Directing, Interviewing and the Ethics of Documentary in Training on DFGDocs

Directing, Interviewing and the Ethics of Documentary

When:
Weekend 21 - 22 June 2008

Where:
DFG London

Programmes such as Paul Watson’s Malcolm and Barbara and the row over doctored footage from RDF Media's series A Year with the Queen has caused polemical debate. The media industry has been prompted to seriously scrutinize and monitor the role and responsibility of filmmakers, broadcasters and production companies. The focus on how programmes are made and portrayed, and to which regulations and principles they need to adhere to have been widely discussed.

This weekend workshop explores the current documentary climate and the implications and consequences this has on factual filmmaking and contemporary directors.

The tutor will deconstruct their working methods and consider contentious issues pivotal to directing such as questions of authorship, ethics and morality and the observation of reality.

Good interviewing techniques are fundamental to successful documentary practice but is often a neglected craft. Using examples from film and television (including the work of the tutor), participants will be introduced to a range of different interview techniques and styles to explore the core skills involved in this process.

These sessions are highly interactive and participants are very much involved in discussion and debate throughout the day.

Previous tutors include:
BAFTA nominated Producer/Director Benetta Adamson has extensive experience in human interest documentaries and prime-time long-form observational documentaries. She will explore the myriad techniques, skills and ethics involved in directing documentaries and the process of interviewing and approaching people when filmmaking.

Benetta Adamson been working in factual programmes for 20 years, first in arts programming and then - since 1990 - in observational documentaries.

After years of searching for her metier, she found it in human interest documentaries. She has worked on all kinds of films, ranging from singles for BBC1's Inside Story to popular series like Pet Rescue. Her more recent work includes:

BAFTA nominated Thalidomide: Life at 40 (2002, BBC2) which celebrates three Thalidomide affected people at age 40 that were not expected to live past birth.

BBC's ONE Life strand, Dancing on Wheels (2007) which follows preparations for the British Wheelchair Dance Championships in Blackpool.

‘I want my work to address challenging subjects but to avoid being preachy or worthy. I love stories with strong narratives to draw in the viewer which ask questions about the way we live. ….I take pride in maintaining excellent relationships with vulnerable contributors while delivering thought provoking television.’
Benetta Adamson

For further details of Benetta’s work please click here

How Much:
Members: £270 + VAT
Non-Members: £300 + VAT

Remember DFG members bag a bigger discount!

To book your place, call Laura or Jenny on +44 (0)20 7249 6600 or email training[at]dfgdocs[dot]com

Back to Short Courses

Britdocs

In Short Courses

Directing, Interviewing and the Ethics of Documentary

Britdocs