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Master Class

Doc U: Directing and Producing Master Class with Steve James

IDA Offices, 3470 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 980, Los Angeles CA 90010

Join us for a very special two-day Master Class with Steve James, one of the greatest documentary filmmakers of our time. Director and Producer of Hoop Dreams, widely considered one of the best documentaries ever made, Steve is a filmmaker’s filmmaker, who has not only built a truly substantial body of work (Life Itself, The Interrupters, Stevie), but is equally committed to imparting what he has learned to others. Steve has taught the art and craft of documentary filmmaking in master classes around the world, but this is the first time that he will be doing so in this specially designed two-day format. This is also the first time Steve has taught a master class in the Los Angeles area, so whether you have taken one of our Master Classes before or not, don’t miss out — this is destined to be a memorable experience for all those in attendance.

Over the course of the two days, Steve will cover every major aspect of documentary directing and producing, from idea through post-production. What makes this class unique is that each phase of the process is filtered through Steve’s personal experiences of directing and producing films for over 25 years. He will also turn his attention to your projects, offering feedback on attendees’ projects at the start of each day’s session.


This Class is a Must for:

  • Emerging and mid-career filmmakers seeking filmmaking tips, relatable case studies, individual feedback and the in-depth knowledge that only a master filmmaker can impart
  • Film professionals looking to direct/produce documentaries
  • Film students and recent film school graduates who want to supplement their education by receiving practical, hands-on advice from a veteran, acclaimed filmmaker
  • Documentary enthusiasts who want to learn about documentary filmmaking from the inside out from one of documentary’s truly great masters

 

Master Class Schedule

Saturday, June 13:

09:00am – 09:30am - Registration / Continental Breakfast
09:30am – 10:30am - Documentary Ideas & Individual Feedback Part 1
10:45am – 12:15pm - Proposals, Budgets, Fundraising Trailers
12:15pm – 01:00pm - Lunch Break
01:00pm – 04:00pm - Preproduction / Production Essentials

Sunday, June 14:

09:00am – 09:30am - Continental Breakfast
09:30am – 10:30am - Individual Feedback, Part 2
10:45am – 01:00pm - Focus on Post-Production


Built into the Master Class will be a generous amount of time for Q&A.