Documentary Film Schools

As a story consultant who creates educational resources that documentary filmmakers can apply in their own films, I was happy to see Documentary Magazine’s Fall 2009 issue, which focuses on education and training. Mitchell Block’s article points out an important flaw with many film school curriculums. The programs focus on technical skills rather than the editorial and business skills needed to thrive as an independent documentary filmmaker today.

A few years ago, Block named U.C. Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism (where I teach editing), the number one documentary school in America. While Block didn’t pick a top school in this issue, I am pleased that our program’s director, Professor John Else is still highlighting all three essentials in our curriculum: technical, editorial, and business abilities.

Another article in the current issue of Documentary Magazine, entitled No Film School? explores the advantages to the so-called school of hard knocks. Certainly this is a viable option as proved by master documentary filmmakers like Albert Maysles, who began his career as a psychologist before the days of film schools.

These days a growing cadre of documentary film professionals offer specialized mentoring and consulting services for the fundraising, editorial, distribution, and other skills needed to succeed at documentary filmmaking. My own services as a story consultant are also available in the form of self study online courses, providing an excellent education in documentary film editing at an affordable price–and without the big student loans. Check out the filmed version of my popular weekend seminar, Structuring the Characte- Driven Documentary. This is a Master level class that teaches documentary filmmakers how to craft an engaging film that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

To learn more go to http://www.newdocediting.com/land/editingdocumentaryecourse/