When:
Wed 30 September 2009
10am - 6pm
Where:
DFG, London
This course focuses on giving you the necessary skills essential to write good and effective commentary for your documentary.
There is an art to writing commentary - to link visual sequences together with words - that tell people an interesting story that they remember. Many of us can 'write' as well as impart our knowledge in clear, concise terms. But few have the subtle ability and talent which matches pictures and words that have the maximum effect on our memories.
The course will begin with the screening of work by various writers/directors, followed by discussion. Much of the day will then be dedicated to exercises, including writing to picture. You will explore different styles of commentary and how to use your writing talents.
The day will include:
- intro to writing commentary
- styles of Commentary
- finding a point of view or ‘voice’
- creating structure
- working with commercial breaks
- working with interviews and picture
- finding voice artistes and recording
This course is aimed at filmmakers, print journalists, directors, researchers, writers and producers who need to increase their writing skills to encompass commentaries for factual programmes and documentaries.
Tutor: Bob Bentley
Bob Bentley works in documentaries, arts, history, science and drama. Recently he produced/directed two programmes in the BBC2 series British Film Forever. Before that he wrote/directed/produced two Battlefield Detectives for The US History Channel, two programmes in the BBC series Private Life of a Masterpiece and two Art Crime drama/docs for the BBC and Bravo. At the Millennium he directed nine drama/doc inserts for 2020 - A History of the Future for CNN.
Other notable productions include a Bard on the Box with Adrian Noble of the RSC an Omnibus on opera legend Jessye Norman and a profile of singer Dame Janet Baker. For the Sake of the Children was about photography of children for the C4’s series Films of Fire. Science documentaries include Blind Visions, about sight loss.
He has also made a number of contemporary dance films including Never Again with DV8 Physical Theatre for C4. Beethoven in Love with Divas Dance Co and To A Woman’s Heart with Dutch choreographer Karin Post were for the BBC.
In drama Available Light for the BBC starred Tom Bell, Joely Richardson and David Morrissey. Recluse was a half-hour cinema film starring Maurice Denham, which won the BAFTA Best Short Film award. For more information on Bob please visit his website: www.bobbentley.co.uk
How much:
Freelance DFG members £150 + VAT = £176.25
Freelance non members £175 + VAT = £205.63
Corporate rate: £350 + VAT = £411.25
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To book your place, call us on +44 (0)20 7249 6600 or email training@dfgdocs.com