16+ Online Documentary Filmmaking Courses to Pursue

Documentary Filmmaking is among the most challenging career paths in today's time. But if done right, it can turn out to be the most promising career. Job options in documentary filmmaking include documentary producer, documentary director, program researcher, documentary sound designer, and writer. To make a career out of filmmaking, you need to be creative, decisive, innovative, open-minded, and technologically savvy. But just doing an MA in documentary filmmaking will not ensure you a high-paying, creatively rewarding career with sustainable growth, hence documentary filmmaking courses are on the rise and can be very helpful for someone trying to make a career in the field.

Work experience and networking are essential aspects in order to get consistent work as a documentary filmmaker. You will need extra knowledge and hands-on experience while learning. Developing a significant portfolio of all your work is very important if you want to pursue any career in Filmmaking. If you wish to upskill and add new techniques to your filmmaking process, enrolling yourself into the documentary classes under your media-related degree or documentary filmmaking courses can prove to be highly beneficial. In order to broaden your perspective and gain additional knowledge and experience, you can take a look at the plethora of documentary filmmaking courses available online. In these courses, you will learn to make documentary films from experienced individuals in the film industry while the others are quite beginner-friendly and will take your learning from basic to advanced through hands-on, practical assignments by the end of which you'll be getting a documentary filmmaking certificate.

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Here are some top-notch documentary filmmaking courses and some key details about them that you can take online:

Let us now make an in depth analysis about these Documentary Filmmaking courses and see what's special about each one of them

1. Documentary Filmmaking with Soul

When you decide to enrol yourself into this documentary film course, it will take you through the lifecycle of documentary making, carefully curating information about each step of the process.

You will learn documentary filmmaking, how to plan, how to shoot, and how to edit documentaries. To take this course, the individual must have a DSLR camera and other necessary filmmaking equipment.

Price: Rs. 8, 640

Platform: Udemy

Instructor(s): Dandan Liu

Course Duration: 2 Hours; 51 Lectures

Course Ratings: 4.5

Topics Covered:

• Location Scouting

• Audio

• Recording

• Exposure

• Editing

• Leveling

• Export

Also read- Film Making by Pearl Academy, Mumbai

2. Documentary Filmmaking Step by Step

After they have registered themselves with this documentary filmmaking course online, the learner will get to understand what happens in between filming a documentary. You will know a wide range of topics starting from finding finances to the distribution of the film. Anybody with basic filmmaking knowledge can take this course.

Price: Rs. 8,960

Platform: Udemy

Instructor(s): Adam Bhala Lough

Course Duration: 5 Hours; 39 Lectures

Course Ratings: 4.4

Topics Covered:

• Introduction

• Pre-production and production

• Post-production

• Exhibition

3. Documentary Filmmaking Masterclass

Considered to be one of the most beneficial documentary Filmmaking courses, this documentary Filmmaking course online will help you learn documentary filmmaking from start to finish by an award-winning Netflix director. You will get unique insight from an experienced filmmaker and get inspiration for your own film. A little experience and equipment are required for this course which will allow you to further create a solid career as a documentary filmmaker.

Price: Rs. 2, 240

Platform: Udemy

Instructor(s): Jonny Von Wallstrom

Course Duration: 5 Hours; 42 Lectures

Course Ratings: 4.2

Topics Covered:

• Generating ideas

• Pre-production

• Post-production

• Distribution

4. Documentary Filmmaking - Concept to Creation for Documentary

This documentary film course will teach you filmmaking right down from the basics. You will study how to make a documentary film from scratch. A video camera is recommended while taking this course, which focuses on the entire process covering everything from concept, shooting, video editing to distributing/selling your documentary film.

Price: Rs. 8,320

Platform: Udemy

Instructor(s): James Buffin

Course Duration: 5 Hours; 73 Lectures

Course Ratings: 4.5

Topics Covered:

• Introduction

• Pre-production Process

• Preparation for film

• Production Techniques

• Editing Styles

5. iPhone Filmmaking — Plan, Shoot & Edit an iPhone Documentary

As the name implies, you will learn how to shoot and edit a documentary film with an iPhone in this documentary course. You will study how to apply advanced filmmaking techniques that help you create a fantastic movie. This course is suitable for intermediate level filmmakers.

