Course Summary

In our Presenting With Pizzaz! programme, students form production teams and research, shoot, present in and edit their very own documentary.

Set in the backdrop of a world famous university or adapted to suit your own place of research, students will find their story angle and make a film about a particular organisation, institution or topic.

In this intriguing research based adventure, students learn to present on camera and interview real life students, residents, lecturers or other figures relevant to their specific documentary. This immersive experience allows students to get a real insight into the practise of documentary making.

Developing skills in research, interviewing and camerawork, students explore key documentary making skills and learn to be presenters as well as edit their own movies on professional iMac computers.

Taught through professional film making games, exercises and real world challenges, the course may explore the editorial guidelines of Britain’s world leading news outlets.

As well as developing core documentary making skills in a professional environment, students will develop abilities in team working, communication, leadership, camera work, video editing and more!

This race against the clock factual extravaganza culminates in a screening and awards show at the end of the course.

What we cover

• Onset roles and fun icebreaker games

• Introduction to documentary theory

• Editorial standards as guided by the BBC

• Key documentary ingredients - finding a story

• How to setup an interview: Lighting + camera

• Shot composition: How to compose your image and frame it well

• Camera angles and how to use them in your story

• Camera movement - includes handheld, tilting, panning, craning, low budget dolly

• Introduction to sound recording

• Best practise tips for research

• Interview technique and practise

• Presenting on screen

• Etiquette and laws of filming in public

• Directing, producing and client management tips

• Movie editing including edit principles, transitions, story structure and more

  What’s included

• Camera kit : Includes cameras, tripod, light reflectors and boom microphones

• Professional iMac movie editing suites

• All learning materials including welcome pack

• Resources from world leading British factual programming

• Delivered by professional, encouraging and inspiring DBS checked film makers with industry experience

• End of week screening: watch your movies on the big screen at the end of the course

• Certificates + medals upon course completion

• Make your video in the real world, interviewing interesting candidates, lecturers etc

• Can request your own organisation and interviewees to be included

• Available and adapted accordingly to suit all of the following age ranges: 11+

• Can include behind the scenes video* of students enjoying the week, perfect for showcasing your school, business or organisation.

  *additional fee

How will it help me?

This course gives students the opportunity to learn documentary making in an immersive factual adventure. It also provides a cultural experience as well as an engaging, rewarding and challenging team building experience.

Is this course for me?

If you want to give your students a culturally enriching, engaging and challenging course which develops core documentary making and communication skills in the real world, this one is for you.

Key Facts:

Price: See Prices

Age: 11+

Course Length: 5 day (3 day also available)

Location: Oxford (London depending on availability)

No of Students: Up to 64 (please contact us for larger groups)

Staff ratio: 1 teacher / 8 students