VFS Intro to Documentary Filmmaking (on campus) July 28 - Sept 8

Tue Jul 28 2026 at 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm UTC-07:00

198 W Hastings St | Vancouver

Vancouver Film School
Publisher/HostVancouver Film School
VFS Intro to Documentary Filmmaking (on campus) July 28 - Sept 8
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Make films that will change the world. Take your first steps to documentary filmmaking in this inspiring 7-week course.
About this Event

An introductory, hands-on course that gives students a first taste of documentary storytelling, interview-based production, and the creative workflow behind nonfiction films.

In this seven-week introductory course, students will get a focused initiation to documentary filmmaking through story discovery, pre-production planning, interview preparation, and basic production strategy.

Interview real people in the world and learn to tell a compelling, true story through the visual medium!

Schedule: On Campus, Tuesdays, 6-8pm PDT

  • July 28 (First Class)
  • August 4
  • Aug 11
  • Aug 18
  • Aug 25
  • Sept 1
  • Sept 8 (Final Class)

Cost: $850

Details:
The course emphasizes how to find a compelling subject, shape a simple nonfiction story, prepare for an interview, and think through the practical realities of making a short documentary as a small team.

By the end of the course, students will understand the essential building blocks of documentary practice and leave with a clearer sense of how nonfiction storytelling functions within the larger Film Production program.

Learning Outcomes – Participants Will:

  • Understand the basic differences between documentary, fiction, and experimental approaches to visual storytelling.
  • Identify the core elements of a simple documentary idea, including subject, theme, interview focus, and story angle.
  • Develop introductory pre-production skills such as writing a short logline or synopsis, preparing interview questions, and thinking through locations, releases, and crew roles. •
  • Recognize the importance of interview technique, listening, and trust-building in documentary practice.
  • Begin to plan visual support material, including b-roll and simple coverage, to strengthen a short nonfiction piece. •
  • Work collaboratively in a small team and respond constructively to feedback on early documentary ideas and exercises.

Requirements:

  • Students will work in groups to create their final product. Please arrive ready with a collaborative mindset!
  • No prior experience required!
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

198 W Hastings St, 198 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, Canada

Tickets

CAD 850.00

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