Finding Your Own Documentary Style with Patrick Lowe

Saturday & Sunday, September 16th & 17th, 2023 | 10am – 4pm |

A two-day workshop exploring the various styles and techniques of documentary filmmaking, as well as how to develop one’s own personal documentary style. The first day would primarily be watching various clips and films, showing the full range of expressing one’s vision in the documentary medium, including cinema-verité, essay filmmaking, talking heads docs, personal portraits, social issues, and even the use of animation in documentary. The second day would explore what to look for in a subject, how to prepare for a shoot, ways to approach or deal with subject matter, and finally editing for documentary, plus post-production.

The students should expect and prepare for:

1. To watch several local and Canadian documentaries (as well as many clips) and to discuss group’s reactions and feelings with each one.
2. To learn about the various techniques and strategies needed to select material and uniquely express it in a way that brings a subject to life in one’s own personal style.
3. To come away with a stronger and more personal approach to making documentaries that are a benefit to the film as well as the subject.