---
# System prepended metadata

title: '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  

---
