Unscripted Storytelling: Learn The Art of Doc Format
Documentaries are a way to connect communities and provide life changing information. They spotlight important issues, people, or causes and can be created in different formats from short films to social media content. Viewers can access docs on a wide variety of digital platforms such as Instagram or Facebook and in traditional screening settings. It is the beauty of unscripted storytelling that engages the viewer to the topic at hand.
You may already be a documentary fan and chances are, you’re here because you are considering expanding your media & storytelling skills, but with 5 months left in 2019 - you may think it’s impossible to tackle before the end of the year.
Earlier this spring, Austin School of Film developed a new curriculum with faculty member & documentarian Tania Romero.
Our goal was simple: explore not only why and how you make doc films but with who and what.
ABOUT OUR DOC PRODUCTION COURSE
Over the course of 10-weeks, two labs, and multiple production shoots, students create short documentaries and build on their experience as emerging filmmakers and artists through doc-format. With class discussions centered around: types of documentaries, areas of focus and hands-on media skills building, students will walk away with much more than a short doc.
Not only will you gain technical skills, complete a film, and learn directly under the guidance of a seasoned educator, scholar, and a real documentary filmmaker - you will network, connect, and continue to gain knowledge that can be applied to media projects in your future. We’ve created a relatively intimate class format that allows each participant to explore questions and challenges particular to their project.
Still not convinced?
Still c/o Tania Romero from our doc course summer session.
Join us August 7 for a free screening of doc shorts created in Austin School of Film's Documentary Filmmaking summer session. If you are interested in learning more about the class, instructor, or the experience of real-life students who completed the course, this is a great opportunity to make that happen.
Come hear the stories of those who live, work, and breathe in the Lone Star State.
The screening starts at 8pm with Q&A with filmmakers to follow - you can RSVP here or just show up & be ready to mingle!
In celebration, our upcoming Fall 2019 session of Documentary Filmmaking is on sale until Wednesday at 11:59 CT.
With only a handful of seats left, you'll want to jump on this class as it'll be the last session of 2019.
APPLICATION IS CLOSED
This course is: In-Person, Limited to 6 Students, and Application-Based
This 8-week immersive course is designed for emerging filmmakers eager to refine their documentary storytelling skills while producing a 2-3 minute mini-documentary on a topic of their choice. The course blends hands-on filmmaking, conceptual analysis, and historical context, equipping students to become better filmmakers, storytellers, and critical viewers of documentary media.
Through a mix of readings, lectures, screenings, hands-on labs, and production assignments, students will develop, produce, and complete a short-form documentary film. The curriculum is structured into two key phases:
Weeks 1-4: Development – Research, story structuring, pre-production planning
Weeks 4-6: Production – Filming, interviewing, fieldwork, and refining narrative techniques
Week 6-8: Post-Production Pipeline Begins
Students must already have experience with camera operation, lighting, sound, and editing, as this course focuses on the art of unscripted storytelling rather than technical fundamentals. (Applicants will be required to demonstrate proficiency as part of the application process.)
Each student will also participate in two additional in-class technical training labs during the 8-week timeframe with the instructor to deepen their craft. The course will culminate in a curated screening (Film & Friends) produced by Austin School of Film in Spring 2026.
Enrollment Details:
Limited to 6 students – Application required
$25 deposit required with application (refundable or applied toward tuition)
Access to equipment and production resources provided by Austin School of Film including Cinemaker Studios is included in your tuition.
This intensive, application-based public course is open to ANYONE ANYWHERE, provided they meet the outlined criteria. It is led by Todd Wiseman, an award-winning video producer and documentary storyteller with over a decade of experience. Formerly the Senior Editor for Video and Multimedia at The Texas Tribune, Todd has directed and produced documentaries on topics ranging from humanitarian crises at the Texas-Mexico border to investigative reports on police violence. His work has been recognized as a Pulitzer Prize finalist and has received Edward R. Murrow Awards and a Lone Star Emmy.
Application Details
Timeline:
Applications Open: August 25, 2025
Applications Close: November 1, 2025
Notification Date: November 15, 2025
Student Orientation: December 2025 TBA — VIRTUAL ORIENTATION
Class Schedule:
Dates: January 15 - March 5, 2026 (Thursdays) plus two technical labs
Time: 6:30-9:30pm
Location: multiple locations operated by Austin School of Film
Tuition:
Cost: $750.00
Payment: Tuition is payable in 3 installments or in full once applicants are notified of acceptance.
Application Fee: A $25 fee is required with the application, which will be applied towards tuition for accepted students. Those not accepted have the option to request a refund or donate to Austin School of Film.
Additional Resources:
3 months of CINEMAKER studio access ( $500 value)
Complimentary Gear rentals from Austin School of Film’s inventory for both on-site and off-site projects ($1,000+ value)
Two in-class technical labs for advanced skill refinement.
Participate in a Spring 2026 Artist Talk & Film Screening
HOW TO APPLY:
Click on the "Apply" button.
Fill out the application form. We recommend doing this on a computer for ease of use.
After completing the application, it will be added to your 'Cart'.
Proceed to checkout and pay the $25 application fee.
Upon successful application and registration, you will receive an automatic confirmation email.
All notifications regarding your application will come from classes@austinfilmschool.org.
Eligibility Criteria:
The Documentary Storytelling Intensive is accessible to anyone, regardless of location, provided they meet the following criteria:
Experience: Applicants should have basic skills in camera operation, lighting, sound, and editing.
Application: Complete the application form and submit a $25 fee by the deadline. This fee is refundable for those not accepted or can be applied towards tuition for those admitted.
Availability: Must be available to attend all course sessions.
Priority Consideration: Priority consideration will be granted to applicants from communities historically underrepresented in the film industry, those who cannot access “traditional” educational opportunities, and individuals with community or generational ties to Texas.
Age: Applicants must be 18 years or older.
For any questions, contact us at classes@austinfilmschool.org