Please register for the first class date, May 8th, to sign up for all classes.
Intro to Documentary Filmmaking
Duration: 8 Weeks · Schedule: Once a week, 2 hours per session
Dates: Thursdays (and ONE Monday), 6:00 - 8:00pm, starting May 8, 15, 22, 29 and June 5, 12, 16*, 26 (PLEASE NOTE: CLASS THE WEEK OF JUNE 16th IS ON MONDAY JUNE 16th TO TAKE TIME OFF TO ACKNOWLEDGE JUNETEENTH ON JUNE 19.)
Level: Beginner – No prior experience needed!
Instructor: Megan McGarvey, Emmy Award Winning Documentarian, Director and Producer.
Gear needed: An external hard drive of at least 64 GB. All camera, lighting, audio and editing equipment will be provided.
Class Description: Curious about telling real stories through film? This hands-on, beginner-friendly course introduces the fundamentals of documentary filmmaking in a supportive, creative environment. Over 8 weeks, you’ll explore the essential building blocks of nonfiction storytelling—from camera and lighting basics to capturing clean audio and conducting powerful interviews. You'll also get a guided overview of editing tools and workflows to bring your footage to life.
Topics include:
- Camera Basics: Composition, framing, exposure, and movement
- Lighting Fundamentals: Natural vs. artificial light, simple setups for interviews
- Audio Essentials: Microphones, sound quality, and avoiding common pitfalls
- Interviewing Skills: Crafting questions, making subjects comfortable, capturing authentic stories
- Editing Review: Organizing footage, cutting for clarity and emotion, basic software tools
Whether you're starting a passion project or exploring a new creative outlet, this course will help you gain the confidence and skills to tell your real-world stories.
Cost: $95 for the entire session, scholarships available.*
Limited Scholarships! If inquiring about a scholarship, please send an email to vera@zeitgeistarts.com.
More Information About The Instructor:
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Megan McGarvey is independent Documentary Director and Producer. Born and raised in the Midwest, Megan developed a passion for looking beyond the stereotype and to capture the authentic stories of her community creating films such as Outsourced: The New Wisconsin Idea, Unweaving, On By, and the Gunflint Mailrun.
With three regional Emmys®, Megan continues to use her expertise in producing documentary, commercial, and lifestyle productions for companies such as KARE 11, & PBS North to keep her hands in every stage of production.