New MA Documentary Filmmaking available at London Film School

A new MA Documentary Filmmaking course will be available at London Film School (LFS), commencing in January 2024.

The new course will open for applications from 15^th May and will be validated by the University of Exeter, expanding the range of MA degree programmes available at LFS to four. The introduction of MA Documentary Filmmaking at LFS marks the first new course at the School since 2012 and is the second MA degree course that is validated by Exeter.

The two-year full-time programme will focus on providing students with opportunities to create numerous documentary films and film exercises. Based around a progression of film exercises students will work individually and as part of a film crew, building professional craft skills. The practice-based course will offer in-depth teaching in filmmaking, allow students to develop an advanced critical understanding of the documentary discipline, the range and diversity of the genre and foster key transferable professional skills.

Over the duration of the course, students will have the freedom to develop their individual voice as documentary filmmakers, achieved through an integrated educational approach of ‘learning through doing’. This is supported by craft classes and contextual teaching in documentary film studies, as well as pitching panels, post-production screenings, continuous feedback, industry critiques and a graduate showcase.

Alongside the development of their own practice, students will gain insights and inspiration into contemporary professional practice from Visiting Lecturers and in Masterclasses, as well as benefit from the supervision of an industry mentor who will support them over two terms, in their graduation film. Students will also have the opportunity to attend IDFA, International Documentary Film Festival in Amsterdam.

MA Documentary Filmmaking at LFS is led by course leader Nicola Gibson, an award-winning Producer / Director and Development Producer, on primetime series and strands in BBC Arts, Specialist Factual and Documentaries.

For over 65 years, LFS has been the place for emerging creative talent where fresh voices, experiences, and perspectives rub shoulders with tradition and history. The new MA Documentary Filmmaking continues to allow for the mastering of technical skills and the creative development of ideas, with storytelling at the heart of the curriculum.

Femi Kolade, Director of Studies at LFS said, “This course will offer students the freedom to explore their ideas, gain practical experience with opportunities for collaboration and mentorship. We’re

proud that MA Documentary Filmmaking at LFS will offer more hands-on filmmaking experience than any other MA documentary degree, allowing students to develop a comprehensive understanding of the medium.”

Neil Peplow, LFS Director and CEO comments, “It is essential to help develop talent so that distinctive new voices and their contribution to storytelling can be seen and heard. At LFS students can hone their craft as we nurture and respect their imagination. I’m excited to hear what new stories the next generation of filmmaking talent has to tell.”

Professor Will Higbee, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Business Engagement and Innovation, and Associate Professor in Film Studies at University of Exeter, said: “As the validating institution, Exeter is delighted to be launching this genuinely distinctive programme in partnership with London Film School.

“Documentary filmmaking is a cornerstone of the film industry and has gained an increased visibility with a range of audiences in recent years. LFS has designed a Masters degree that puts students right at the heart of the documentary process – prizing professional craft and peer critiques equally with the pitching process and post-production showcases. In so doing, the programme is tailored to developing fully rounded documentary-makers who are industry-ready.”

Visit lfs.org.uk for more information and details of how to apply.