At the end of the nineteenth century, French inventor Louis Launiard created a device to capture and display moving cinematic images, aiming to record films of various trips to different geographical locations. The term "documentary" first appeared in 1923, with the documentary film gaining prominence in 1949. It is essential to note that films can be categorized as either narrative or documentary, and the debate over the definition of documentary persists today. In 1948, the International Federation for Documentary Film Production was established, defining documentary as any method of recording aspects of truth, whether through direct means or reconstruction. This presentation should aim to engage viewers, expanding their understanding and knowledge or developing realistic solutions to various economic, cultural, or human relationship issues. Documentaries must feature real places and people, along with factual storytelling, as they avoid imagination and fiction. To keep audiences engaged, documentaries must be interesting, convincing, and creative.

The process of making a documentary film begins with the pre-production phase, which involves determining the how, who, what, when, where, and why through study, research, and scriptwriting. The production stage is equally important, as it ensures the creation of a high-quality documentary film with a wide reach.

This program is offered by the British Academy for Training and Development, specializing in documentary filmmaking.

Who Should Attend?

• Directors of television production companies.
• Documentary program presenters.
• Documentary photographers.
• Anyone who wants to join the media field.
• Students of media departments in universities.
• Anyone who finds himself in need of this course and wants to develop his skills and experience.

Knowledge and Benefits:

After completing the program, participants will be able to master the following:

• Training on making documentary programmes.
• Training on communicating with sources and the public.
• Training in self-control and vocal performance.
• The foundations of successful documentary photography, sound, monologue, effects, and montage.

• Documentary films, their definition, objectives, and history.
• Elements of documentaries:
  • Interviews.
  • Incisors.
  • Cold shots.
  • Action shots.
  • Archive footage.
• Types of documentaries:
  • Interpretive documentary.
  • Impressionist documentary.
  • Experimental documentary.
  • Reflexive documentary.
  • Observational documentary film.
• Steps for making a documentary:
  • Searching for and collecting information.
  • Develop a business plan.
  • Create a list of snapshots.
  • Writing a script.
  • Start filming.
  • Film editing.
  • Check legal and copyright issues.
  • Publishing the film.
• The function of the scenario in the documentary film, and its various forms.
• Types of writing language for documentary photography, and successful voiceover in writing and recording.
• The magic of montage and its value in weaving the story and shaping the rhythm and identity of the film.
• Sound design, determining the soundtrack that enriches the documentary.
• Evaluating and criticizing the montage versions of the film, until it reaches its final approved version.
• The role of documentaries in conveying the truth as it is.
• Training in presenting various programmes.
• Fundamentals of filming documentaries.
• Sound, monologue and effects.
• Film editing and direction.
• How to compile and publish the film.
• The difference between a documentary and a feature film.
• The reasons for the emergence of documentary cinema and its versatility.
• The twenty-third lecture: Documentary film, documentary, political and economic cinema.
• The skills of a successful broadcaster in presenting the best documentaries.
• Producing documentaries and selecting those closest to the hearts of viewers.
• The style of presenting the film and presenting the novel.
• Ways to achieve better program delivery.
• Practical models and case studies.