NFTS Scotland: How Stories Work in Documentaries

In person delivery, subject to government guidelines allowing, with COVID-19 protocols in place
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Making documentaries is tough, and one of the hardest stages is the edit.  There’s no easier place to get lost than in a cutting room while you’re trying to figure out how to make sense of hours and hours of rushes.

However, every good documentary or factual programme has a set of organising principles that are fundamental, easy to grasp and vital in helping you make sense of your material.

If you know what they are and why they matter, the problems you encounter throughout the film-making process will be more easily solved.

This practical course will:

• Introduce you to the key elements of story structure
• Explain how stories work in documentaries
• Help you plan your film and pitch it
• Show you how to prepare for the edit
• Help you solve the problems that every film encounters in the edit

This course is led by Peter Dale, who produced and directed documentaries for the BBC for 18 years before going to Channel 4 as Head of Documentaries. In 2005 he conceived and launched More4, Channel 4’s third digital channel. His own independent production company Rare Day produces quality documentary and drama for broadcasters and other distributors. He’s now the Head of Documentary at the NFTS, as well as Executive Producer on a number of high-profile documentaries.

The course is aimed at producers at all levels including Development Producers, Edit Producers, Series Producers, Producer Directors, Assistant Producers and anyone who wants to know more about how stories work in documentaries.

Previous course participants said: 

'(I) gained a massive insight into what would appear to be basic story-telling, yet taught in such an insightful manner. Peter's method of teaching was perhaps the best I have experienced. I left the course with a totally changed perspective and approach to documentary from memory.'

'I have learnt to tell stories in a way that I have never thought before. Most importantly I learnt how to tell my own story and look at every story with a similar insight and empathy. Very clever way to introduce students into writing stories. Peter Dale didn't just share his wisdom, knowledge and experience as a producer but cared for, accommodated, engaged, interacted with us and empowered every single of us as one the greatest teachers I have ever yet met!'

'The highlight of the course was learning from a master like Peter, and hearing other people's fabulous stories. A very bonding experience! '