Give Voice to Real Stories That Matter
Learn to create compelling documentaries that capture authentic human experiences and spark meaningful conversations
Back to HomeTransform Real Life Into Powerful Cinema
This ten-week program helps you develop the skills to tell authentic stories through documentary filmmaking. You'll learn to connect with real people, capture genuine moments, and shape compelling narratives from unscripted life.
Research & Access
Develop skills in finding compelling subjects, conducting thorough research, and building the trust needed to gain authentic access to people's lives.
Filming Techniques
Master interview methods, observational shooting, and B-roll gathering that capture the texture of real life while maintaining ethical standards.
Story Shaping
Learn to find narrative structure in unscripted footage, craft compelling story arcs, and shape your material into documentaries that resonate with audiences.
The Unique Challenges of Documentary Work
Documentary filmmaking presents distinct challenges that differ from narrative work. You're working with real people and unpredictable situations, requiring a different skill set and approach.
Finding and Shaping Stories
Unlike narrative films with scripts, documentary stories emerge from real life. Knowing how to identify compelling subjects, what questions to ask, and how to shape unscripted material into coherent narratives takes specific skills and sensitivity.
Building Trust with Subjects
Creating authentic documentary work requires earning the trust of real people who are sharing their lives with you. This involves ethical considerations, interpersonal skills, and understanding how to make subjects comfortable while maintaining journalistic integrity.
Technical and Practical Demands
Documentary work often means filming in unpredictable environments, managing limited resources, and making quick technical decisions. You need to be adaptable while maintaining production values that serve your story.
A Comprehensive Approach to Documentary Craft
Our Documentary Production course guides you through the complete process of creating non-fiction films, from initial concept through festival strategy. You'll develop both the technical abilities and storytelling instincts needed for compelling documentary work.
Development & Research
Learn to identify stories worth telling and conduct thorough research that informs your approach. You'll develop skills in subject vetting, archival research, and creating research documents that guide your production.
- Subject identification and evaluation
- Background research methodologies
- Building relationships with subjects
Interview Techniques
Master the art of conducting interviews that reveal genuine insights and emotional truth. You'll practice both formal sit-down interviews and conversational approaches that feel natural on camera.
- Question preparation and active listening
- Creating comfortable interview environments
- Following threads and adapting in real-time
Observational Filming
Learn verité techniques that capture life as it unfolds. You'll develop the ability to be present but unobtrusive, anticipate moments, and make technical decisions quickly in uncontrolled environments.
- Run-and-gun shooting techniques
- Gathering meaningful B-roll and cutaways
- Working with natural light and sound
Story Structure & Editing
Discover how to find narrative arcs within unscripted footage and shape your material into compelling documentaries. You'll learn to identify the story you actually have versus the one you planned.
- Finding structure in unscripted material
- Building narrative tension and pacing
- Rough cut to final edit workflow
Your Documentary Journey
Over ten weeks, you'll develop and produce documentary projects while learning the craft from experienced documentary filmmakers. The program emphasizes field production and the iterative process of documentary storytelling.
Weeks 1-2: Concept & Research
You'll develop your documentary concept, learning to evaluate whether a subject has enough depth for a compelling film. Through research exercises and subject vetting, you'll prepare for production while considering ethical implications and access strategies.
Weeks 3-4: Interview Skills
Through practical workshops, you'll practice conducting interviews with real subjects. You'll learn to prepare thoughtful questions, listen actively, and create environments where people feel comfortable sharing their stories authentically.
Weeks 5-7: Field Production
This is when you're actively filming your documentary project. You'll conduct interviews, shoot observational footage, and gather B-roll that gives texture to your story. Instructors provide guidance as challenges arise in the field.
Weeks 8-10: Shaping & Completion
Working with your footage, you'll discover the story you actually captured and shape it into a coherent documentary. You'll create a rough cut for feedback, refine based on critique, and complete a finished short documentary for your portfolio.
