Audiovisual media are an indispensable part of ethnographic research. Professional processing of audiovisual research material makes it possible to increase the reach of one’s own research and to establish more far-reaching connections—for example, in the context of public anthropology. In the master class “Structure, Dramaturgy, and Post-production of Non-Fictional Films,” Sebastian Eschenbach will teach practical skills in this area.

The master class is divided into two different focus areas. In the first part, Sebastian Eschenbach will first discuss the creation of film material, in particular the resolution of plots, the recording of interview sequences, and the selection of the appropriate technology. The focus will be on application-oriented answers to the questions: How do I proceed? What mistakes should I avoid?

The second part will then focus intensively on the topic of post-production. Here, the dramaturgy of a film will be a particular focus, also using film examples: How do I engage the audience in the film? What different non-fiction formats are there? What are my audience’s expectations? What are my expectations?

Based on these questions, the content-related and technical challenges of post-production will be discussed—and even tried out. Participants are welcome to bring their own footage for this purpose. In order to actually implement aspects of post-production such as editing, color correction, mixing, and playback, Sebastian Eschenbach asks all participants to download the free version of Davinci Resolve (https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/de/products/davinciresolve).

Please send registrations and inquiries to: simon.holdermann[æt]uni-koeln.de

The master class will be in German.

Short biography:
Sebastian Eschenbach studied visual anthropology and has been working as a freelance documentary filmmaker for 25 years. His work ranges from experimental documentaries to conventional TV documentaries and artistic documentaries.