A unique opportunity for filmmakers to get up-close and personal with AACTA, ADG, and Stanley Hawes Award winner Tom Zubrycki, one of Australia's most celebrated documentary filmmakers who for the last 35 years has mapped Australia's changing social and political landscape.

What you will learn

Combining screenings and discussions Tom will explore both the creative and business aspects of documentary filmmaking in Australia, and give insights into how he has developed his voice, style and survival techniques.

The focus of this masterclass will be on observational documentary and the discipline, craft, intelligence and intuition this challenging documentary style requires. The following topics will be covered:

• Picking a subject and selecting characters to follow. 
• Anticipating the story arc.
• Choosing the right camera & microphone
• Coverage and single camera shooting.
• ‘Fly-on-the wall’ versus ‘engaged observation’ (bringing a personal perspective to the project)
• Timing the shoot, crafting a longitudinal story.
• Short form (less than 30 mins) versus long form (feature).
• Forming and developing relationships with characters over time. How close do you go?  Ethical issues.
• Preparing for the edit.
• Marketing and distribution

Tom will show excerpts from The Diplomat, Molly & Mobarak, and The Hungry Tide – all films made in this style.

Following the master-class will be a presentation of Tom’s new documentary HOPE ROAD, which screened this year at Sydney and Melbourne film festivals.  More info and tickets here.