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Documentary Filmmaking

Telling Stories That Matter

The path to becoming a documentary filmmaker

The Path to Becoming a Documentary Filmmaker

From High School to Your First Job

Build a Solid Academic Foundation

Basics:

Filmmaking, documentary or otherwise, is a form of storytelling, so try and take as many advanced writing classes as possible. Take classes in fiction, short story, nonfiction, journalism, poetry, and, if offered at your school, screenwriting or playwriting. Take theater classes and join the drama club.

Recommended:

If you are interested in creating ocean-related documentaries, then take classes (whether in school or online) that will help you better understand the milieu in which you will be working. You will find that courses in marine biology, oceanography, conservation science, and ecology are beneficial.

Keep in Mind:

There is an abundance of excellent online courses that can help you learn all the basics of filmmaking. But once you understand the basics, there is no greater learning opportunity than getting out there and giving it a try. Every documentary film you make will help you make an even better film next time.

Dive In!

And become an expert

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jump on your Academic career

There’s no substitute for experience.

We have compiled a database of thousands of internships, research opportunities, academic programs and specialized training programs so you can get a jump on your academic career.

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Internships

Research

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Academic Training Programs

And if you need support to fulfill your dreams and ambitions, our searchable database has plenty of scholarship opportunities as well as programs designed to increase diversity.

Scholarships

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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

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Our video tutorials explain the ins and outs of landing a great internship, research project or training program.

 

Make all the right moves

Advice from those who know

Don’t let a lack of experience stop you from making your first film

Expect problems and transcend them

Learn everything you possibly can about the subject of your film

Cultivate connections in the industry

Let the story be your guide

Be familiar with the conditions, environment, and activities you are shooting

Know your equipment

Submit your film to a film festival

Join professional societies and organizations

Stay current by reading industry and professional journals

What degree is right for you?

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Undergraduate

While there are no formal requirements to become a documentary filmmaker, a bachelor’s degree in film and television production is recommended. A bachelor’s degree will provide you with an opportunity to acquire many of the skills necessary to work in the field, as well as gain experience with projects and establish contacts in the film industry.

Graduate 

Even if you do not pursue a film degree at the undergraduate level, many schools offer a master’s program in filmmaking. In graduate school, you will learn the art and technique of visual storytelling, including directing, cinematography, editing, and postproduction sound design. You will also have access to better job opportunities.

10 Schools With Excellent Documentary Filmmaking Programs

Want to see the full list of colleges and universities with degree offerings or relevant courses?

See the full list

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Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production
University of Southern California

Film and Television
University of California Los Angeles

Screenwriting/Directing
Columbia University

Film Production
Chapman University

Film Studies
Wesleyan University

Film and Video
California Institute of the Arts

Film and Television Production
Loyola Marymount University

Film Art
Emerson

Film & Media Studies
Stanford University

Tip 1

Pursuing a documentary filmmaking career at a production company will require you to specialize in a particular area of filmmaking. Given the independent nature of documentary filmmaking, you will benefit from understanding all aspects of the profession.

Tip 2

Watching is learning, and the more documentary films you watch, the more adept you will become at understanding the techniques being employed and skills utilized. Think of each documentary film as a master class and an opportunity for you to learn something new.

Tip 3

Don’t wait around for someone to give you an opportunity. You can self-start, self-fund, and self-promote your documentary film. If the subject matter of your documentary is compelling, you will be able to find collaborators to help you along the way.

Have familiarity with one or more of the following areas

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Cameras and lighting

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Sound editing and recording

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Written and visual storytelling

Cinematography icon

Cinematography

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Communications

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Drones

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Movie editing software

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Screenwriting

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Narration

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Motion graphics

Typical Job Functions of a Documentray Filmmaker

Here are some of the interesting things you could be doing.

Developing the initial story or concept.

Dealing with scripting.

Scouting shooting locations.

Assembling and managing the crew.

Coordinating with all the other relevant parties.

Making sure everything is done in accordance with the budget, schedule, and the intended style of the film.

Handling post-production tasks.

Managing the release of the finished product.

There’s an Ocean of Possibilities

Becoming a documentary filmmaker is a great way to combine your passion for advocating for the ocean with your artistic talents. Documentary filmmaking jobs are the same as all film industry careers. First, you will need to learn the skills you need for your role. The best way to do this is by a mix of film education and work experience. You will find plenty of low-budget film projects that need additional crew if you search online. This work won’t be well paid, so see this first step as practice.

Typical positions in the profession include:

  • Director
  • Screenwriter
  • Researcher
  • Communications
  • Animator
  • Narrator
  • Editor
  • Motion Graphics Designer
  • Production
  • Lighting Engineer
  • Music Editor
  • Sound Designer
  • Set Designer
  • Makeup Artist
  • Director of Photographer
  • Camera Operator

Common employers include:

  • Studio Movie Production Companies
  • Independent Film Companies
  • Television Production Companies
  • Media Companies
  • Nonprofit Organizations
  • Corporations
  • Universities
  • Music and Entertainment Industry
  • Technology Companies
  • Sports Industry

Start your career search with our extensive list of employment websites.