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It's not just the physical danger that makes conflict zones difficult to document. Perhaps the bigger challenge is translating the raw stories of war into truthful narratives that audiences will respond to. BAFTA-winning filmmaker Olly Lambert drew widespread praise for his sensitive handling of conflict in the Middle East in acclaimed films such as Syria: Across the Lines and The Tea Boy of Gaza. Behind the powerful imagery was careful planning, and a focus on strong storytelling.
Drawing on a range of clips, tips and tricks garnered from filming in war zones around the world over the last ten years, Newsnight filmmaker-in-residence Olly will give you a detailed, insider's view of how to make moving stories about subjects that matter. Focusing on the art, and importance, of good storytelling, Olly offers advice on establishing your point of view, and the questions you should ask both your contributors and yourself.
This course is for you if...
- You're an aspiring documentary-maker aiming to work in foreign and hostile environments
- You're a print journalist or photographer considering a move to film or video
- You're part of a charity or NGO media team operating in a conflict zone
- You're a filmmaker considering working in hostile environments
Course description
This large-scale seminar focuses on creating compelling documentary stories, illustrated with relevant clips from Olly Lambert's own work, and that of classic documentary-makers. Topics covered during the event include:
- Equipment: what to use – and what to avoid – when filming in a hostile environment
- The power of storytelling, and how to use it
- The difference between a story and a subject
- The small window with the big view: how the micro can reveal the macro
- Building an unfolding narrative – and how you're lost without it
- Understanding your audience, and acting as their advocate
- Interviewing contributors in a foreign language
- Duty of care: ethical issues when filming in a war zone
Tutor profile
Olly Lambert is a BAFTA award-winning filmmaker who has made over 30 documentaries for the BBC, Channel 4 and Sky1, of which ten have been full length documentaries in areas of conflict including Syria, Gaza, Afghanistan and Iraq. His credits include The Tea Boy of Gaza (BBC), Battle Hospital (C4) and Rory Stewart's acclaimed BBC series on Afghanistan. Before becoming BBC Newsnight's first filmmaker-in-residence, Olly had just completed his most recent film, Syria Across the Lines, which has now won 10 prestigious awards including a BAFTA, a Grierson and an RTS. Learn more about Olly on his website or follow him on Twitter here.
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Details
Date: Wednesday 7 January 2015
Times: 6.30pm-9.30pm. Check-in begins 30 minutes before the start time.
Location: The Guardian, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU
Price: £49 (includes VAT, booking fee and refreshments)
Event capacity: 100
To contact us, click here. Terms and conditions can be found here.
Returns policy
Tickets may be refunded if you contact us at least 14 days before the course start date. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.
