DIY Documentary: Story Craft

Workshop description:

Writing is an essential but often overlooked aspect of the nonfiction filmmaking process. This class puts writing center-stage, as a conceptual/working tool, and an element of documentary itself — a course based in language but aimed towards images. We will engage in generative weekly practice to develop new ways to organize thought and translate ideas into films. From crafting pitches and treatments, to working with transcripts, voice-over, and editing scripts, we will work collaboratively to hone our writing skills for the screen. Each participant will leave with a significant portion of or completed in-depth creative treatment for their short documentary project!

 Classes will take place via Zoom.

**To sign up for this course, we ask that folks come with a specific, short (0 to ~30 minute) project in mind (we’ll ask for a short project description in the sign-up). If you’re not sure what you want to make a documentary about and want a supportive space to play with the idea-generating and finding process, sign up for our NEW course, Storyfinding: Making Your Creative Matches!

Instructor Max Swanson is a nonfiction/experimental filmmaker/performer, writer, educator, and organizer based in Portland, OR. They believe in the sacredness of a creative and learning container, and love getting to hold those spaces with the students and community members at NW Documentary! They hold an MFA in Film/Video Production from the University of Iowa, currently teach at NW Doc and PSU, and work as a freelance story consultant. They are also a co-producer of the local drag and art collaborative Max & Mars Present.