So you've got an idea for a documentary?

Learn how the documentary market operates and how you can get involved

This masterclass is a unique opportunity to learn how to turn your documentary idea into a compelling film that audiences will love. Led by the Guardian’s head of documentaries Charlie Phillips, the course demystifies the process of developing and disseminating factual films across different formats.

During the evening, you’ll learn how to grow an idea and pitch your film to commissioning editors, as well as the basics of distribution and marketing. Charlie will also discuss what the Guardian is currently doing with its documentaries – and how you can get involved. Altogether, it’s an unmissable course for filmmakers at any stage of their career. You’ll leave buzzing with ideas and a newfound confidence in your ability to create documentaries that make a difference to the

This course is for you if...

• You’re a documentary-maker of any level looking for up-to-date market information
• You’ve got an idea for a documentary and are looking for a broad overview of the industry
• You’re an experienced documentary-maker who wants a refresher on what opportunities are out there
• You would like to make a documentary one-day and want to learn how factual films are made and commissioned

Course description

This evening seminar offers practical advice on the key elements of the documentary market. It is suitable for filmmakers of any level, whether they’re making short- or long-form films. Topics covered include:

• How to develop and pitch good ideas for documentaries
• Who is currently funding documentaries?
• Different funding approaches – from pursuing more traditional broadcast/theatrical routes to more experimental ‘DIY options
• Short-form vs. long-form documentaries
• Who is currently distributing and exhibiting documentaries?
• Marketing your documentary and how to reach diverse audiences
• Networking: how to meet people who can help you create a great doc including an overview of film festivals and markets
• The future of documentary-making - how to seize the opportunities digital technology has to offer
• Q&A with Charlie Phillips

PLEASE NOTE: Attendees are encouraged to arrive with ideas for documentaries they might like to make, as well as a sense of the style and content of films they enjoy watching. This isn’t compulsory – it’s just an idea so that people arrive in the right frame of mind for the course.

Tutor profile

Charlie Phillips is head of documentaries at the Guardian. He was previously deputy director at Sheffield Doc/Fest for seven years. Before that, he was editor of FourDocs for Channel 4. Guardian Documentaries is a new project to commission and acquire new documentaries from all around the world for one of the world's most-visited serious online video platforms, the Guardian's global website. Guardian Documentaries is currently looking to commission mostly short-form documentaries, with the occasional co-production on a longer doc. The docs they are looking for need to have brilliant storytelling and characters, focused on contemporary subjects that are relevant globally and feel very new.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website