Britain has a rich documentary tradition, from John Grierson (credited with inventing the term), the Free Cinema movement of the 1950s and Channel 4’s film workshops of the 1980s, to the pioneering work of the BBC in current affairs and wildlife documentary. There is also a vibrant contemporary community of documentary film-makers in the UK.

This course will go behind the scenes of the industry, exploring how films are developed and commissioned and how documentary makers work. Students will develop and research ideas for documentaries of their own, exploring aspects of British society, culture, history, characters, politics or current affairs. They will be challenged to experiment with form and content.

Classes will involve an introduction to some key works and approaches to the form, discussion and development of ideas, skills training and practice, and guidance in framing and presenting work. Students will work their ideas up into detailed proposals, and will shoot and edit a short ‘teaser’ film, pitching their finished promo films and proposals to a panel.

Related study trip

A trip to a national film festival such as the short film festival at the Watershed Media Centre, Bristol.

ASE reserves the right to change the content of course-specific study trips where necessary.