In light of theses changes, the cinematic language forms and narrative strategies are also subject to a permanent change and expansion process. The essential flexibility that this process demands has become a decisive factor for successfully placing ideas. Classical documentary forms now blend almost naturally with fictional elements, animations and visual effects. Computer-generated imagery makes it possible to tell stories that so far had seemed unfeasible in documentary form.

Participants of the Masterclass Non-Fiction program develop their film ideas with a special focus on both the German and the international markets. A team of internationally renowned mentors and lecturers supervises the participants throughout the program. In addition to project development, participants are also prepared for the workflows and processes involved in the production of high-quality documentaries. They will be individually encouraged to expand their personal skills and sharpen their abilities to recognize new trends and take advantage of them. Finally, the Masterclass is the ideal starting point for establishing a close network of peers and decision makers.

The achievements of our first Masterclasses have proven the success of our program model: Many of the developed concepts met with great interest and have either been sold or are in production. Two of the projects received additional film funding and one was awarded the highly endowed first prize of the Bayerische Rundfunk and the Telepool GmbH treatment competition for documentaries. Two films have already been aired and two are just about to have their premiere.

Period: February 2013 – January 2014

Structure: Extra-occupational further education program consisting of 11 weekend modules of a total of 32 days as well as a four-day congress module.