Price: Rs. 6, 400

Platform: Udemy

Instructor(s): Robb Montgomery

Course Duration: 2.5 Hours; 47 Lectures

Course Ratings: 3.8

Topics Covered:

• Finding a subject

• Camera Settings

• Filming

• Editing

• Finishing touches

Also read - Digital Filmmaking By Pearl Academy West Delhi Campus, New Delhi

6. Documentary Filmmaking - Production Masterclass

This is one of those documentary filmmaking courses, where you will gain insight into the processes involved in making documentary films. You will learn this course in a storytelling manner. Individuals must have some experience of filming with a camera in order to take this course.

Price: Rs. 1, 280

Platform: Udemy

Instructor(s): Hein Ungerer

Course Duration: 1 Hour; 9 Lectures

Course Ratings: 4.1

Topics Covered:

• What is a good story?

• How to focus your story

• Building narrative

• Writing script

• Shooting

• Crafting the edit script

• Writing narration

• Summing up

Also read - Explore Filmmaking: from Script to Screen by National Film and Television School, Beaconsfield via Futurelearn

7. Smartphone Cinematography 101: Learn to Shoot Mobile Video

With this documentary making course , you will study how to turn your Smartphone into a professional-quality camera. You will also enhance your filmmaking skills through this course. This course is suitable for beginners with no prior experience. Mobile-based filmmaking and films shot entirely over mobile devices & smartphones is increasingly becoming a trend in the creative world, so enrolling yourself into a course such as this one is probably a good idea.

Price: Rs. 6, 400

Platform: Udemy

Instructor(s): Mobile Filmmaker Academy

Course Duration: 6.5 Hours; 83 Lectures

Course Ratings: 4.1

Topics Covered:

• Smartphone Cinematography

• Composition and framing

• Lighting

• Technical concepts

• Video camera apps

• Third-party accessories

• Mobile filmmaking using iPhones

8. DSLR Filmmaking: From Beginner to PRO!

In this documentary film course, you will study the techniques used by professional filmmakers while crafting their videos. You will learn how to use the fully manual mode in your DSLR in order to gain more creative freedom. You must have a DSLR in order to take this course.

Many people are passionate about using DSLRs and other similar devices and going by the craze for professional filmmaking equipment, a course that will teach you the same is one of the most sensible decisions you can make.

Price: Rs. 4, 480

Platform: Udemy

Instructor(s): Jordy Vandeput

Course Duration: 1.5 Hours; 24 Lectures

Course Ratings: 4.4

Topics Covered:

• Manual controls

• The video language

• Camera movement

• Light for video

• Conclusion

9. TV Documentary Professional Productions. Start to finish.

You will learn to make documentary films on TV through this online course about documentary filmmaking. You will be given documentary classes by a professional filmmaker and editor. This course is suitable for beginner filmmakers.

Distribution is one crucial aspect of the filmmaking process and understanding your ideal distribution channels is one thing you must keep in mind while making any travel or documentary film for yourself or your client. You will learn to make documentary films, tell effective stories and figure out the best way to sell them to a producer or streaming platform.

Price: Rs. 6, 080

Platform: Udemy

Instructor(s): Andrew St.Pierre White

Course Duration: 4.5 Hours; 24 Lectures

Course Ratings: 4.6

Topics Covered:

• Sell your video in the first 30 seconds.

• Creative Style

• Good storytelling

• The endings

• Travel Documentaries

• Final productions

10. Indie Filmmaking Bootcamp: Pitching Investors Blueprint

In this documentary course, you will study how to attract investors and get them to finance your filmmaking. You will also gain insight into the communication skills required to interact with an investor. This course is suitable for Filmmakers, Screenwriters, Film producers, Film Directors, and Film school students.

Price: Rs. 8, 640

Platform: Udemy

Instructor(s): IFH courses and Benjamin O Yennie

Course Duration: 2 Hours; 8 Lectures

Course Ratings: 4.4

Topics Covered:

• Philosophy and elements of a pitch

• What audience are you speaking to

• Who’s the team

• Revenue and expenses

• The human factors

• How to read the room

11. Storytelling through Video for Filmmaking Enthusiasts

Through this documentary film course, you will learn to use different filming techniques, as seen in movies. You will also be learning how to train your director's eye and see the details that you may have missed before. This course is suitable for all filmmaking enthusiasts who have an interest in storytelling along with editing films & footage.

