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Documentary Filmmaking

Documentary Filmmaking

Our Documentary Filmmaking course is a practical introduction to creating compelling factual films, designed for beginners and developing filmmakers who want to explore real stories on screen.

Working with an experienced filmmaker, you will learn how to research, plan, shoot and shape a documentary project, developing both the creative and technical skills needed to bring real-life subjects to life.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS COURSE

More than a filmmaking course, this is your opportunity to uncover real stories, develop your voice as a filmmaker and bring a short documentary from idea to final edit.

  • Build confidence telling real stories through film
  • Learn how to approach documentary subjects with empathy and clarity
  • Develop a stronger creative voice as a filmmaker
  • Gain hands-on experience working as part of a small production crew
  • Create a finished short documentary that you can share or add to your portfolio
  • Understand how documentary style, tone and structure shape the viewer’s experience
  • Learn from an experienced documentary filmmaker in a supportive setting
  • Develop practical skills that can support future film, content or creative projects
Documentary Concepts

Research and develop compelling documentary ideas, exploring how real subjects can become engaging screen stories.

Visual Storytelling

Apply visual storytelling techniques unique to documentary filmmaking, helping you capture truth, atmosphere and emotion.

Narrative Structure

Plan, storyboard and shape your documentary around a clear narrative arc that guides the viewer through the story.

Camera and Sound

Use professional camera and sound equipment to capture high-quality footage and clear, effective audio.

Interview Technique

Plan and conduct confident on-camera interviews, learning how to ask strong questions and draw out meaningful responses.

Documentary Styles

Explore different documentary styles, tones and formats, understanding how each approach changes the viewer’s experience.

Crew Collaboration

Work as part of a small production crew, rotating through key roles to build a rounded understanding of the process.

Editing in Adobe Premiere

Edit your documentary using Adobe Premiere, shaping rhythm, pacing and clarity to create a focused final film.

Classes Starting Soon

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
16 Jul 2026 - 13 Aug 2026
Thu
18:30-21:30
5 weeks
Lyndon Ives
City Academy, Farringdon
£430.00
30 Sep 2026 - 28 Oct 2026
Wed
18:30-21:30
5 weeks
Lyndon Ives
City Academy, Farringdon
£430.00
21 Nov 2026 - 19 Dec 2026
Sat
13:30-16:30
5 weeks
Lyndon Ives
City Academy, Farringdon
£430.00
16
Jul
16 Jul 2026 - 13 Aug 2026
£430.00
Day:Thu
Time:18:30-21:30
Duration:5 weeks
Tutor: Lyndon Ives
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
30
Sep
30 Sep 2026 - 28 Oct 2026
£430.00
Day:Wed
Time:18:30-21:30
Duration:5 weeks
Tutor: Lyndon Ives
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
21
Nov
21 Nov 2026 - 19 Dec 2026
£430.00
Day:Sat
Time:13:30-16:30
Duration:5 weeks
Tutor: Lyndon Ives
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon

USEFUL INFORMATION

1
Do I need any filmmaking experience to join?
No, this course is designed for beginners and those with limited experience. You’ll be supported every step of the way.
2
Will I need to bring my own equipment?
All professional filming and sound equipment will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own if you’re familiar with it.
3
Will I have a finished film at the end?
Yes. You and your team will produce a short documentary, which you’ll be able to take away after the course.
4
Can I use my film for my portfolio?
Absolutely! Your documentary can be used to showcase your skills to potential collaborators, film schools, or festivals.
5
Is the course collaborative?
Yes. You’ll rotate through key production roles so you can experience every part of the process, working as a connected and supportive team.

Want to learn more?

Many of our Filmmaking Foundation graduates go on to explore specialist courses to refine their skills further. Whether you want to create compelling short films, craft powerful documentaries, or master the art of editing for film, these courses will help you take your storytelling to the next level.

