film, video & TV training | professional development
Documentary Scriptwriting
| Discipline/s: | writing & directing |
| Level: | Intermediate |
| Course Codes | WYD309 |
| Date/s & times: | Sept 14, 21, 28; October 5, 12, 19, 26 (6.15-9.15pm) |
| Contact hours: | 21 |
| Places: | 8 |
| Fee: | $335 OC members / $400 non members (Membership: $55 / $40 concession - join Open Channel here) |
As the SBS tagline touted: “the world really is an amazing place”. Develop your ideas for a compelling documentary project with a thorough exploration of the craft of documentary scriptwriting. From research to interviews, treatments to scripts, the course explores the challenges of writing compelling stories for the documentary genre. Practical group sessions in developing concepts and constructive feedback on written treatments will push you towards a strong, well thought-out project.
Prerequisites: Basic English literacy necessary. Beneficial to bring your ideas for documentaries to the first session.
Who should do this course?
Suitable for writers or directors interested in documentary. Also relevant to those with some experience in writing and want a deadline to develop their documentary concept.
Where can I go after this course?
Develop a strong Documentary proposal to take into production, or bring to more experienced filmmakers for consideration. Graduates may be eligible to enrol in Open Channel's Documentary Development Workshop.
Are you interested in being Accredited for this course?
Read about Accreditation Options on Short Courses
How do I Enrol?
Simply print an Enrolment Form and return to us with payment to secure a place in the Short Course. See the Enrolment Form for details on how to pay.
Short Courses Application Form (pdf)
If you wish to enrol in this course as part of a full Certificate III in Media / Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media, with up-front payment, click here.
Tutor
STEVE THOMAS
As a writer, director and producer Steve's films include: Black Man’s Houses (1992) and Harold (1994) – two award-winning documentaries examining black-white history, The Hillmen – A Soccer Fable (1996) – the misadventures of a junior soccer team and AFI Award winner for Best TV Documentary, Least Said, Soonest Mended (2000) - an adoption story about Steve’s own family which won a UNAA Media Peace Award, Welcome to Woomera (2004) - explores Australia’s famous ‘Rocket Town’, more recently infamous for its refugee detention centre, and his most recent film Hope (2007) – the story of SIEV X survivor Amal Basry. From 1998 to 2009 Steve taught in the documentary program at VCA