Ongoing Mentorship
Documentary work can be unpredictable, so instructors remain available throughout production to help you navigate challenges. Regular check-ins allow you to discuss progress, troubleshoot problems, and refine your approach.
Classes meet twice weekly, with flexible scheduling for field production days based on your subject's availability. The program accommodates working professionals through evening sessions and weekend shoots.
Investment in Documentary Storytelling
The Documentary Production course provides comprehensive training in non-fiction filmmaking, from initial research through completed work. The investment covers instruction, equipment, and support for your documentary projects.
Documentary Production
Ten-week field production program
One-time payment
What's Included
Note: Payment plans are available for those who need them. Contact us to discuss arrangements that fit your circumstances.
This investment provides you with practical documentary filmmaking experience and a finished project that demonstrates your ability to tell real stories through film.
Tracking Your Documentary Development
Documentary skills develop through practice and feedback. We assess your progress through your actual work, providing guidance at each stage of production.
Production Milestones
You'll complete specific milestones throughout the program, each building on previous work. Instructors review your research documents, interview footage, rough cuts, and final edit, providing feedback at each stage.
- Research document and production plan review
- Interview technique assessment in workshops
- Rough cut screening with peer and instructor feedback
Development Timeline
Most students see noticeable improvement in their interview technique and observational filming by mid-program. By completion, you'll have practical experience with the documentary production process and a finished work.
- Confidence in subject interaction
- Technical proficiency in field recording
- Ability to find and shape documentary stories
Setting Realistic Expectations
Ten weeks provides solid grounding in documentary fundamentals, but documentary filmmaking is a craft that develops over time through multiple projects. This course gives you the essential skills and a framework for continued growth.
Your completed documentary demonstrates your current abilities and serves as a foundation for future work. Many students continue developing their documentary practice through independent projects, building on the skills and confidence gained in this program.
Start Your Documentary Journey with Confidence
We want you to feel comfortable with your decision to pursue documentary training. Here's our commitment to supporting your learning.
Pre-Enrollment Discussion
Before committing, you can speak with our instructors about documentary work and whether this program aligns with your interests and goals. We'll be honest about what to expect.
Transparent Process
We'll clearly explain the time commitment required for documentary work, including the unpredictability that comes with real-world production, so you can make an informed decision.
Ongoing Support
Documentary production often presents unexpected challenges. If issues arise during your project, we'll work with you to find solutions and keep your work moving forward.
Have Questions About Documentary Work?
Documentary filmmaking involves unique considerations around ethics, subject relationships, and the unpredictability of real life. We're happy to discuss these aspects and help you understand what documentary production actually involves.
Reach OutBeginning Your Documentary Education
Taking the first step toward documentary filmmaking training is straightforward. Here's the process.
Submit Your Information
Use the contact form to let us know you're interested in the Documentary Production course. Share any questions you have or subjects you're considering for your documentary project.
Discuss Your Interests
We'll arrange a conversation about your interest in documentary work and what you hope to achieve through the course. This is also your opportunity to ask about the program structure and what documentary production involves.
Begin When You're Ready
If the program seems right for you, we'll help you through enrollment and provide information about preparing for your documentary project. You'll receive guidance on equipment, subject access, and what to expect from the course.
Our next session starts in mid-November 2025. Class size is limited to ensure individual attention during production and post-production phases.
Real Stories Are Waiting to Be Told
If you're drawn to capturing authentic human experiences through documentary film, this program offers practical training in the skills you'll need. We'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how our course might support your documentary aspirations.
Get in TouchQuestions about documentary production? Contact us at info@senvarialantern.com or +81-26-598-8633
Explore Our Other Courses
Interested in different aspects of filmmaking? We also offer programs in narrative directing and production management.
Film Directing Fundamentals
Master visual storytelling and actor direction for narrative films. Learn shot composition, blocking, and how to bring scripted stories to life on screen.
Film Production Management
Organize professional film productions from pre-production through delivery. Master budgeting, scheduling, and the logistics that make films possible.