Resource: Getting Started with Short-Form Documentary Filmmaking

# Resource: Getting Started with Short-Form Documentary Filmmaking Your project—five interviews and a dancer, cut into a 15-minute film—has the same building blocks as professional short-form documentaries like the [*New York Times*](https://www.nytimes.com/video) This guide gives you starting points for planning, filming, and editing, with links to tutorials and courses. --- ## 1. Pre-Production: Shaping the Story - **Clarify the arc**: What’s the central question or theme tying the interviews and dance together? - **Pre-interviews**: Chat with your interviewees ahead of filming to: - Identify strong, concise stories and quotable phrases. - Avoid hours of footage that won’t make the cut. - **Questions that work**: - Use open-ended prompts, but listen for short, complete sentences. - Ask for stories or specific memories rather than opinions. - Example: Instead of *“What do you think about X?”* → *“Can you describe a moment when X happened to you?”* --- ## 2. Interview Filming Basics - **Lighting**: Aim for soft, even light (a window with a sheer curtain works). Avoid harsh shadows. - **Framing**: Place subjects slightly off-center (rule of thirds). Leave space in the frame in the direction they’re facing. - **Shot length**: Let the camera run a bit before and after answers for easier edits. - **Sound**: Prioritize audio—use a lavalier or shotgun mic if possible. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pqk9dY9mYjE?si=JqAbVuHeNuBs3gdx" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> --- ## 3. Capturing the Dancer - **Coverage**: Wide shots for context, close-ups on feet, hands, and face. - **Movement**: Try simple moves—pans (side to side), tilts (up/down), pushes (move in), and pulls (move back). - **Cutaways**: Essential for pacing and transitions in the edit. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IiyBo-qLDeM?si=tHSpi76o2nJe5S90" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> --- ## 4. Editing Workflow Choose an editor you’re comfortable learning: - [**Final Cut Pro**](https://support.apple.com/final-cut-pro): Mac-friendly, intuitive, widely used in education. - [**Adobe Premiere Pro**](https://helpx.adobe.com/premiere-pro/tutorials.html): Industry standard, integrates with After Effects/Photoshop. - [**DaVinci Resolve**](https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/training): Free version is powerful; best for color correction. **Tips for a 15-minute film:** - Build a “radio cut” first—just the best audio/story moments. - Layer in visuals, dance, and cutaways after the structure is set. - Keep pacing varied: mix longer interview moments with short, punchy dancer shots. --- ## 5. Study the Model: NYT Op-Docs Notice in Op-Docs: - Interviews are lean and structured around a clear theme. - Visual variety keeps viewers engaged (not just talking heads). - Pacing balances reflective and energetic moments. --- ## 6. Tutorials & Learning Resources ### Free - [Premiere Pro Basics – Adobe Official Tutorials](https://helpx.adobe.com/premiere-pro/tutorials.html) - [DaVinci Resolve Beginner Guide](https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/training) - [Final Cut Pro Resources](https://support.apple.com/final-cut-pro) ### LinkedIn Learning (free with Harvard ID or library access) - [Learning Premiere Pro – Ashley Kennedy](https://www.linkedin.com/learning/topics/premiere-pro) - [Final Cut Pro X Essential Training – Ashley Kennedy](https://www.linkedin.com/learning/final-cut-pro-x-10-4-essential-training) - [DaVinci Resolve 18 Essential Training – Patrick Inhofer](https://www.linkedin.com/learning/davinci-resolve-18-essential-training) --- ## 7. Checklist Before You Shoot - [ ] Pre-interviews complete, story arc drafted - [ ] Interview space chosen with good light and minimal noise - [ ] Backup audio plan ready - [ ] Shot list for dancer (wide, medium, close, detail) - [ ] Extra batteries, SD cards, tripod packed ---