Audiovisual Documentary: Production & Theory (2025/2026: Semester 2 – Summer)

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Cursusdoel

The goal of this course is to build a bridge between theory and practice through project-based education by working together (under the supervision and coaching of instructors) on the realization of an audiovisual documentary.

After completing this course, students can:
1. Demonstrate knowledge on documentary films from various cultural contexts, time periods and sub-genres.
2. Position themselves within key-debates surrounding audiovisual documentaries (non-fiction), while using relevant terminology.
3. Develop basic knowledge of and skills in documentary film production, from pre- to post-production, such as technical training in camera and sound recording, and editing.
4. Execute these skills while working on a short audiovisual documentary (between 10 and 15 minutes long), collaborating in a small film crew (3 to 5 people).
5. Use professional film equipment and editing software (Da Vinci Resolve) and apply cinematic language to create a documentary narrative.
6. Understand the importance of impact production for the screening of a documentary.


Alignment of assessment and course goals

Assessment Weight Assesses course aims
Treatment (individual) 30% 1, 2, 4
Pre-production (group) 10% 2, 3, 4
Production (group) 20% 3, 4, 5
Post-production (group) 20% 3, 4, 5,
Personal reflection (individual) 10% 1, 2, 6
Attendance (individual) 10% 1-6

Vakinhoudelijk

In the realm of film documentaries, the concept of a 'document' and its association with 'truth' holds significant weight. Traditionally, this genre has been defined by notions such as the 'factual representation of reality' and 'authenticity,' but recent years have witnessed challenges to these claims. This course delves into the relevance of questioning this perception within our contemporary context and explores whether dismissing assertions of truth(fulness) altogether is warranted. Such debates serve as a springboard for students to delve into film analysis from both formal and conceptual angles.

This theoretical and practical course aims to provoke reflection on the increasing popularization of audiovisual documentaries and our evolving relationship with these images, both as audiences and, increasingly, as producers. The course will encompass both historical milestones and contemporary exemplars to hone students' theoretical understanding and practical skills. Notable documentary films will serve as key examples.
Moreover, students will actively participate in a collaborative endeavor to produce an audiovisual documentary short film. This hands-on experience will be guided by the instructor and supplemented by technical support from Utrecht University, providing an invaluable opportunity for students to apply their newfound knowledge and skills.

Format

  • Film screenings and reviews of selected documentaries
  • Film production (including pitching ideas, script writing, project planning, film production, editing, crew dynamics and task division, etc.)

Each class is structured as follows: two sessions before lunch break and two in the afternoon, with a 15’ break between sessions. Each session will be one hour long. Some of the sessions will be devoted to learning practical skills, while the more theoretical seminars will be dedicated to introductory lectures to various topics, discussions of readings, documentary screenings followed by group discussions, project presentations, etc.
During the last three weeks students will mainly work on their short documentary film projects in small crews. During this period students will receive guidance from the instructor.

Teacher/instructor: Sanne Sprenger/ S.Sprenger@uu.nl
Technical instructor/ equipment manager: Hans Schuurman/ J.H.Schuurman@uu.nl

Werkvormen

UCU HUM 2 course

Toetsing

Attendance (individual)

Verplicht | Weging 10% | ECTS 0,75

Personal reflection (individual)

Verplicht | Weging 10% | ECTS 0,75

Treatment (Individual)

Verplicht | Weging 30% | ECTS 2,25

Pre-production (group)

Verplicht | Weging 10% | ECTS 0,75

Production (group)

Verplicht | Weging 20% | ECTS 1,5

Post-production (group)

Verplicht | Weging 20% | ECTS 1,5

Ingangseisen en voorkennis

Ingangseisen

Je moet minimaal 30 punten van het bachelor programma hebben behaald

Voorkennis

1 HUM course recommended

Voertalen

  • Engels

Competenties

  • Academisch schrijven
  • Debatteren / discoursanalyse
  • Kritisch lezen
  • Luisteren
  • Community based learning / community based research
  • Samenwerken

Cursusmomenten

Gerelateerde studies

Tentamens

Er is geen tentamenrooster beschikbaar voor deze cursus

Verplicht materiaal

  • BOEK
    Rabiger, M., & Hermann, C. (2020). Directing the documentary (7th ed.). Routledge.

Aanbevolen materiaal

Er is geen informatie over de aanbevolen literatuur bekend

Coördinator

S. Sprenger MA S.Sprenger@uu.nl

Docenten

S. Sprenger MA S.Sprenger@uu.nl

Inschrijving

Let op: deze cursus is niet toegankelijk voor studenten van andere faculteiten, bijvakkers mogen zich dus niet inschrijven.

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