2009 Fall DOCST 148S-01
Bulletin Course Description Historical documentary film preparation through narrative, character-driven stories. Using the raw material of real life, students organize the conceptual process for historical documentary films, framing a logical sequence of events structured for dramatic effect. Focus on the pre-production activities and principles that lead to a treatment that is the foundation for an efficient shooting schedule. Instructor: James
(Instructor named in bulletin description above may not be current. For current instructor, see listing below.)
Title PLANNING THE DOCUMENTARY FILM Department DOCST Course Number 2009 Fall 148S Section Number 01 Primary Instructor James,Dante J Prerequisites
Synopsis of course content
The course will be divided into three segments designed to take the student's documentary from the very first inspiration to an initial program structure and finally to a fully developed treatment on which a professional production can be based.
Textbooks
Sheila Curran Bernard’s book, Documentary Storytelling, 2nd edition and Sut Jhally, ed., Spectacle of Accumulation: Essays in Culture, Media, and Politics are required reading for the
course. There will be various other readings as handouts and e-reserves.
Assignments
Students will discuss weekly readings, conduct research, and write program concept papers, program outlines, and full treatments. Students will also screen, review, and evaluate various types of documentary films.
Exams
None.
Grade to be based on
Class participation, writing assignments, class presentations, and interpretations/evaluations of reading assignments.
Additional Information
Dante J. James is an award-winning independent filmmaker and artist-in-residence at Duke University. He recently completed a short dramatic film based on the work of Charles W. Chesnutt. The film is currently screening at film festivals nationwide. In fall 2006, James won an Emmy award for his work as series producer of the critically acclaimed PBS
series, Slavery and the Making of America; he received a total of three nominations. In 2003, he executive produced the PBS series, This Far By Faith: African American Spiritual Journeys. Earlier in his career, James worked with and produced several films for his friend and mentor and renowned filmmaker, the late Henry Hampton, founder of Blackside Films. James is currently producing a performance documentary for the PBS series Great Performances. The film will explore the evolution of jazz music in Paris, France from 1918 to the 1950s. James is a graduate, distinguished alumnus, and holds a doctorate of humane letters from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is also a graduate from Duke University's Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Program.
