MPI brought together an impressive list of industry professionals and expert filmmakers for the Documentary Storytelling Workshop, all of whom provided invaluable insights from their perspectives within the media landscape—from development all the way to distribution. Any budding filmmaker, especially documentarians, would benefit from such direct access to knowledge and experience.
Overview
The Documentary Storytelling Workshop is designed for documentary filmmakers who wish to move beyond the “talking head” format and learn how to find the story in their footage, develop character, craft compelling story arcs, and strike an honest, compelling balance between story and argument.
Participants accepted into the program receive a $1,000 grant. After the workshop, MPI may elect to acquire one or more projects to produce as MPI Original Films. Filmmakers are then mentored through the entire production process, which is funded by MPI.
WORKSHOP PROCESS
STAGE 1: Virtual Sessions
In a multi-week series of virtual sessions, filmmakers develop their documentary concepts and learn directly from working documentarians. The workshop is designed so filmmakers can prepare for their documentary production including refining the documentary concept and subject(s), learning critical story fundamentals, determining specific production needs (equipment, releases/clearances), and more.
STAGE 2: Potential Acquisition and Production
MPI may acquire and produce as an MPI Original Film one or more short documentary concepts.
STAGE 3: Film Festival, Marketing, and Distribution
Once complete, the films developed and produced in the MPI Documentary Storytelling Workshop are prepared for release. MPI creates film assets—including a one-sheet (poster), electronic press kit, and website—and then submits the projects to film festivals and supports a full festival run. Finally, MPI creates a distribution and marketing plan to ensure the film reaches a broad audience.
Trần Hoàng Calvin, MPI filmmaker
TO apply
Each year, MPI puts out a call for applications. Applications for the 2024 workshop are now closed.
If you are interested in receiving notifications about the Documentary Storytelling Workshop and future application opportunities, click below to sign up for MPI filmmaker notifications.
