2 sessions: Saturday–Sunday, February 18–19, 10 am–4 pm

Discover how you can spin an interesting idea into a compelling, visual narrative. Learn about the many genres of documentary film and principles of good storytelling. We’ll cover cinematography (framing, angles, movements, and planning for the edit), best practices for audio and lighting setups, interviewing techniques, the importance of b-roll, and more.

Since large-sensor cameras proliferated a decade ago, the professional video landscape has evolved rapidly, offering new tools for documentary filmmakers to create previously unimaginable images. We’ll be working with IFP’s new Canon EOS C100 Mark I camera. Do you have your own camera but don’t know all the settings? Bring it to class, and we’ll help tackle any unanswered questions. The workshop will also cover pre-planning and production. There is a lunch break each session.

Tuition: $235 regular/$175 member/$130 low-income

Pam Colby is a filmmaker and storyteller working in the Twin Cities. She recently completed her first project as a Final Cut X editor. Angels Alleluia premiered on Rocky Mountain PBS in December 2014. Pam is currently producing and directing a documentary on GLBT elders and marriage equality, a project for which she launched her first Indiegogo campaign in the summer of 2014. Her credits include narrative and documentary work: Writer/Director, Freedom’s Price (1984); Writer/Director, Speak Truth to Power, A Portrait of Polly Mann (1994); Producer, The Unapologetic Life of Margaret Randall (2002); Producer, Wellstone! (2004); Producer/Director, Fertile Ashes (2011); Producer/Director, Secrets for Mom (2013). Recently, Pam took first place at the Moth storytelling slam in Saint Paul.

Class Registration Guidelines & Cancellation Policy

• Space is assigned on a first-come basis. Registrations must include payment in full to be valid. Registrations are accepted beyond registration deadlines as long as space is available.
• If minimum enrollment has not been reached by 5 days prior to the start date of a class, IFP MN may cancel it, in which case registrants will immediately be notified and receive a full refund by PayPal or charge card credit (for phone or in person credit card registrations) within 5 business days. A check will be issued for registrations that were paid in cash. In lieu of a refund, students have the option of applying their tuition to another course if scheduled in the same calendar year.
  For those wishing to cancel a registration prior to the class registration deadline, 100% of the tuition will be refunded minus a $25 administrative fee. For registration cancellations received after the registration deadline but prior to the first class session, 50% of the tuition will be refunded minus a $25 administrative fee. As of a class start date, no refunds or credits/exchanges will be given.
• Tuition is not prorated for missed class sessions.