Documentary Course

Discover Your Story, Share Your Vision

Price range: €247,50 through €299,00

Level:
Beginner - No previous experience required

Must be at least 15 years old
Language:
The course is taught in English

Dates:
Sat. Mar. 21 & Sun. Mar. 22 – 09:00 – 16:00
Sat. Mar. 28 & Sun. Mar. 29 – 09:00 – 16:00

Group Size:

Max 12 participants for an intimate, interactive experience
Cost: 

€299 | Regular Rate (10% for members)

€249 | Discounted Rate (Students, low-income, elderly)

€149 | Supported Rate (unemployed and in need of financial assistance)

Location:
online
Contact:
linda@berlinfilmcommunity.com

Verein Membership & Discount
By registering for this workshop you get a 1 year membership into the Berlin Film Community's Verein (Officially recognized Non-Profit Association) which costs €30 and gets you an instant 10% off of not only this workshop, but also all paid workshops and seminars we offer. Plus, being a member gets you many other benefits, such as free seminars, access to filmmaking equipment for free, rental discounts at 25p and more!

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Workshop Info

Are you passionate about documentaries? Do you have a story waiting to be told but don’t know where to start? This online workshop empowers you to create cinematic, contemporary documentaries from the ground up. Bring your ideas and curiosity; I’ll help you find your unique voice and shape your story with personalized support every step of the way.

With a small, intimate group of max 12 participants, you’ll receive focused guidance in an interactive environment that nurtures creativity and skill-building. Whether you’re shooting on a mobile phone or any camera, learn essential techniques in storytelling, camerawork, sound, interviewing, and editing to bring your vision to life. 

find your voice

filming tecniques

editing

& post

What You Will Learn

Master the complete documentary filmmaking process, from a simple idea to a finished film, in a supportive, collaborative environment.

1. Story Development & Finding Your Voice

  • How to identify and refine a compelling story from your initial idea.
  • The art of the pitch: How to articulate your core concept clearly and confidently.
  • Discover your unique style by exploring different documentary genres (e.g., observational, poetic, interview-driven).
  • Develop a production plan and shot list to guide your filming efficiently.

2. Professional Filming Techniques (On Any Camera or Phone)

  • Cinematic Fundamentals: Master shot sizes, composition, and framing to create visually engaging scenes.
  • The secret to clean, clear audio: Learn how to capture high-quality sound using the equipment you have.
  • The power of B-Roll: Discover how to intentionally capture cutaways, atmospherics, and details that enrich your story.
  • Conduct powerful interviews: Learn techniques to make your subjects feel comfortable and draw out authentic, emotional stories.

3. The Art of Editing & Post-Production

  • A professional editing workflow: From importing and organizing your clips to building your timeline.
  • Storytelling in the edit: Learn how to sequence your shots to create rhythm, emotion, and narrative flow.
  • Sound design basics: Enhance your film with music, soundscapes, and basic audio mixing.
  • Finishing touches: Add titles, credits, and color correction, and learn how to export your film for any platform.

4. Ethical & Impactful Storytelling

  • How to approach your subject matter with respect and integrity.
  • Build confidence in sharing your work and giving/receiving constructive feedback.
  • Develop a critical eye for documentary filmmaking by analyzing and discussing peer work.

Schedule

Day 1: Discover Your Story & Style

 ??? – 14:00 – 17:00

  • Introduction & The Power of Documentary
  • Pitch your story, finding Your Focus: Guided reflection to help participants refine their story idea into a workable core concept.
  • Examples of 6 different ways to narrate a story
  • Find the style that resonates with you and why

Day 2: The Tools of Visual Storytelling

 ??? – 14:00 – 17:00

  • Pre-Production & Production
  • Camerawork & Sound: Basics of shooting, shot sizes, composition, and recording sound
  • Usable Footage & B-Roll: Tips for capturing essential shots
  • Interview Techniques: Secrets and tips for great interviews

Day 3: Crafting the Edit

 ??? – 14:00 – 17:00

  • Learn basic editing techniques 
  • settings and essential tools
  • cutting
  • transitions
  • sound
  • texts & titles
  • exporting

Visual day 4: share, reflect & celebrate

14:00 – 17:00

  • Feedbacks 
  • Screening: Watch and discuss each other’s films
  • Celebration: Reflect on challenges and achievements

You’ll receive personalized guidance through tailored one-on-one consultations available throughout the entire course, in addition to group sessions.

Workshop Leader

Linda Paganelli is an artist, anthropologist, and filmmaker blending decolonial and queer*feminist perspectives with immersive visual storytelling. With over 13 years of experience collaborating with universities, museums, and cultural institutions, Linda guides you through intimate, ethical, and inclusive filmmaking that honors memory, migration, and more-than-human worlds.