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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This intensive training allows participants to delve into the fundamentals of documentary filmmaking and acquire the initial skills of a filmmaker. After a period of technical initiation, analysis of reference works, location scouting, and scriptwriting, each participant moves on to filming a short film on a common theme. The editing process, supervised by professional editors, also allows for an understanding of the crucial relationship between director and editor.
The programme
First Period: Practical Exercises, Film Analysis, Scouting - 2 weeks
During these first two weeks, the following activities are carried out simultaneously:
- Technical orientation, practical exercises
- Screening and analysis of exercises and trials, introduction to editing based on exercises
- Seminar/screenings: history and modernity of documentary writing
- Scouting and individual discussions on the film projects that each participant wishes to undertake
During this period, each participant chooses, defines, prepares, and scouts the subject of the documentary film they intend to produce.
Second Period: Workshop Film Shooting - 3 weeks
Participants organize their shootings in pairs, over half-day periods. Footage is screened three times a week, with all participants present. This progression in the analysis and critique of footage enables participants to refine and deepen their approach to their subject.
Third Period: Editing and Finalizing the Workshop Film - 6 days per film
Each participant logs their footage as shooting progresses. This marks their initial understanding of the sequences and the journey of their film.
A professional editor collaborates with each participant to establish the final structure and edit of the film. This crucial phase highlights ideas that may have been unclear during filming.
A screening of the workshop films is scheduled on the last day at the Le Régent Cinema in Bastia.
After the training, participants can submit their workshop film to festivals: each participant receives a viewing link for their film.
This immersive training demands significant personal effort and availability from participants:
- For their own film: scouting and shooting outside of workshop hours.
- For other films: each participant handles sound recording during shootings for other participants.
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: Conducted at the end of each sequence
- Final Evaluation: Making of a short film
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 application process consists of two stages: initial written submission followed by a final selection interview with one or more trainers.
Required Documents for Initial Submission:
The following documents should be written in French.
- A freeform autobiographical statement, maximum 2 pages
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A one-page text, optionally accompanied by an image, on one of the following themes:
- Tell us about a place
- Describe a moment in your life
- Share a story about your neighbors
Please send these materials via email to contact@ateliersvaran.com along with your complete contact information.
If selected after the interview, the candidate must provide documentation from the organization funding the training.
Ateliers Varan will assist in completing the necessary paperwork (quote, training description). Subsequently, each candidate must submit their dossier directly to the funding organization's joint committee for approval.
Teaching staff
A group of around forty cinema professionals (directors, editors, producers, sound engineers, directors of photography, etc.) forms the team at the Ateliers Varan. They share their professional experience and practices through the workshops and training sessions they conduct.
Additional informations
The workshop in Corsica is primarily intended for residents south of the Loire River, in Corsica, and throughout the countries of the Mediterranean basin. The working environment allows for total immersion, facilitating both work and the discovery of others, as well as strengthening group bonds, to fully engage in the experience of creating a documentary film. The objective for participants is to collaboratively construct a rich, sensitive, and open representation of Corsica and its inhabitants.
In partnership with the Center for Sports and Youth of Corsica (CSJC), Corsica.doc, and with the support of the Corsican Regional Authority.
Ask Us
Questions about our training courses? Please contact us 01 43 56 64 04
6, impasse de Mont Louis
75011 Paris
