Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking

**Level:** No previous experience required **Age:** 15+ **Language:** English **Dates:** 17-18-31 January, 8 February **Time:** from 10.00 to 13.00 **Location:** Online **Equipment:** No professional camera needed – mobile phones welcome! **Group Size:** Max 10 participants for an intimate, interactive experience **Cost:** * €299 \| Regular Rate \(10% for members\) * €249 \| Discounted Rate \(Students\, low\-income\, elderly\) * €149 \| Supported Rate \(unemployed and in need of financial assistance\) **Payment:** Contact: **paganelli.linda@gmail.com** Are you passionate about documentaries? Do you have a story waiting to be told but don’t know where to start? This online workshop empowers you to create cinematic, contemporary documentaries from the ground up. Bring your ideas and curiosity; I’ll help you find your unique voice and shape your story with personalized support every step of the way. With a small, intimate group of max 12 participants, you’ll receive focused guidance in an interactive environment that nurtures creativity and skill-building. Whether you’re shooting on a mobile phone or any camera, learn essential techniques in storytelling, camerawork, sound, interviewing, and editing to bring your vision to life. **What You Will Learn** Master the complete documentary filmmaking process, from a simple idea to a finished film, in a supportive, collaborative environment. **1\. Story Development & Finding Your Voice** * How to identify and refine a compelling story from your initial idea. * The art of the pitch: How to articulate your core concept clearly and confidently. * Discover your unique style by exploring different documentary genres (e.g., observational, poetic, interview-driven). * Develop a production plan and shot list to guide your filming efficiently. **2\. Professional Filming Techniques \(On Any Camera or Phone\)** * Cinematic Fundamentals: Master shot sizes, composition, and framing to create visually engaging scenes. * The secret to clean, clear audio: Learn how to capture high-quality sound using the equipment you have. * The power of B-Roll: Discover how to intentionally capture cutaways, atmospherics, and details that enrich your story. * Conduct powerful interviews: Learn techniques to make your subjects feel comfortable and draw out authentic, emotional stories. **3\. The Art of Editing & Post\-Production** * A professional editing workflow: From importing and organizing your clips to building your timeline. * Storytelling in the edit: Learn how to sequence your shots to create rhythm, emotion, and narrative flow. * Sound design basics: Enhance your film with music, soundscapes, and basic audio mixing. * Finishing touches: Add titles, credits, and color correction, and learn how to export your film for any platform. **4\. Ethical & Impactful Storytelling** * How to approach your subject matter with respect and integrity. * Build confidence in sharing your work and giving/receiving constructive feedback. * Develop a critical eye for documentary filmmaking by analyzing and discussing peer work. **Workshop Schedule** **Day 1: Discover Your Story & Style** Saturday 17th of January – 10:00 – 13:00 * **Introduction & The Power of Documentary** * **Pitch your story, finding Your Focus:** Guided reflection to help participants refine their story idea into a workable core concept. * **Examples of 6 different ways to narrate a story** * **Find the style that resonates with you and why** **Day 2: The Tools of Visual Storytelling** Sunday the 18th of January – 10:00 – 13:00 * **Pre-Production & Production** * **Camerawork & Sound:** Basics of shooting, shot sizes, composition, and recording sound * **Usable Footage & B-Roll:** Tips for capturing essential shots * **Interview Techniques:** Secrets and tips for great interviews **Day 3: Crafting the Edit** Saturday the 31st of January – 10:00 – 13:00 * **Learn basic editing techniques** * **Settings and essential tools** * **Cutting** * **Transitions** * **Sound** * **Texts & titles** * **Exporting** **Day 4: Share, Reflect, & Celebrate Feedbacks** Sunday the 8th of February – 10:00 – 13:00 * **Screening:** Watch and discuss each other’s films * **Celebration:** Reflect on challenges and achievements You’ll receive personalized guidance through tailored one-on-one consultations available throughout the entire course, in addition to group session. **Contact** **Email: [paganelli.linda@gmail.com](mailto:paganelli.linda@gmail.com)** **Questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out!** **About the Workshop MENTOR** Linda Paganelli is an artist, anthropologist, and filmmaker who weaves together decolonial and queer\*feminist perspectives with sensory, visual storytelling. With a background in Visual Anthropology, her work creates immersive, self-reflexive experiences that challenge conventional understandings of reality. Over the past thirteen years, she has worked with universities, museums, and galleries, crafting narratives around migration, belonging, memory culture, and the more-than-human world. Her projects have taken her from the complexities of conflict zones in Afghanistan, Israel/Palestine, and the Western Balkans to diverse communities across Europe. Through ethnographic filmmaking, Linda transcends academic boundaries, inviting a broader audience into these layered, intimate explorations. Her website is: *[https://lindapaganelli.com/](https://lindapaganelli.com/)* She has taught at the University of St. Andrews (UK), Viadrina University (Germany), Viadrina Center B/ORDER IN MOTION (Germany), filmArche e.V (Germany), the Visual Haus Cinema School (Germany), University of Amsterdam (The Netherlands). Together with Alex DePew and Klaus Salminen, she runs the ***[Berlin Film Community](https://www.facebook.com/groups/BerlinIndependentFilmCommunity/)***.