The start of the academic year is nearly underway and first-year Documentary Film Program students are beginning their bootcamp and orientation week.
The bootcamp is a three-day immersion into documentary film, aimed at filmmakers of all levels. The camp covers aspects of shooting, editing and ethics, and the students even produce a short observational film that screens at the end of the bootcamp.
"The great thing about the DFP is that students from all disciplines - not just video production - are a part of the program," co-instructor and second-year student Chris Zaluski said. "The bootcamp is a way to get the students familiar with the medium. But it's only the start."
Zaluski is teaching the bootcamp with fellow second-year student Brent Richardson.
This year's DFP class contains 12 students with backgrounds ranging from television to newspaper to environmental science.
On the first day of the bootcamp, students learn how to use the DFP's video cameras as well as learn about the basics of documentary cinematography. The students break in the afternoon to begin shooting their short film.
On the second day, students learn about non-linear editing, specifically how to use Final Cut Pro. The students will use those skills to edit a short film that will screen on the final day of the bootcamp.
"We're excited to see what each student team produces," Zaluski said. "We have high hopes for this year's class."
The Documentary Film Program @ Wake Forest University
Box 7347, Reynolda Station | Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27109 | 336.758.3367
documentary@wfu.edu