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The Beginner's Guide to Docs

  • Plaza Theatre Atlanta 1049 Ponce De Leon Avenue Northeast Atlanta, GA, 30306 United States (map)

DATE: 9/16/23
TIME: 10:00am - 1:00pm
LOCATION: Plaza Theatre

INSTRUCTOR: Anjanette Levert
PRICE: STANDARD REGISTRATION: $75 NON MEMBERS — Now until September 16th (Day of event)

Save $15 if you register by September 4th with discount code: 15DOCS

ATLFS Member discounts applied at checkout

Have you ever come across an idea or met someone with an incredible story and thought, "That would make a fantastic documentary"? And deep down, you hear a voice telling you, "It's you! You should be the one to bring that story to life because no one will care about it as passionately as you do."

If that resonates with you, then you're in the right place! Just like class instructor and filmmaker Anjanette Levert, many documentary makers have started their journey with a similar realization. You're in GREAT company!

This three-hour, interactive class (questions welcomed throughout) is designed for individuals interested in making documentaries. It caters to curious minds who want to learn the process of documentary filmmaking from start to finish and beyond. Guided by a documentary filmmaker, producer, and professor, you'll learn the fundamentals of documentary filmmaking.

The course begins by defining what a documentary is and exploring a touch of its fascinating history, perfect for sparking engaging conversations at cocktail parties. You'll then delve into different types of documentaries, discover the five phases of documentary filmmaking, and gain insights into what happens in each phase.

We conclude with discussions about the documentary industry, including the key players who can help you bring your film to fruition. You'll receive valuable resources, suggestions for further learning, and actionable steps to kickstart your journey of telling YOUR story.

By the end of the course, you will:

  • Have explored and discussed various types of documentaries.

  • Gain a brief overview of documentary history and understand its impact on current films and the industry.

  • Grasp the documentary-making process, including the different phases involved.

  • Discover resources to continue engaging in the documentary industry.

  • Learn about local and national resources for pursuing the making of your documentary film.

  • Take concrete steps towards bringing your film to life.

  • Understand the mindset and keys to success for documentary filmmakers.

  • Have the opportunity to connect with fellow filmmakers for potential collaboration.

Who should attend?

  • Individuals with a passionate idea for telling their own story or that of someone they know.

  • Individuals with ideas for short or feature-length documentaries, seeking an educational setting with guidance from an experienced filmmaker.

  • People with some media-making experience (including social media) who enjoy the creative process and are seeking guidance and inspiration to make a film.

  • Those interested in becoming part of Atlanta's small, but growing documentary community.

Join us for this fast-paced exploration, and take the first steps towards realizing your documentary filmmaking aspirations!

Refund request must be emailed to boxoffice@atlantafilmsociety.org 7 days prior to the date of event unless specified in the event description.

Earlier Event: September 13
Film Festival Prep Workshop
Later Event: September 18
ATLFF Presents: Programmer Chat - 9/18