Rock any class or competition with a professional-quality documentary film...
ROCK ANY CLASS OR COMPETITION WITH A PROFESSIONAL-QUALITY DOCUMENTARY FILM...
without the stress of figuring it out by yourself!
The Essential Documentary Filmmaking Tutor is a step-by-step guide to everything students need to know to make a fantastic, professional-quality documentary film for a good grade in a class or even to use as a quality submission for history project competition. 
Are you ready for a different challenge this year? 
Imagine the FUN to be had while producing a documentary film for a Class, A History or Film Competition, or simply in pursuit of your own passion!

What's more fun?

  • Writing a Paper?
  • Making a Tri-Fold Presentation Board?
  • Giving a speech?

Or premiering a movie?!!

 Today's student documentary filmmakers model true 21st century learning by integrating technology with art and research in an immersive multi-media production. It's an innovative, modern educational experience that teaches skills that cross disciplines and apply beyond academia.

Professional-quality documentary films can demonstrate not only scholarship but an advanced understanding of the multi-media digital production process that today's educators (and tomorrow's employers!) value. 
This is an opportunity for a student filmmaker to shine!

And don’t worry: we’ll be with you every step of the way!

Digistars® Make-a-Movie Workshop has been featured in:
Digistars® 
Make-a-Movie Workshop is RECOGNIZED BY:
For the past decade...
Digistars has been busy working directly with students and teachers at more than three dozen schools in Denver, Colorado, to help them integrate technology into education through making movies.  We know the challenges and understand the dedication  needed to bring knowledge to life on screen through digital storytelling.

We’re here to help every step of the way so students and teachers don’t have to stress.

We provide step-by-step instructions for producing not only a high quality documentary movie, but one that also meets all of the rigorous academic requirements of many national history project competitions.  We do this through fun and engaging instructional videos that cover the movie production process from collecting images and historical footage to making a storyboard, writing a script, and editing it using non-linear digital editing software.

  • This on-demand online course helps students produce a documentary film more quickly, more easily, and with a higher-quality outcome. 
  • Stop floundering around without direction or guidance; we escort young filmmakers along the path to success with clear and easy-to-follow instructions, useful organizational tools, and fun and engaging videos.
  • There's no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to filmmaking; learn the tried and true production process that Digistars® has honed with more than 1,000 students.
After completing the course students will be able to apply their knowledge of the production process to make movies anytime JUST FOR FUN, to wow teachers and classmates, or even to set the stage for a career! 
INTRODUCING
The Essential Documentary Filmmaking Tutor 
This is the only guidance a Student needs for making a high-quality documentary film.
On the left, 12-year old 7th grader, Skye, shares her experience in The Essential Documentary Filmmaking Tutor. Her finished documentary masterpiece is on the right. Enjoy!
What’s Included in The Essential Documentary Filmmaking Tutor: 
Member Portal & private Student Forum
All course materials are housed inside the Digistars Young Filmmakers Guild, a members-only portal for easy access and entrance to the private community forum where student filmmakers can ask and answer questions and connect with each other.
open OFFICE HOURS
Submit a question about documentary filmmaking and receive help and advice face-to-face from Digistars! Office hour sessions are always recorded and stored inside the portal for future reference. 
GET TIPS, TRICKS AND EXCLUSIVE DIGITAL TOOLS TO MAKE YOUR MOVIE OSCAR-WORTHY 
AND HELP IT STAND OUT FROM OTHERS.
Module 1: Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking 
Learn the production process… This is the RIGHT way to make a movie. This is the same process professional documentary filmmakers use. 
  • Production Schedule Tool
Module 2: Research & Development


Discover the ins and outs of collecting visual materials and correctly crediting resources in a movie. Hint: It’s different than in a written paper!
  • Content Planner
  • ​Research & Notes Organizer
  • ​Website Validity Guide
  • ​Visual Resource Checklist
Module 3 (Bonus): FILMING


How to record interviews with primary sources to use in a documentary film... either virtual or in-person.
  • Lighting Workshop
  • ​Audio Recording Studio
  • ​Software Tools 
Module 4: Script  

Weave research into a compelling story that viewers will understand and enjoy watching, too. Write it in a digital worksheet to begin preparing for production of the film.

  • Story Worksheet
  • ​Script Worksheet
Module 5: StoryBoard Mapping
 
Map out the script alongside the images and footage to create a roadmap for production.

  • StoryBoard Template
  • ​StoryBoard Checklist
Module 6: Assembly Edits & Script Timeline 
Import collected images and footage to start constructing the framework of the movie.

  • Assembly Edit Mini-Training
Module 7: Timeline Edits, Effects, Transitions, Titles and Credits 

How to add motion to still images with Ken Burns Effects. Apply digital video editing skills with transitions, titles and credits


  • Timeline Edit Workshop 
Module 8: The Essentials of Sound 


Create the soundtrack with music, narration and sound effects.


  • Narration Recording Studio
  • ​ Sound Effects Tutorial 
Module 9: It's a Wrap!



Wrap-up the film neatly with all of the essential elements needed for a professional-quality production.

  • Wrap-up Checklist 
  • ​Certificate of Completion
PLUS...  Everything Students need to know about Submitting their Documentary Film to a national Competition!
Module 1: Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking 
Learn the production process… This is the RIGHT way to make a movie. This is the same process master documentary filmmakers use. 

  • NHD Essentials Checklist
  • Production Timeline
MODULE 2: RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT 
Understand the ins and outs of collecting visual material and correctly crediting resources in a movie. Hint: It’s different than in a written paper!
  • Bibliography & Credits Worksheet
Module 3 Bonus: FILMING
How to record interviews with primary sources!
  • Interview Filming Success Checklist.
Module 4: Story & Script  
Weave research into a compelling story that the viewer will understand and enjoy watching, too. 

