program
Includes Master Classes with Chuck Workman, Susan Froemke & David Zieff 

The Filmmaker's Intensive is a two-week program designed for a select number of people who want to learn the craft of documentary filmmaking. The program includes specific filmmaking sessions each day (production & post focused), and will take you through documentary filmmaking from pre-production to post. This year's program focuses on documentary filmmaking (the program alternates annually between documentary and narrative filmmaking), with some of the finest teachers and working producers, directors, cinematographers and editors in the industry.

above » sample film from a past documentary intensive

We understand that the program requires a HUGE commitment in terms of time, energy and money to be a part of The Filmmaker's Intensive. As a result, we have worked hard to make this unique program as rewarding and financially feasible as possible. We have instructors and students coming from all over the world, and have designed the program to be a completely immersive experience.

Please ask us any questions that you have about the program by using the contact form on this site or if you are ready to apply, click here to fill out the application form. 

We only have 30 spots per year and that's it. No more than that. We expect the program to fill up quickly.

Applying, being accepted and registering early ensures a spot.

WHERE?

This year we have chosen New York City as the location for TFMI. Probably one of the most ideal environments for learning the craft of documentary filmmaking. 

New York inspires filmmakers and is one of the easiest locations to get to in the world (many of our students come from around the globe). It is the home of some of the largest television and feature film productions in the world and the workplace of many of the program's instructors. 

The Filmmaker's Intensive is an immersive environment. Students learn and work together. It is truly a unique learning experience which will prepare you for your further education in this field.

TUITION

The total cost for The Filmmaker's Intensive is $2,500, which includes all classes, instruction and access to documentary filmmaking and editorial equipment for the course (except camera systems). The fee also includes a basic breakfast for each day that actual classes take place. You are resposible for other meals and arranging accomodation during the program. We have arranged for special rates at local hotels if you are coming from out of town or abroad and payment plans are available.

This is no joke. If you are ready to live and breathe production to post, day and night, this is the one for you!

WEEK ONE: DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING (Pre-Production and Production)

Exploding new video & filmmaking technologies are making it more possible than ever for filmmakers to mount projects, film them and distribute them to an Internet audience, to mobile devices or for submission to film festivals. Led by Jem Schofield and a team of expert instructors (all working professionals in the industry), you will begin to understand the world of doc filmmaking in a series of hands-on classes on directing, shooting, lighting, recording location sound and most importantly, finding your story.

Some of your week one classes and topics will include...

WEEK TWO: DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING (Post-Production)

Week two of The Filmmaker's Intensive will explore techniques of documentary editing - from the creative decisions that make a good story great, to established workflow methods for picture and sound that every editor should know. During the week there will be screenings and deconstruction of clips from a wide range of non-fiction genres.  Students will cut a number of exercises using real footage from real documentaries (including the doc their team shot during week one) - looking at how editing can affect character and story, and create or alter reality. 

Some of your week two classes and topics (at Manhattan Edit Workshop), will include...

» Editing Documentary Master Class (with David Zieff)
» Structure and Storyline
» Cutting Documentary
» Sound Design
» Grading your project 

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Each student will take a small documentary project through pre-production, production and post-production during the program and we will screen all films at the end of the intensive.

Prior filmmaking experience is not required to be accepted but prior production & basic editing skills will be necessary to help you get the most out of the program. You will also be encouraged to bring your own large sensor, interchangeable lens system camera or video camera with a 35mm lens adapter system. HD-DSLRs and large sensor mirrorless cameras from Canon, Sony, Panasonic & Nikon & the newer crop of small format, digital cinema cameras like the Sony FS100 & PMW-F3 and Canon C300 are ideal tools to learn the language of cinematography. 

Outside of classes, you will be in continual dialogue, round-table discussions and practice sessions with artists who are coming from around the world to train together. This international environment is a thrilling and totally unique place to work with colleagues, share ideas and master new skills.

We're looking forward to your application and seeing you there.

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