In this digital age, it is widely believed that all that is needed to make a film is a camera and a laptop. By emphasizing storytelling and character development, this comprehensive and pragmatic course will give students the necessary tools to produce a truly compelling documentary. Through hands-on exercises, screenings and analysis of a variety of documentary films, students will be immersed in some of the key elements of documentary production. Topics will include research, proposal writing, interviewing and shooting techniques, handling "hot" situations and product distribution. Each student will shoot a short individual documentary on digital video. While editing techniques will be discussed, access to editing software is not included in this course.