  • Script Template For Multimedia Production
Module 5: StoryBoard Mapping
Map out the script alongside the images and footage to create a roadmap for production.

  • StoryBoard Template
Module 6: Assembly Edits & Script Timeline 
Import collected images and footage to start constructing the framework of the movie.

  • Assembly Edit Mini-Training
Module 7: Timeline Edits, Effects, Transitions, Titles and Credits 
How to apply Ken Burns Effects and transitions, titles and credits
  • Timeline Edits Workshop 
Module 8: The Essentials of Sound 
Create the soundtrack with music, narration and sound effects.

  • Narration - Recording - Sound Effects Tutorial 
Module 9: Wrap-up

Wrap-up the film neatly with all of the essential elements needed for a professional-quality production.

  • NHD Essentials Wrap-up Checklist 
PLUS...  Everything you need to know about the NHD guidelines and answers to your frequently asked questions.
This course will bring out any student's inner filmmaker and help you direct the movie in your mind.
SAVE A LOT OF TIME AND EFFORT BY LEARNING HOW TO MAKE YOUR DOCUMENTARY THE RIGHT WAY THE FIRST TIME.
Get Started Today With... 
The Essential Documentary Filmmaking Tutor 
  • Members Portal & Private Student Forum (Value $497)
  • Live Office Hours Twice Monthly (Value $297) 
  • Production Schedule Tool (Value $27) 
  • Content Planner (Value $27)
  • ​Research & Notes Organizer (Value $27)
  • ​Visual Resource Checklist (Value $27)
  • ​Lighting Workshop (Value $57)
  • ​Audio Recording Studio (Value $37)
  • Story Worksheet (Value $27)
  • ​Storyboard Worksheet (Value $27)
  • ​StoryBoard Template (Value $27) 
  • Assembly Edit Mini-Training  (Value $57) 
  • Timeline Edit Workshop (Value $57) 
  • ​Narration Recording  Studio (Value $37)
  • ​Sound Effects Tutorial (Value $37)

Total Value: $1210 USD
Today’s Price: $150 USD 

We’ll teach you the skills and the tech so that you can focus on 
pulling together the research that will tell the story.
Check out these incredible Bonuses!
Film competition Toolkit
Everything you need to know about documentary film submission guidelines for submitting a competitive and well researched film to a national competition. 
Film Over Zoom Masterclass
Learn how to capture high-quality interviews over Zoom from home!
Our exclusive "Focus on the filmmakers" interview series with professional Documentary Filmmakers!
This is your opportunity to hear from and learn from the best in the business! Watch interviews with professional documentary filmmakers… that you may even have heard of!
Professional filmmaker Bernadette Slowey offers her best advice for aspiring young filmmakers in the Digistars "Focus on the Filmmakers" interview series.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to have internet access to take this course? 
Yes: All of the lessons are available on-demand inside the online course portal.
What if I can’t make the live Office Hours, but I still have questions? 
You can submit questions in advance and access the recording in the portal later. 
What software do I need for this program? 
WeVideo.com (free or minimal fee) is used in the course to demonstrate movie production tasks, though the procedures shown are applicable to any editing software including iMovie and FinalCut Pro. Additionally, we recommend having a folder in Google Drive available for storing research and images.
How long will it take me to make a documentary? 
The more time you spend on your movie, the better it will turn out. The earlier you begin, the less stressful the process will be. In a perfect world  every student would have at least 8 weeks to work on a documentary film, but it's a do-at-your-own-pace program, so if you need to speed through it, you can.
Where will I find the images and footage for my documentary? 
As long as the movie is intended only for educational purposes and not for making money, then student filmmakers are able to pull images and video footage from the internet. We cover how to do this in Module 2.
And because we know how difficult it can be to stay focused and on track to completing and a documentary film project on time, we’re throwing in ONE EXTRA SURPRISE BONUS… 
Production Process Timeline Checklist
Stay on track with a customized production timeline so that you can be certain that your movie will be completed in time to meet your deadline.
THE SOONER YOU START, THE MORE TIME YOU’LL HAVE TO WORK ON YOUR MOVIE BEFORE THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE AND THE BETTER YOUR MOVIE WILL TURN OUT!

Don’t wait: Begin as far in advance of your deadline as possible!

Starting early takes the stress out of the process and ensures your movie will be a complete masterpiece by the due date. The Essential Documentary Filmmaking Tutor is the only guidance students need for making a high-quality documentary film. Start your moviemaking experience TODAY! 

You Don't Want To Miss This!
The Essential Documentary Filmmaking Tutor 
  • Members Portal & Private Student Forum (Value $497)
  • Live Office Hours Twice Monthly (Value $297) 
  • Production Schedule Tool (Value $27) 
  • Content Planner (Value $27)
  • ​Research & Notes Organizer (Value $27)
  • ​Visual Resource Checklist (Value $27)
  • ​Lighting Workshop (Value $57)
  • ​Audio Recording Studio (Value $37)
  • Story Worksheet (Value $27)
  • ​Storyboard Worksheet (Value $27)
  • ​StoryBoard Template (Value $27) 
  • Assembly Edit Mini-Training  (Value $57) 
  • Timeline Edit Workshop (Value $57) 
  • ​Narration Recording  Studio (Value $37)
  • ​Sound Effects Tutorial (Value $37)

Total Value: $1140 USD
Today’s Price: $150 USD 

Get started today... Your Future making Movies awaits!
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