DAR 285 - Documentary Television and Film

4 Credits, 6 Contact Hours
2 lecture periods 4 lab periods

Fundamentals of nonfiction film/video production. Includes history of documentary production, European vs. American documentary makers, operating the camera, film and video techniques, television themes, production of a television documentary, and location problems.

Information: This course will require additional expenses for supplies in addition to course and lab fees.

1. Discuss the history of nonfiction film.
2. Analyze the difference between early European and American documentaries.
3. Operate a video/film camera in a fast moving environment.
4. Identify various film/video techniques as applied to documentary.
5. Describe television news documentary techniques.
6. Apply television themes to documentaries and produce a documentary program.
7. Solve location problems typical to non-fiction video/film.

1. European influences
2. German influences
3. Dutch influences
4. Russian influences
5. French influences
6. Other countries

II. European vs. American Documentary Makers

1. Cinema verite
2. Direct cinema
3. Methods of funding
4. Approaches
5. Propaganda
6. Government

III. Operating the Camera

1. Film
2. Digital video
3. Choosing film over video
4. Sound applications
5. Lenses
6. Lighting

IV. Film and Video Techniques

1. Direct cinema
2. Cinema verite
3. Surveillance
4. Undercover

V. Television Themes

1. Broadcast
2. Cable
3. Special
4. News
5. Investigative
6. Breaking stories
7. Live events
8. Human interest
9. Feature news story

VI. Production of a Television Documentary

1. Research
2. Hypothesis
3. Synopsis
4. Treatment
5. Support personnel
6. Budget
7. Approach
8. Equipment
9. Locations
10. Travel
11. Crew
12. Production
13. Post production
14. Distribution

VII. Location Problems

1. Permits
2. Visa/passports
3. Permission to shoot
4. Private vs. public property
5. Power requirements and voltage for foreign countries
6. Crowd control
7. Safety
8. Remote vs. studio locations