Updated: May 15, 2003


Amman Filmmakers Cooperative
Introductory Documentary Filmmaking Workshop
Course Outline

PART I - Friday, May 16, 2003

9:30am - 10:00am - Introduction to the workshop
- Meet & greet students
- Why the Amman Filmmakers Cooperative (AFC)
- Assumptions, expectations, and plan of action

10am-11am - Challenges of filmmaking in Amman and the Arab World
Commentary by Najeh Hassan, Al-Rai film critic

11am - 11:45am - The Making of “The Square”
Filmmaker Sawsan Darwazeh will comment on her production experience

11:45am-12pm - Break

12pm - 3:30pm - Documentary production life-cycle overview

PRE-PRODUCTION PLANNING
- Structuring the story
- Research
- Budgeting
- Schedule
- Shooting Script
- Equipment
- Interview preparations
- Permits
- Location scouting

PRODUCTION
- Establishing shots
- Shot angles
- Framing the Shot
- Cutaways
- Conducting the interviews
- Logging footage
- Audio

POST-PRODUCTION
- Developing the detailed shot list
- Logging the relevant film cuts
- Capturing footage from camera to PC
- Arranging film footage using editing software
- Using transitions
- Narration
- Music track
- Titles
- Incorporating photos/graphics
- Assembling the rough cut

ETHICAL & LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS IN DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING
- Defamation
- Staging
- Objectivity
- Copyrights
- Permits

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: HANDS-ON FILMMAKING

I) A 2 minuet short documentary will be produced by the instructor to demonstrate key filmmaking concepts described in workshop

II) Students with video cameras will film a 1-2 minuet documentary about a topic related to Books@Cafe, the establishment and its people. Students can then complete post-production on their personal computers. If they choose, students can bring their fully or partially completed productions on the following Friday May 23 to Books@Cafe for any needed assistance from instructor.


PART II - Friday, May 23, 2003

9:30am - 4:30pm - Project Support & Feedback

Remedial technical assistance will be offered for workshop students who may need additional support to help finish their short films for the 4:30pm screening. Instructor time is allotted on a first-come basis.

NOTE: Students who need computer editing assistance must bring a MiniDV tape or a FireWire capable video camera. Sorry but other formats are not supported by the instructor's A/V gear.

4:30pm - 5:30pm - Film Screenings and Awards

- Screening of student film projects
- AFC’s “Best of the May 16, 2003 Class” Award
- Certificate of completion ceremony
- Socializing & Networking

ITEMS TO BRING:
- Optional video camera (FireWire/MiniDV preferred, fully charged batteries to last about an hour)
- Blank tape for video camera
- Papers and pens for taking notes
- Blank and formatted floppy disk for possible electronic copies of handouts

LOGISTICS:
Workshop to be held at Books @ Cafe
Jabal Amman, 1st Circle, Rainbow St.
Phone: 4650457

For workshop inquiries contact Hazim Bitar
Phone: 079-5308232
Email: filmarabi@yahoo.com

DISCLAIMER:
Content of the workshop may change without notice. The rules and regulations of the host establishment, Books @ Café, must be respected at all times. The management of the establishment has the right to remove any person from their premises. The coordinator of the workshop has the right to refuse registration to anyone.

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RELATED LINKS:

Announcing the Introductory Filmmaking Workshop (Apr 30)

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