DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING WORKSHOP: From Filming to Editing
A hands-on documentary filmmaking program focused on real practice, small groups, and individual feedback.
Limited to 8 participants · Workshop conducted in English · Open to participants from Brussels and across Europe
This program is offered in two complementary modules:
• Module 1 — Filming
• Module 2 — Editing
Each module can be taken separately or together as a complete documentary filmmaking experience — from capturing material to shaping it into a finished film.
Key Information
Location: Brussels — Châtelain area
(Exact venue provided after registration)
Module 1 — Filming: 12 & 19 September · 10:30–17:30
Module 2 — Editing: 3 & 10 October · 10:30–17:30
Workshop Fee:
• Module 1: €299 (individuals) · €350 excl. VAT (companies)
• Module 2: €299 (individuals) · €350 excl. VAT (companies)
• Both Modules: €550 (individuals) · €650 excl. VAT (companies)
Brunch and refreshments included
MODULE 1 — FILMING
Learn how to capture a short documentary on camera or mobile phone
Interested in documentary filmmaking but unsure how to begin?
This hands-on module focuses on filming — the foundation of any documentary. You will learn how to capture strong, authentic footage using a camera or a mobile phone in a supportive, structured environment.
Through practical exercises and guided shooting, you will film interviews, simple scenes, and visual sequences that can form a short documentary piece, material that can later be shaped into a coherent story.
Working in a small group, you will receive individual feedback while learning how to use light, sound, framing, and camera movement effectively. The emphasis is on storytelling rather than expensive equipment, so you can work with the device you already have.
No prior filmmaking experience is required.
What You Will Learn
Day 1 — Understanding Documentary Filming
We begin by exploring what makes a short documentary work. Through discussion and analysis of selected films and examples, you will learn how stories are constructed and how to translate reality into images.
You will learn to:
• Understand the key components of a short documentary
• Analyze existing videos to identify effective techniques
• Plan your filming and identify essential material
• Film interviews in a natural, authentic way
• Capture B-roll and supporting visual sequences
• Work with basic equipment confidently
• Use framing, composition, and light to support the narrative
Practical exercises allow you to apply these concepts immediately.
Day 2 — Shooting, Review, and Improvement
The second day focuses on practice and feedback.
You will:
• Film indoors and outdoors in real environments
• Capture additional supporting footage
• Develop ideas for a short documentary piece
• Review and analyze the material filmed
• Learn how to evaluate your own footage
• Improve composition and visual storytelling
• Identify technical and creative improvements
By the end of the module, you will have filmed material for a short documentary and gained the skills to continue filming independently.
What to Bring: Module 1 — Filming
Please bring a DSLR or any camera you own. If you don’t have one, simply bring your mobile phone with a charger — that is perfectly fine.
If you have additional equipment (such as memory cards, spare batteries, tripod, microphone, etc.), you are welcome to bring it, but it is not required. Basic equipment and different options will also be demonstrated during the workshop.
MODULE 2 — EDITING
This module can be taken independently or together with Module 1 as part of the complete program.
Learn how to turn raw footage into a short documentary.
Editing is where the film truly comes together. This module focuses on transforming raw material into a clear and engaging narrative through structure, rhythm, and selection.
Participants work with carefully chosen footage provided for the workshop on both days, allowing everyone to focus fully on learning the editing process step by step.
We use DaVinci Resolve (free version); a professional editing software widely used in the industry. The emphasis is on storytelling, not just technical operation.
You will also analyze selected short documentaries and edited sequences to better understand editorial choices and narrative construction.
Working in a small group ensures individual guidance throughout the process.
By the end of the workshop, you will have produced a short documentary edit and gained the confidence to continue editing independently. No prior editing experience is required.
What You Will Learn
Day 1 — Building the Story
You will learn how editors approach raw footage and how structure gradually emerges during the editing process.
You will learn to:
• Select and organize footage
• Identify key interview moments
• Build a clear story structure
• Work efficiently in editing software
• Create continuity between shots
• Use B-roll to support the narrative
• Understand rhythm and pacing
Editing begins immediately using the workshop material.
Day 2 — Refining the Film
The second day focuses on improving your edit and bringing it to completion.
You will learn to:
• Refine structure and flow
• Work with sound, music, and silence
• Improve transitions and coherence
• Adjust basic color and visual balance
• Add titles if needed
• Receive detailed feedback
• Export your video in a usable format
By the end of the module, you will have a completed short documentary edit and a clear understanding of the post-production workflow.
Detailed instructions will be provided after registration.
Who This Program Is For
Suitable for participants from diverse professional and creative backgrounds, including:
• Beginners interested in documentary filmmaking
• Film students and visual arts students
• Artists working with nonfiction storytelling
• Journalists and media professionals
• Communication specialists and project managers
• Staff of EU institutions, NGOs, and international organizations
• Researchers documenting projects
• Anyone interested in understanding how documentaries are developed in practice
Participants typically come from international backgrounds across Europe, creating a stimulating learning environment.
Why This Program
This workshop is designed as a focused, practice-based introduction to documentary filmmaking — from filming to editing. The small-group format allows for individual feedback, active participation, and meaningful progress within a short period of time.
Participants learn by doing: filming, editing, analyzing, and refining their work throughout the sessions.
By the end of the program, you will have practical experience and a clear understanding of how to develop a documentary project from idea to finished piece.
TRAINER – ANJA STRELEC
Anja Strelec is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, audiovisual director, photographer, and visual storyteller with extensive international experience. Her work spans short formats, television productions, institutional films, and feature-length documentaries, often focusing on social issues and human stories.
She has collaborated with television channels, the European Commission, NGOs, UNICEF, Special Olympics, and other international organizations, and her films have been screened and awarded at numerous international festivals.
Alongside her filmmaking practice, she leads hands-on workshops that emphasize real experience, individual guidance, and the development of each participant’s visual voice. Her approach is practical and supportive, helping participants gain confidence and skills they can immediately use in their own projects.
For testimonials, click HERE.
For more information and to sign up, feel free to contact me at info@anja-strelec.com.
I’m looking forward to meeting you and helping you bring your creative ideas to life!
Sign up for the workshop