Introduction to Independent Documentary Filmmaking

LIFT WORKSHOPS

 A new partnership in 2015 with the Liaison for Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT) has a 6-part workshop series coming to the region throughout the year. We were chosen as one of four communities across Ontario to receive LIFT’s travelling workshops and are excited to offer the first two before and after DocFest weekend.  

For registration contact: Dug Stevenson at dug.stevenson@gmail.com  or 613.438.2579

Introduction to Independent Documentary Filmmaking (6 hours)

Date: Saturday, February 21, 2015

Time: 10am – 4pm

Location: Belleville Public Library (3^rd Floor Meeting Room)

Cost: $60 / $40 students

Notes: enrollment is limited to 20

Snapshot: Using a DIY approach, this course provides an overview of all stages of documentary with an emphasis on the philosophy that great filmmaking can be achieved with easily accessible tools. Learn about the research and writing process, producing and funding, prepping for your shoot, interviewing techniques, the fundamentals of production, basic cinematography and sound, how to approach editing, finishing your film, distribution and exhibition platforms. A must for beginning directors and producers, this lecture-based course will include some short equipment demos while sharing a few fun tricks along the way. This general overview is a great starting point for your filmmaking education as it pertains to documentary filmmaking.

Instructor: Tess Girard (http://www.fifthtownfilms.com/)

Bio: Tess Girard is a Prince Edward County-based filmmaker and cinematographer. Girard's work lies somewhere between documentary and experimental, with techniques that challenge audiences to engage in the work on a highly personal level. Combining multiple formats and media, her films mesh image and sound to create unique multi-layered, audio-visual pieces that explore subject matter from a philosophical perspective.

Her recent films include Old Growth (TIFF 2012, Canada’s Top Ten 2012), A Simple Rhythm (Hot Docs 2011) and Benediction (TIFF 2005, Best Production at FFM 2005, Best Cinematography WSFF 2006). Recently Girard was co-director of the relaunch of Historica Canada’s Heritage Minutes series (2012), and created the radio documentary The Heart of The Beat for CBC’s IDEAS (2013). She is currently creating a series of live interactive shows with the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony and in development of her feature film As the Crow Flies with the National Film Board of Canada.