4-Part Class: Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking

Learn from an award-winning documentary director whose films have streamed on Prime Video, Tubi, and screened worldwide!

You will walk away with templates for immediate use, tools, real-world strategies, and a step-by-step blueprint to bring your documentary to life!

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 class is now available to watch on-demand; it is no longer live and the instructor is not available for personal questions, but we highly encourage you to do any assignments to get the most out of the educational experience.

Right now is an incredible time to be making documentaries. Platforms like Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and every major streamer are actively acquiring compelling documentary content and the demand shows no signs of slowing down. But with opportunity comes competition, and audiences today expect high-impact storytelling. This exclusive Stage 32 class is designed to help you meet that demand by teaching you the step-by-step process of documentary filmmaking. From development to distribution so you can go from “I have an idea” to “I have a finished film ready for the world!"

Documentary filmmaking is a minefield of expensive mistakes waiting to happen. Many passionate filmmakers burn through budgets, film without the right releases, or end up with a documentary they legally can’t distribute. Others run out of money halfway through post, or finish a film with no plan to get it seen. The truth is, the documentary world doesn’t just reward passion, it rewards preparation, professionalism, and business-savvy. Without understanding the legal, financial, and structural fundamentals, even the most important story may never make it past your hard drive. This interactive class will teach you how to avoid those mistakes and set you up to succeed!

Your Stage 32 educator James Kicklighter is a multi-award-winning writer and director whose work has been recognized by The Hollywood Reporter, The Times of India, and more! His debut feature Desires of the Heart screened at Cannes and won Best Foreign Film at the Los Angeles Femme Film Festival. He directed the documentary Digital Edition and is developing several Southern-voiced projects with producers behind Se7en and Short Term 12. A Georgia Southern University alum, he was named to their “40 Under 40” for his impact in media and leadership.

You will walk away from this 4-part interactive class with a complete understanding of the documentary production process from concept development and legal foundations, to financing, fair use, filming, editing, and finally, distribution and marketing. You’ll gain tools and templates you can use immediately, learn how to avoid common pitfalls, and build an actionable plan for your next documentary, supported by real examples, industry best practices, and expert instruction.

This interactive Stage 32 class is held on Zoom and goes substantially more in depth than a Stage 32 webinar. Best of all? As soon as you sign up you will be linked on email with your Stage 32 Educator and given a questionnaire to fill out and send back to them. You will have access to your Educator for the duration of your class by email to ask them any questions you have about your craft or career - it’s like having a mentor on demand! And, if you can't make a live session, don't worry! All class recordings will be available 48 hours after each session and you will be able to view them in your Library on your Stage 32 profile. Finally, you can expand your network with like-minded creatives - you'll have a dedicated lounge for interactive support and discussions with your fellow classmates!

PLUS! You will receive the following exclusive handouts to support your projects:

• Documentary Concept Development Worksheet

• Financing Strategy Planner

• Production Planning Toolkit

• Distribution Strategy Blueprint

PRAISE FROM JAMES'S TEACHINGS:

“His experience and expertise as a writer and producer of film were greatly enhanced by his enthusiasm and energy as a speaker. He presented a series of workshops in the production of film, and also was the keynote speaker at our Young Writer's Conference. In both cases, he was able to inspire and connect to many different age groups including several professors in attendance.” - Gareth Jones, Brewton-Parker College

“I think James is a rare breed of artist that combines his business and marketing skills with a cohesive artistic vision. ” - Jason Winn, Film Director

“James is sharp as a razor, quick to grasp an idea, and like mercury when it comes to social media.” - Lilly Lee, Co-Founder, UNICEF Chinese Children’s Initiative

“James exceeds your expectations and helps turn your ideas into reality.” - Susan Woolf, Director of Operations, National Student Leadership Conference

“James is an extraordinary individual. He represents to me, the best of what this business holds in the next few decades.” – Gemma Puglisi, Assistant Professor, American University