This Masterclass is a unique opportunity for filmmakers to get up-close and personal with Tom Zubrycki, one of Australia’s most celebrated documentary filmmakers who for the last 30 years has mapped Australia’s changing social and political landscape. His credits include The Temple of Dreams (2007), Molly & Mobarak (2003), The Diplomat (2000), Billal (1996), and his most recent documentary The Hungry Tide (2011), about the human face of climate change affecting the vulnerable nation state of Kiribati, which had its world premiere at this year¹s Sydney Film Festival. Tom is renowned for his particular observational story-telling style and his ability to get close to his subjects. He also works as a producer mentoring emerging filmmakers.

Through a combination of screenings, demonstrations, discussion and Q & A, 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 aim of this course is to provide participants with an insight into the thoughts and production practises of one of Australian most successful documentary filmmakers, in order to inform and inspire their own work. Discussions of participants' own projects will be included in the class schedule.

Some of the topics discussed will be:

• Going from idea to treatment to story.
• Negotiating access.
• Deciding on ‘characters’ and then developing and maintaining the

relationship.

• Following the action.
• Structuring the story arc on the run.
• The crucial role of the editor.
• Issues around narration.
• Making feature documentaries on small budgets.
• Developing websites & finding distributors.
• Working out a festival strategy.
• Surviving between films.

Check out his website: www.tomzubrycki.com

*DISCLAIMER* AFTRS reserves the right to cancel any course for any reason at any time. In the event of a course being cancelled a full refund of course fees will be provided.
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