Learn How to Make a Documentary Film
In our documentary filmmaking summer camp in Los Angeles and New York, students aged 14-17 learn how to make a documentary film. During this summer camp, students build foundational skills in producing, directing, camera, lighting, production sound, and editing as they create their own unique content. Through hands-on training and first-hand experience, students learn vital non-fiction storytelling techniques, how to present and discuss their ideas, as well as receive creative feedback.
Program Description
The 3-Week Documentary Filmmaking Program is an immersive and hands-on course designed to introduce students to the art of nonfiction storytelling. Over the course of three weeks, students will explore documentary filmmaking techniques, develop their own unique perspectives as storytellers, and gain practical experience in producing, shooting, and editing their own films. Through a combination of lectures, screenings, and hands-on production, students will complete multiple documentary projects, culminating in a final film that reflects their vision and creative approach.
Core SubjectsCamp Name: 3-Week Documentary Camp for Teens
Students will engage in the following core subjects throughout the program:
- Producing and Directing – Through lectures and screenings, students will explore different documentary styles, genres, and storytelling techniques, including traditional and hybrid documentary, as well as reality TV. They will learn how to develop an idea from concept through post-production while producing and directing three nonfiction projects over the course of the program.
- Camera and Lighting – Students will receive hands-on instruction in the fundamentals of digital cinematography. They will also explore techniques for capturing natural and available light, as well as traditional interview lighting setups, ensuring they can adapt to a variety of real-world filming environments.
- Production Sound – Capturing high-quality audio is essential in documentary filmmaking. In this class, students will gain hands-on experience with recording both sync and non-sync sound using basic digital equipment, learning techniques for capturing clear dialogue, ambient sound, and interviews.
- Editing – Using Adobe Premiere or DaVinci Resolve, students will explore the art and craft of editing, learning to cut for story, rhythm, and pacing while shaping their footage into a compelling documentary narrative. They will also learn the fundamentals of structuring a documentary, selecting the most impactful moments, and refining their work through multiple cuts.
Final Project
By the end of the program, each student will direct their own final documentary film, using the skills, techniques, and styles explored during their first two projects. Students will have the creative freedom to choose whether their film will be observational, interview-driven, or a combination of both, allowing them to craft a story that reflects their personal vision and storytelling voice.
The 3-Week Documentary Filmmaking Program provides students with a deep and hands-on exploration of nonfiction storytelling, from concept to finished film. Through practical exercises, guided mentorship, and real-world filmmaking experience, students will gain the technical skills and creative confidence to produce compelling documentary films. By the end of the program, they will have completed three projects, including a final documentary film, serving as both a showcase of their talents and a strong foundation for future documentary work.
To learn more about NYFA’s programs, see NYFA’s camp brochure.
3-Week Documentary Filmmaking Summer Camp for Teens I
| Location | Program Start Date and End Date | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | July 20, 2025 – August 9, 2025 | Tuition: $ 4,525 (USD) Program Duration: 3 week |