This course is: In-Person, Limited to 6 Students, and Application-Based Enrollment

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 student screening produced by Austin School of Film in August 2025. 

Enrollment Details:

• Limited to 6 students – Application required

• $50 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: March 1

• Applications Close: March 15

• Notification Date: Applicants will be notified of their status by March 20

Class Schedule:

• Dates: April 17 to June 5, 2025

• Day and Time: Thursdays, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

• Location: One of the Austin School of Film's locations in Austin, Texas

Tuition:

• Cost: $750

• Payment: Tuition is payable in installments or in full once applicants are notified of acceptance.

• Application Fee: A $50 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 the fee to Austin School of Film.

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 $50 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.