Discover how to develop, pitch and distribute factual films at this highly informative class with Charlie Phillips, head of documentaries at the Guardian.

If you’ve got an idea for a great documentary, this class will help you get it out of your head and onto the screen. Led by the Guardian’s head of documentaries Charlie Phillips, this highly informative evening demystifies the process of developing, pitching and distributing factual films.

Suitable for filmmakers at any stage of their careers, the class includes up-to-date market information and lots of practical advice on pitching ideas to editors.

Charlie will also discuss what the Guardian is currently doing with documentaries, and how you can get involved.

Content

How to grow your idea for a documentary
Pitching your idea to commissioning editors
Different funding options, including traditional broadcast routes and more experimental DIY options
Advice on distribution, marketing and networking
Shortform versus longform
The future of documentary-making: how to seize the opportunities digital technology has to offer
Q&A

Class preparation

You’re encouraged to arrive with ideas for documentaries you might like to make, as well as a sense of the style and content of films you enjoy watching. However, this preparation is not essential to attend the class or benefit from it.

Tutor profile

Charlie Phillips is head of documentaries at the Guardian. He was deputy director at Sheffield Doc/Fest for seven years. Prior to that, he was editor of FourDocs for Channel 4. Find him on Twitter here.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website

How to develop your idea for a documentary