Documentary Filmmaking with Soul from Udemy

Learn an Emmy-award winning documentary filmmaking technique. It's time documentaries get a fresh lift. Typically, they are taught with outdated methods which stem from the 90's, with boring talking heads and bad imagery. This class, instead, teaches you how to make modern, cinematic, and story-driven character docs that engage viewers both visually and emotionally.

This class will cover the whole documentary filmmaking lifecycle, covering how to plan, how to shoot, and how to edit. Part travelogue, part course, this course will show you how to craft a resonant documentary film with the hand of an artisan and eye of a storyteller. Showing behind-the-scenes footage, they bring you along Dandan's journey of making her beautiful short doc in Tokyo about a female boxer, also known as "The Japanese Million Dollar Baby."

All of the lessons are designed to be applicable, get straight-to-the-point, and use minimal affordable equipment. They present Dandan's signature filmmaking approach, where you'll get to travel with a light footprint and gain access to your character's world in a natural, non-intrusive way.

By the end of this course, you will have all the knowledge, confidence, and a complete roadmap needed to make your first documentary short. Come join us in this creative adventure.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Plan, shoot, and edit a strong, cinematic documentary with deep storytelling roots.
Conduct powerful, story-driven interviews.
Cultivate your ability to see, listen, and feel your way into your stories, so every decision is intentional.
Compose and light for cinematic images.
Use audio recording equipment to get high quality sound.

Use adobe premiere pro to edit and refine their footage.
Develop an eye for location scouting.
Develop the "shooting for the edit" mindset.
Approach doc filmmaking as a craft.

Plan, shoot, and edit a strong, cinematic documentary with deep storytelling roots.
Conduct powerful, story-driven interviews.
Cultivate your ability to see, listen, and feel your way into your stories, so every decision is intentional.
Compose and light for cinematic images.
Use audio recording equipment to get high quality sound.
Use adobe premiere pro to edit and refine their footage.
Develop an eye for location scouting.
Develop the "shooting for the edit" mindset.
Approach doc filmmaking as a craft.

Syllabus

Introduction

Preproduction

Intro to Preproduction

What Makes a Good Subject?

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops an understanding of documentary filmmaking, which is standard in the film industry

Teaches techniques to make modern, cinematic, and story-driven documentaries

Shows behind-the-scenes footage and brings learners along on the journey of making a short documentary

Emphasizes using minimal affordable equipment, making it accessible to a wider audience

Provides a complete roadmap for making a first documentary short

Taught by Dandan Liu, who is recognized for her work in documentary filmmaking

Covers the whole documentary filmmaking lifecycle, from planning to shooting to editing

Examines location scouting, which is a highly relevant skill for documentary filmmakers

Provides guidance on using Adobe Premiere Pro for editing and refining footage

Requires students to come in with some background knowledge, which may present a barrier to entry

Reviews summary

Cinematic storytelling for doc filmmakers

According to students, this course offers a truly unique and inspiring approach to documentary filmmaking, emphasizing story, emotion, and connection. Learners consistently praise its comprehensive coverage of the filmmaking lifecycle, from pre-production to editing, making it accessible for beginners crafting their first short doc. The instructor's engaging teaching style and concepts like 'Shooting for the Edit' are highly valuable. While lauded for its storytelling mindset and minimal equipment, some learners noted the technical sections, especially for cinematography and advanced editing, felt somewhat superficial for those beyond an absolute beginner level.

Dandan simplifies complex concepts and empowers learners.

"Fantastic content! Dandan's teaching style is engaging and she really simplifies complex concepts."

"Dandan has a unique way of teaching that makes you feel empowered."

"I appreciated the real-world examples and her personal examples are fantastic."

Highly accessible for new filmmakers with minimal gear.

"I loved how she broke down the entire process from pre-production to editing, making it accessible even for someone like me who's a complete beginner."

"The emphasis on affordable equipment and a light footprint is ideal for independent filmmakers."

"This course demystifies the process and makes it feel achievable."

Covers entire documentary process, from idea to export.

"I loved how she broke down the entire process from pre-production to editing, making it accessible even for someone like me."

"The entire process from initial idea to final export is covered in an easy-to-digest manner."

"Good course for beginners wanting to understand the flow of documentary making."

Emphasizes cinematic, emotional, and soul-driven narrative.

"This course is absolutely brilliant! Dandan's approach to filmmaking is truly unique and inspiring."

"The 'soul' aspect really comes through, it's not just technical but deeply artistic."

"This course changed my perspective on documentary filmmaking. It's not just about cameras, but about telling compelling stories."

Technical aspects like advanced editing lack detail.

"My main critique would be that while Premiere Pro is covered, it's more of a basic introduction. For advanced editing techniques, you'd need to look elsewhere."

"I found the technical aspects, particularly cinematography and advanced editing in Premiere, to be a bit too superficial."

"I signed up hoping to really dive into the technical aspects... but this course felt more like a motivational talk."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Documentary Filmmaking with Soul with these activities:

Practice writing compelling interview questions

Show steps

Reinforce your learning on how to conduct powerful, story-driven interviews by practicing writing compelling interview questions.

