Writing The Documentary Treatment (on Zoom)

Tuesday, August 4, 7pm to 9pm (on Zoom)

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

Writing the Documentary Treatment:

The documentary treatment is an essential part of the development process for a documentary. It visualizes your documentary in written form. It helps to get your ideas on the page, working through potential themes, characters and story angles.

This workshop focuses on writing a treatment, the narrative blueprint for your film. Exercises will bring out your approach and the story's direction and sharpen research for the story you're telling. We will also do exercises that explore your main characters and scene visualization. We conclude with a brief look at loglines that can help crystallize your story.

TEACHING ARTIST: David Taylor

David Taylor is an award-winning writer and producer, most recently for the narrative audio series The People’s Recorder, which received a 2025 Signal Award for Best History Podcast. He wrote and co-produced the Smithsonian Channel documentary film, Soul of a People, nominated for a Writers Guild of America Award. He wrote that film’s companion book and other books including Cork Wars: Intrigue and Industry in World War II, which received an Independent Publisher Book Award for history. His writing appears in the Washington Post, Outside, Scientific American, and Smithsonian, and received an Outstanding Feature Award from the Society of Environmental Journalists. He teaches at Johns Hopkins University and enjoys collaborative storytelling.

ABOUT DOCS IN PROGRESS

Docs In Progress believes everyone has a story. Documentary educates, inspires and transforms how people view their world. These films and filmmakers call attention to moments in history by sharing personal stories that reflect social and cultural issues found on the local, national and global stage. By developing, encouraging and celebrating new voices, we foster a supportive community of emerging and established filmmakers. We offer an array of tools, workshops, and screenings for filmmakers of all ages as well as engage our community of film lovers.

REFUND POLICY

If your circumstances change and you must withdraw from a class after registering, please be aware of our refund policy:

Withdrawal 30 or more calendar days before the first day of a program: 75% refund

Withdrawal 11-29 calendar days before the first day of a program: 50% refund

Withdrawal 10 or fewer calendar days before a program: No refund

In the event of the participants withdraw, the Eventbrite fees will be charged to the registrant.

Teaching Artist David Taylor