Film London micro Labs: The Documentary Sessions

Welcome to our first Film London *micro* Lab: The Documentary Sessions!

Documentaries have long captured the curiosity of audiences, connecting us to real stories, people and experiences. Whether uncovering untold histories, exploring urgent contemporary issues or capturing intimate human journeys, documentary filmmaking offers a unique way of understanding the world around us.

In this micro lab format, we'll take an introductory look at the craft and industry of long-form documentary filmmaking. Exploring how compelling stories are shaped and brought to audiences today, while examining the practical realities of working in the field—from production to financing and the business aspects of documentaries.

Featuring guest speakers working in the documentary sector, including a filmmaker, producers and industry professionals, this two-day programme will offer participants insights into the creative and professional aspects of the documentary practice. This is geared towards documentary creatives, as well as narrative filmmakers exploring or expanding their craft in documentaries.

Our guest speakers include:

Monday 20th July

• 1pm - 2pm: Andy Mundy-Castle, Director & Producer, Founder of Doc Hearts (White Nanny Black Child, Shoot the People*)
• 2.30pm - 3.30pm: Natasha Dack, Producer, Co-founder of Tigerlily Productions (Blue Bag Life, White Nanny Black Child)

Tuesday 21 July

• 12.30pm - 1.30pm: Joanna Boateng, Producer (Uprising, Black is Beautiful: The Kwame Braithwaite Story)
• 2pm - 3pm: Nevine Mabro, Head of BBC Storyville and Jonny Tull, Founder of Tull Stories

*Shoot the People (dir. Andy Mundy-Castle) is now out in UK cinemas, check your local screenings.

FORMAT

Across two days, this will comprise of approx.  4 sessions, 1 hour each. Session times will vary to accommodate our guest speakers but are likely to be in the early afternoon. We aim to publish the full timetable at least a week before the event starts.

Accessibility requirements - all Zoom sessions and recordings will have closed captions enabled. If there are any requirements you would like to discuss, please get in touch to see how best we can assist you. Please note that certain provisions or requests, such as British Sign Language interpretation, will need to be arranged in advance.

HOW TO TAKE PART

Please note that no scripts or proposals are to be submitted.

We will record each session and make the videos available to attendees for six months after the end of the Lab so all can catch up on any missed sessions, or re-watch (only with the purchase of a ticket).

Fee: £45 +VAT

NOTE: We recognise that this is a challenging time for many in our industry, and we have ventured to keep costs as low as possible.

We’re keen to make this series accessible so if the cost is a barrier for you, do get in touch at production@filmlondon.org.uk (there will be a very limited amount of requests we can take).

Refund policy: Refunds can only be issued BEFORE the lab starts, any transaction fees are non-refundable.