Filmmaking Summer School

Use state of the art filmmaking and post-production equipment to write, direct and edit a short film in the Adult Filmmaking Summer School

FIND OUT MORE
Filmmaking Summer School

Browse Courses

You can filter Courses by month and tutor

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
16 Jul 2026 - 13 Aug 2026
Thu
18:30-21:30
5 weeks
Lyndon Ives
City Academy, Farringdon
£430.00
30 Sep 2026 - 28 Oct 2026
Wed
18:30-21:30
5 weeks
Lyndon Ives
City Academy, Farringdon
£430.00
21 Nov 2026 - 19 Dec 2026
Sat
13:30-16:30
5 weeks
Lyndon Ives
City Academy, Farringdon
£430.00
16
Jul
16 Jul 2026 - 13 Aug 2026
£430.00
Day:Thu
Time:18:30-21:30
Duration:5 weeks
Tutor: Lyndon Ives
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
30
Sep
30 Sep 2026 - 28 Oct 2026
£430.00
Day:Wed
Time:18:30-21:30
Duration:5 weeks
Tutor: Lyndon Ives
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
21
Nov
21 Nov 2026 - 19 Dec 2026
£430.00
Day:Sat
Time:13:30-16:30
Duration:5 weeks
Tutor: Lyndon Ives
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon

PAYMENT OPTIONS

You are welcome to join the course up to the second class.

ONLINE & PHONE PAYMENTS

Online – To book your selected class/course online, just click Book Now next to your chosen class/course.

Phone – We would be happy to take your booking over the phone, just call us on 020 7042 8833.

CASH & CHEQUE PAYMENTS

Cash - You are welcome to pay cash, just come and see us at our office: City Academy, 10 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EG.

If you book 2 or more different classes/courses at a time we can offer you a 10% discount. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please enter 2ORMORE in the promotional code box when booking online or quote code when booking over the phone. Please note that this offer cannot be applied when you are booking two or more of the same class/course.

INDUSTRY TUTORS

City Academy tutors are experienced artists and performers that work in the industry. If your tutor's availability changes at short notice, our team will arrange for a suitable replacement and notify you in advance.

CANCELLATIONS POLICY

We offer a full refund or full credit of your original course if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of your booking.

We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of your booking, or if you do not attend.

(For more information please see our terms and conditions)

PHOTOGRAPHY SUMMER SCHOOLS

Take your pictures to the next level with our five-day Photography Summer School. Gaining a further understanding of the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography.

FIND OUT MORE
PHOTOGRAPHY SUMMER SCHOOLS

FILMMAKING SUMMER SCHOOLS

Use state of the art filmmaking and post-production equipment to write, direct and edit a short film in the Adult Filmmaking Summer School

FIND OUT MORE
FILMMAKING SUMMER SCHOOLS
City Academy, Farringdon
City Academy, Farringdon
Closest Station: Farringdon
Closest Bus Stop: Hatton Garden

PHOTOGRAPHY SUMMER SCHOOLS

Take your pictures to the next level with our five-day Photography Summer School. Gaining a further understanding of the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography.

FIND OUT MORE
PHOTOGRAPHY SUMMER SCHOOLS

FILMMAKING SUMMER SCHOOLS

Use state of the art filmmaking and post-production equipment to write, direct and edit a short film in the Adult Filmmaking Summer School

FIND OUT MORE
FILMMAKING SUMMER SCHOOLS

All City Academy tutors are experienced professionals from theatre, film/TV and performance industries. So whilst they're training you they may also be rehearsing for a West End show or working on a movie. We like that and we do believe it makes a difference in class.

Lyndon Ives
Lyndon Ives

PHOTOGRAPHY SUMMER SCHOOLS

Take your pictures to the next level with our five-day Photography Summer School. Gaining a further understanding of the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography.

FIND OUT MORE
PHOTOGRAPHY SUMMER SCHOOLS

FILMMAKING SUMMER SCHOOLS

Use state of the art filmmaking and post-production equipment to write, direct and edit a short film in the Adult Filmmaking Summer School

FIND OUT MORE
FILMMAKING SUMMER SCHOOLS