Lessons in storytelling from an experienced documentary maker

Everybody has a story... let me teach you the art of telling it

In my 15 years as a director I have filmed 10s of 1000s of hours of television for, amongst others, the BBC, Ch4, Amazon Prime, Sky and Discovery. Every story had its own unique set of challenges and learnings along the way.

I now teach what I’ve learnt to agencies, film schools and productions companies.

Looking at every stage of the story telling process - from concept generation, the interview process, filming documentary scenes and the edit.

“Mikey is a fantastic teacher - engaging and knowledgeable with a great personality to hold the groups interest with the perfect balance of hands on training and real world insight”

Media Com

London

“Mikey blew us away with infectious enthusiasm, factual knowledge and astonishing experience"

Dentsu Achtung

Amsterdam

“Over three years, Mikey taught over 200 professionals in the Australian TV industry with a technical camera course and the basics of story telling. The feedback was always amazing and people always wanted more ”

The Australian Film and Television School

Sydney

Design a course to suit your team’s needs.

Every session combines both theory and fun interactive activities for hands-on learning and team building.

Maybe it’s a two hour session to cover the basics.
Or perhaps a month long course, meeting once a week, for a deeper dive.

Pick from the possible modules below:

Pre-Production & Shooting Style

A new brief has just landed. Where do we start?
What camera should we shoot on? The client wants prime lenses…what are they? The job needs 20 contributors… where do I find them? How do I hold the audience’s attention for a 5 minute YouTube video? And how much is it all going to cost?
No equipment needed
How to film a documentary

How do you film real life but still thinking about your edit?
What shots do I need to tell the story? What the hell is a cut away and what does it do? How do I give my scene a start, middle, and end?
Could be shot on iPhone or hired cameras
Camera & Sound

Learn the basics of camera and sound. Along with how to shoot on the run with lots of hands on practical experience.
What’s white balance? What’s depth of field? How do I radio mic someone? How do I shoot hand-held and not end up with a wobbly mess?
Works best with hired cameras

Master the master interview

The interview is the heart and soul of every story. So, how do you get the best out of your subject?
The set up is just as critical as the interview itself. Learn both. What should your questions be? How do you ask them ? navigating difficult subject matters and difficult people?
Can be shot on iPhone. Great team building exercise.
Your edit

Using footage shot in previous classes we can start an edit to create a film and learn the process of editing.
What shots does every edit need? Should I use voice over or interview? How do I add tension and jeopardy? The footage is flat, can I save it?
Requires laptops and basic software. Works great with a screening room with drinks to end a course.
Custom module

Want to learn something else? Let’s chat.
Flexible and original modules can be created to cover other topics or goals.