Browse courses on Interview Questions

Show steps

Identify the key themes and objectives of your interview
Research the interview subject and their background
Brainstorm open-ended and thought-provoking questions
Consider the follow-up questions you may need
Practice your questions aloud to refine their effectiveness

Show all one activities

Career center

Learners who complete Documentary Filmmaking with Soul will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Documentary Film Producer

Documentary Film Producers plan, organize, and oversee the production of documentary films. These films are typically produced for television or streaming services. The course, Documentary Filmmaking with Soul, can help prepare you for this role by teaching you essential documentary filmmaking techniques, including planning, shooting, and editing. You will also learn how to conduct powerful, story-driven interviews and compose and light for cinematic images.

See salaries and explore the career path for Documentary Film Producer

Documentary Film Director

Documentary Film Directors are responsible for the creative vision and execution of documentary films. They work with producers, cinematographers, and other crew members to bring their vision to life. The course, Documentary Filmmaking with Soul, can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Documentary Film Director. You will learn how to develop a strong cinematic style, conduct compelling interviews, and edit your footage to create a powerful and engaging story.

See salaries and explore the career path for Documentary Film Director

Documentary Film Editor

Documentary Film Editors are responsible for assembling and editing the footage shot by the cinematographer. They work closely with the director to ensure that the film's story is told in a clear and engaging way. The course, Documentary Filmmaking with Soul, provides you with hands-on experience in editing documentary footage. You will learn how to use Adobe Premiere Pro to edit and refine your footage, and develop an eye for location scouting and shooting for the edit.

See salaries and explore the career path for Documentary Film Editor

Cinematographer

Cinematographers are responsible for the visual look of a film. They work with the director to determine the film's lighting, composition, and camera angles. The course, Documentary Filmmaking with Soul, can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Cinematographer. You will learn how to use natural light, compose and light for cinematic images, and capture stunning footage.

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Camera Operator

Camera Operators are responsible for operating the camera during a film shoot. They work closely with the cinematographer to achieve the desired visual look. The course, Documentary Filmmaking with Soul, provides you with hands-on experience in operating a camera. You will learn how to use different types of cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment.

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Audio Engineer

Audio Engineers are responsible for recording and mixing the audio for a film. They work with the director and sound designer to create a soundscape that enhances the film's story. The course, Documentary Filmmaking with Soul, can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Audio Engineer. You will learn how to use audio recording equipment, record high-quality sound, and mix audio to create a dynamic and immersive soundscape.

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Production Assistant

Production Assistants are responsible for assisting the producer and other crew members with the day-to-day operations of a film shoot. They may be responsible for tasks such as scheduling, transportation, and equipment management. The course, Documentary Filmmaking with Soul, can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Production Assistant. You will learn about the different aspects of film production and how to work effectively with a crew.

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Location Manager

Location Managers are responsible for finding and securing locations for a film shoot. They work with the director and other crew members to determine the best locations for the film's scenes. The course, Documentary Filmmaking with Soul, can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Location Manager. You will learn how to scout locations, negotiate with property owners, and obtain permits.

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Film Researcher

Film Researchers are responsible for conducting research for a film. They may be responsible for tasks such as finding archival footage, gathering interviews, and writing background materials. The course, Documentary Filmmaking with Soul, can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Film Researcher. You will learn how to conduct effective research, how to write compelling interview questions, and how to organize your research findings.

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Video Editor

Video Editors are responsible for editing video footage for a variety of purposes, including films, television shows, and commercials. The course, Documentary Filmmaking with Soul, may be useful for aspiring Video Editors. You will learn how to use Adobe Premiere Pro to edit and refine your footage.

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Multimedia Producer

Multimedia Producers are responsible for creating and producing multimedia content, such as videos, podcasts, and websites. The course, Documentary Filmmaking with Soul, may be useful for aspiring Multimedia Producers. You will learn how to plan, shoot, and edit video footage.

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Filmmaker

Filmmakers are responsible for the creative and technical aspects of filmmaking. They may work as directors, producers, writers, or editors. The course, Documentary Filmmaking with Soul, may be useful for aspiring Filmmakers. You will learn about the different aspects of filmmaking and how to develop a strong cinematic style.

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Journalist

Journalists are responsible for gathering, analyzing, and reporting news and current events. The course, Documentary Filmmaking with Soul, may be useful for aspiring Journalists. You will learn how to conduct powerful, story-driven interviews and how to edit video footage to create a compelling story.

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Teacher

Teachers are responsible for educating students at all levels. The course, Documentary Filmmaking with Soul, may be useful for aspiring Teachers. You will learn how to develop a strong cinematic style and how to use video footage to engage your students.

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Media Specialist

Media Specialists are responsible for managing and providing access to media resources. They may work in libraries, schools, or other organizations. The course, Documentary Filmmaking with Soul, may be useful for aspiring Media Specialists. You will learn how to organize and catalog video footage and how to use video footage to create educational and engaging content.

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