The workshop
The workshop is conducted in French, so a certain level of proficiency in the language is required to fully benefit from the training.
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Registrations are open for the session from October 14 to December 2, 2024.
This training offers a fresh approach to editing, free from any standardization, allowing participants to grasp the editing process and the profession of editing in its richness and possibilities. It addresses the specificities of documentary writing through seminars, practical exercises, and commented film screenings.
In this training, coupled with the practical workshop in filmmaking, each participant fully handles the editing of two documentary short films from apprentice directors. This experience allows them to engage in various aspects: building a relationship with the director, reviewing and analyzing footage, shaping the film's structure (seeking a form that aligns with the narrative and aesthetic vision of the director), crafting a specific and tailored writing style for the production, and managing the given time effectively.
The programme
First period: Specificities of documentary editing - weeks 1 and 2
- Half-day seminars on documentary writing focusing on editing techniques such as time condensation, ellipses, and the editing of the filmmaker-subject relationship: listening, exchange, the role of dialogue, and how to evoke it.
- Practical exercises based on footage from the filmmaking workshop, applying the concepts discussed in the seminars.
- Screenings and analyses of reference documentary films.
Second period: Application of knowledge - weeks 3 and 4
- Editing exercises using various footage to construct characters, explore rhythm and body language, and establish a dramatic structure. Seminar on the role of editing in narrative construction.
- Editing a sequence from an ongoing film shoot in pairs with a participant from the Filmmaking workshop. Each apprentice editor revises the edit after viewing, enhancing their analytical and critical skills to refine and deepen their understanding of dramaturgy.
Third period: Editing a film - weeks 5, 6, and 7
- Editing and finalizing workshop films in pairs: one participant from Editing and one from Filmmaking.
- Each participant reviews, pre-edits, and edits a film from one or two participants from the Filmmaking Workshop, supervised by professional editors. This collaboration ensures the creation of the final structure and edit of the film, a pivotal moment in condensing the story and crafting the narrative.
- A public screening of the films is organized on the last Saturday of the session. Each participant receives a link to the edited film.
This training requires a significant time commitment.
Pedagogy
At the Ateliers Varan, through initiation into the practice of documentary filmmaking, we encourage participants to broaden their perspective on the world. It is not a traditional academic school; rather, our methods emphasize learning through hands-on experience to the fullest extent. Each participant’s focus revolves around creating films in real-world settings. Learn more about the Ateliers Varan pedagogical approach
Evaluation Methods
- Pre-training Assessment : Application file + interview
- Formative evaluation at the end of each sequence
- Final Evaluation: Making of a short film
- Final Jury
More Information
Accessibility
Ateliers Varan, a Category 5 ERP establishment, welcomes people with disabilities.
For any requests related to accessibility, please contact Fanny Chapuis contact@ateliersvaran.com / (+33)1 43 56 64 04
Satisfaction
In 2023, 102 people were trained at the Ateliers Varan across all programs. Overall satisfaction rate: 100%.
Career Opportunities
Graduates can pursue careers in audiovisual and film production companies, corporate audiovisual services, and television channels, among others.
Application details
The selection process consists of two stages:
1. First Written Stage: Submission of 2 documents:
The following documents should be written in French.
- A free-form autobiography, maximum 2 pages.
- A CV demonstrating professional experience as an editor or assistant editor.
Please send these materials via email to contact@ateliersvaran.com along with your complete contact information.
2. Second Stage: Interview with trainers and a practical exercise, conducted on-site at Ateliers Varan.
Teaching staff
Throughout the workshop, participants are guided by two professional editors who oversee exercises and supervise the film editing process. They will also have the opportunity to interact with guest speakers, including film theorists for seminars, and directors and/or editors for screenings of completed or ongoing projects.
The trainers vary for each workshop. Currently, the instructors are:
The Workshop Films
Examples of films edited during the Varan editing workshops
Ask Us
Questions about our training courses? Please contact us 01 43 56 64 04
6, impasse de Mont Louis
75011 Paris