Price: Rs. 6, 080

Platform: Udemy

Instructor(s): Jun Ng

Course Duration: 1 Hour; 22 Lectures

Course Ratings: 4.5

Topics Covered:

• The big picture

• The story- everyone is a journalist

• Creative camera techniques

• Editing- starting with the eye in mind

• Filming and tips

12. How to Think Like A Filmmaker

In this online course documentary , you will understand how to think like a filmmaker and not as an audience. You will also go through some filmmaking essentials required for a good film. This course is for anyone who is interested in making a career in filmmaking and is inspired by directors such as Christopher Nolan, Quentin Tarantino & Martin Scorsese.

Price: Rs. 1, 280

Platform: Udemy

Instructor(s): Gourav Ghosh

Course Duration: 40 Minutes; 15 Lectures

Course Ratings: 5.0

Topics Covered:

• Filmmaking mindset

• Filmmaking technique

• Practical Filmmaking

• Bonus lectures

13. Twitter for Filmmaking: Film Marketing and Brand Building

Through this documentary making course, you will learn how to build an audience for the film or project you created. You will learn some Twitter hacks, which will help your project gain attention and followers. You will need a basic knowledge of Twitter to take this course, gaining an overview of using social media marketing tactics to promote & foster conversations around your film.

Price: Rs. 8, 640

Platform: Udemy

Instructor(s): IFH Courses

Course Duration: 2 Hours; 26 Lectures

Course Ratings: 3.8

Topics Covered:

• Getting started

• Social media Primer

• Building your Twitter

• How to tweet

• Case studies

14. Screenwriting Masterclass: A Complete Guide to Screenwriting

In this online documentary filmmaking class, you will learn to shape your ideas into a great screenplay for your film. You will master the tips and tricks to a scriptwriting process. This course is suitable for anyone who is stuck on the ideation stage & wants to move ahead by learning screenplay writing, characterization and originality in concepts.

Price: Rs. 8, 640

Platform: Udemy

Instructor(s): Video school; Phil Ebiner; Brian Birmingham

Course Duration: 3.5 Hours; 41 Lectures

Course Ratings: 4.4

Topics Covered:

• Introduction

• Originality

• Finding Ideas

• Developing your story

• Character development

• Writing and formatting your screenplay.

• Revisions

15. Entrepreneurship for Videographers and Creators

With this documentary making course online, you will go through the business side of Video making. You will study the pricing, marketing, and sales aspect of filmmaking. This course is suitable for anyone.

Creative entrepreneurs are going to fuel the next generation of content creation and entertainment & enrolling yourself into documentary film classes such as this one would be a good starting point.

Price: Rs. 6, 400

Platform: Udemy

Instructor(s): Greg Hung

Course Duration: 1 Hour; 14 Lectures

Course Ratings: 4.5

Topics Covered:

• How to get your first clients

• What is the stock footage?

• The art of pricing

• What is an upsell?

• Summary

16. Life's A Pitch - The Movie

In this documentary making course online, you will study a docu-film course that will help you learn presentation skills for your documentary film. You will gain the confidence needed to take center stage through this course. No previous experience is required for this course.

Price: Rs. 1, 600

Platform: Udemy

Instructor(s): Katie Casey

Course Duration: 1 Hour; 12 Lectures

Course Ratings: 4.6

Topics Covered:

• Introduction

• Think like a listener

• Dynamic Intent

• The primacy and recency effect

• The creative team

17. How to Film a Budget Documentary

In this online documentary course, you will learn to make documentary films on a tight budget. You will study the basics of how and where to cut costs during filming. This course is suitable for anyone new to filming and documentaries.

Price: Rs. 1, 280

Platform: Udemy

Instructor(s): Kane Hamilton

Course Duration: 1 Hour; 27 Lectures

Course Ratings: 3.0

Topics Covered:

• Introduction

• Pre-production

• Camera and equipment

• Production

• Post-production

Conclusion

Documentary filmmaking can turn out to be an enjoyable and thrilling career if you don't run after money and be passionate about what you do. Every profession has its hardships, and so does this one. If you have the required qualities, with some hard work and a little connection, you can pull it off. But you will need additional knowledge and experience outside of your degree. For this, online documentary filmmaking courses are the best course of action. It'll help you gain insight from experienced filmmakers and give you work experience along with a documentary filmmaking certificate.

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