About this Event
Saturday, November 23, 2024 | 10:00AM-2:00PM (1-hour lunch break, BYO lunch)
Unlock the essential skills needed to take your documentary film project to the next level! In this 3-hour workshop, renowned documentary filmmaker Noah Morowitz will guide you through the critical components that every successful documentary film shares: Casting, Writing, and Interviewing.
Casting (10-11am)
Casting is critical in documentaries too. Hosts, interviewees, and narrators must communicate effectively on screen. Learn how to:
• How to find the subject of your doc (and can that be you?)
• What a phone call with a possible subject will (and won’t) tell you
• Brainstorm your current project
• Case study finding the right host (HISTORY with Peter Sagal)
• Case study finding the perfect narrator (Journey to the Edge of the Universe narrated by Alec Baldwin
Writing (11am-Noon)
Convey meaning, not just information. Learn why less narration is often more and how to develop a distinctive voice.
· We discuss how to convey meaning, not information;
· Always ask: what’s the point?
· Less is more; why less narration is better
· Avoid the obvious choices
· Always, always create a distinctive and personal voice
· Case Study: Opening 3 minutes of JFK: Fact & Fable.
Interviewing (1-2pm)
Workshops on how to coach interviewees for great sound bites:
· First, cast the right person (see casting tips!)
· Research, research, research (know the answer before you ask)
· How to make them comfortable
· Energy, energy, energy
· Eye Contact, Eyeline
ABOUT THE TEACHING ARTIST
Noah Morowitz has written, produced and directed dozens of documentary programs for virtually every television network. As an executive producer for National Geographic Channel and the video streamer CuriosityStream, he has supervised shows including Locked Up Abroad and the Emmy award-winning Stephen Hawking’s Favorite Places. He has interviewed Presidents Ford, Carter, Bush 41 and Bush 43, as well as direct descendants of Charles Darwin, Mahatma Gandhi and Queen Victoria. He holds a B.A. in Film form Yale University.
LOCATION: Docs In Progress
8560 2nd Ave Suite 113, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Docs In Progress is located on the ground level of the Alexander House. The entrance of Docs In Progress is on Apple Ave. Parking garage, walking distance: Cameron Street Garage. Metro Station Red Line: Silver Spring (walking distance 5-7 minutes).
ABOUT DOCS IN PROGRESS
Docs In Progress is a nonprofit supporting aspiring and established documentary filmmakers with workshops, screenings, and fellowships. Docs helps develop skills, refine projects, and connects the community with impactful films. Docs In Progress also offers youth programs in documentray filmmaking.
Refund Policy
If your circumstances change and you must withdraw from a class after registering, please be aware of our refund policy:
Withdrawal 30 or more calendar days before the first day of a program: 75% refund
Withdrawal 11-29 calendar days before the first day of a program: 50% refund
Withdrawal 10 or fewer calendar days before a program: No refund
In the event of the participants withdraw, the Eventbrite fees will be charged to the registrant.
Teaching Artist Noah Morowitz
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Docs In Progress, 8560 2nd Avenue, Silver Spring, United States
USD 75.00 to USD 95.00
