment. You have two weeks to brainstorm, research and plan your project. Writing your treatment will help you visualize you film. Please submit a treatment for your final documentary. Please submit only typed, digital files. Minimum one page, Maximum three pages, 12 point font, double or single spaced. Please upload your treatment to the submit assignment button. (Lab Objective 1) Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) 1. Watch the short documentary film called, Marathon. The run time of this film is roughly 10 minutes. This film reveals how an Ecuadorian prep-chef has become one of the fastest marathon runners in New York City. Write what you see. Be specific. Document the visuals you see, the lighting, the effects, the edit, juxtapositions, and whatever else you see in the film. Find at least 10 different visuals you see. Write what you hear. Be specific. Document the sounds you hear, the ambient, the sound effects, the music, the voice overs, and whatever else you hear in the film. Find between 5 and 10 different sounds you hear. Your write up can be bulleted or written in paragraph form. Upload your response to the submit assignment button. (Lecture Objective 2 and 3) Required Materials Introduction to Documentary Author: Bill Nichols Publisher: Indiana Press Publication Date: 2017 Text Edition: Third Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Documentary Editing: Principles & Practice Author: Jacob Bricca Publisher: Routledge Publication Date: 2018 Text Edition: First Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Documentary Filmmaking: A Crash Course Author: Abu Imam Publisher: Independently published Publication Date: 2024 Text Edition: First Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
