Documentaries are challenging. Real life doesn’t always go to plan and few people live their lives according to the three-act structure. As a director, you’ll often get to the edit knowing there is a magnificent film in the rushes, but how do you find the story that is going to be moving, captivating and tell the truth?
In this workshop, award-winning director Havana Marking, breaks down lessons from the drama script and creative writing playbook. From her debut Afghan Star to the recent Undercover: Exposing the Far Right, Havana’s timely, thought-provoking films are consistently compared to thrillers, heists, and suspense movies.
Havana will be sharing her methods for applying the classic dramatic three act structure to the not-so-classic tangle of the documentary. This interactive workshop for Full and Associate members is an exciting and vital analysis, presenting relevant tools for documentary directors looking to elevate their project.
When: Monday 15 September, 10am – 2.30pm
Where: In person (at Directors UK, 4th floor, 22 Stukeley Street, London WC2B 5LR) and online
How to Apply
Please send an up-to-date copy of your CV to [email protected] with the subject line, ‘Drama to Doc Workshop’ as well as a 300-word personal statement outlining the following:
• Why participating in this workshop is relevant and important at this point in your career
• Any specific queries you have for Havana or particular aspects of documentary storytelling you wish to address
• Whether you intend to participate in person or online
The deadline for applications is Monday 25 August and applicants must be a Full or Associate member of Directors UK.
Please note, whilst this hybrid workshop is available both in person and online, the intention is for successful applicants to join us in the room. For those based outside of Greater London, we will offer a financial contribution towards your travel costs.
Applicants must also be available for the full duration of the workshop.
Before applying, check out our Top Tips for Building an Impactful CV resource: Top Tips for Building an Impactful CV
Access & Inclusion
We are happy to receive applications in whichever format is most accessible to you, whether that’s written in the body of an email, or a Word document, via a video in BSL or English, or as an audio file.
Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any access requirements.
About Havana Marking
Havana is known for finding the human stories behind the headlines, personal journeys that reflect the wider geopolitics. Her latest film, BAFTA-nominated Undercover: Exposing the Far Right, followed an undercover journalist infiltrating a global far right network in the build-up to 2024’s riots. It is available to watch on C4 Catch up.
Filmography includes: Afghan Star (2009), winner of two awards at Sundance, a Grierson and the Prix Italia; Smash & Grab (2011), gaining access to the world’s most successful diamond thieves and; The Kleptocrats (2018), a gripping story of financial fraud, stretching from the parliament of Malaysia to the studios of Hollywood.
In addition, Marking has worked as an EP / Senior Producer on premium docs and series including; Welcome to Earth, Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer, and To Hell and Back Again which garnered an Academy Award nomination and several Emmy and Sundance awards.
