Courses,
Training &
Guidance

More details

News features are short documentaries in themselves, they are one of the most rewarding ways to cover a story in the news environment and can sometimes even set the international news agenda. With opportunities for Independent filmmakers such as "Newsnight", Channel 4 News' Indy Fund, the BBC's "This World" and the launch of Al Jazeera International, there are more and more opportunities for independent documentary filmmakers to turn to news and current affairs.

Besides covering the daily news agenda, programmes such as Newsnight or Channel 4 News often contain these 'news features' - items varying between 4 - 12 min in length, looking at events which aren't covered by mainstream news. Similarly Current Affairs slots can be 10 - 60 min in lenght and cover topical or interesting stories in more depth than features.

Usually they get commissioned because the producer can bring something to the story the broadcaster can't - think access, special footage, or particular knowledge of the country or topic covered.

In order to be successful you need a lot of determination and the knowledge and confidence to get yourself on location and finally come back with the footage you promised to get.

The tutor will enlighten participants about international news features, furnishing you with inside knowledge of what commissioners are looking for and imparting tips on how to approach them and pitch your story.

The course is seminar based and examples of successful independent productions will be shown.

Topics include:

Pitching your story: 

• which stories are getting commissioned; where to find them; rights and revenues.

Getting ready to go:

• what equipment is needed; insurance for freelancers; the importance of the fixer.

On location:

• being subjective; contacts on location; keeping you, equipment and footage safe.

Post-production:

• the edit; selling your story internationally; generating press; how to sustain contacts for your next story