Our creative Documentary Filmmaking course is your gateway into one of the most powerful and versatile forms of storytelling. If you are inspired by hard-hitting investigative work, human-interest stories, or visually poetic pieces, this course will guide you from idea to finished short documentary.
As part of our Film School this hands-on programme, you’ll work as part of a small production crew under the guidance of an experienced documentary filmmaker. You’ll research, plan, shoot, and edit your own short documentary, rotating through key crew roles so you gain a well-rounded understanding of the process.
You’ll also have the option to create a brand-new concept as a group or draw on the wealth of creative subjects from City Academy’s classes as ready-made opportunities for engaging stories.
This course is ideal for beginners, those with some filmmaking experience looking to specialise, or anyone curious about how real stories are brought to screen.
What You Will Learn
By the end of the course, you will:
- Research and develop compelling documentary concepts.
- Apply visual storytelling techniques unique to the documentary form.
- Plan, storyboard, and structure a convincing narrative arc.
- Use professional cameras and sound equipment to capture high-quality footage.
- Plan and conduct engaging, on-camera interviews with confidence.
- Explore different documentary styles and understand how tone and format shape the viewer experience.
- Edit your project using Adobe Premiere, balancing rhythm, pacing, and clarity.
- Collaborate as part of a crew, rotating through key filmmaking roles to maximise your skill set.
Benefits of Taking This Course
Documentary filmmaking is not just about learning technical skills — it’s about finding your voice as a storyteller. This course will give you:
- Practical skills you can use immediately, from shooting and sound to editing.
- Confidence to lead or contribute to real film projects with a professional approach.
- A finished short documentary you can share or use as part of a portfolio.
- Creative and critical thinking to approach subjects with empathy and clarity.
- Networking opportunities with fellow filmmakers and industry professionals.
Learn by Doing
Create your own documentary from idea to finished edit.
Industry Insight
Train with an experienced documentary filmmaker.
Interview Like a Pro
Build confidence in asking the right questions.
Develop Your Eye
Explore different documentary styles and aesthetics.
Sound & Vision
Capture clear audio and compelling visuals.
Edit with Purpose
Shape your story using Adobe Premiere.
CLASSES STARTING SOON
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Sep 2025 - 21 Oct 2025 | Tue | 18:30-21:30 | 5 weeks | Lyndon Ives | City Academy, Farringdon | £387.00
10% OFF
| Book Now Click the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Useful information
No, this course is designed for beginners and those with limited experience. You’ll be supported every step of the way.
All professional filming and sound equipment will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own if you’re familiar with it.
Yes. You and your team will produce a short documentary, which you’ll be able to take away after the course.
Absolutely! Your documentary can be used to showcase your skills to potential collaborators, film schools, or festivals.
Yes. You’ll rotate through key production roles so you can experience every part of the process, working as a connected and supportive team.
Other students were also interested in
Many of our filmmaking students go on to explore related courses. If you are looking to master cinematography, crafting compelling short films, or develop higher level editing skills, these courses build on your training and open up new possibilities for your projects.
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Sep 2025 - 21 Oct 2025 | Tue | 18:30-21:30 | 5 weeks | Lyndon Ives | City Academy, Farringdon | £387.00
10% OFF
| Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Select your Entry Level:
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)
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Sep 2025 - 21 Oct 2025 | Tue | 18:30-21:30 | 5 weeks | Lyndon Ives | City Academy, Farringdon | £387.00
10% OFF
| Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Select your Entry Level:
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)
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.
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.
Use state of the art filmmaking and post-production equipment to write, direct and edit a short film in the Adult Filmmaking Summer School
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