OUR Doc U PROGRAM

Doc U is a 15-week beginner documentary production program for community members in the Twin Cities metro area. Designed specifically for first-time media makers, the program teaches participants how to create a documentary film from concept to completion. Through hands-on instruction, mentorship, and project-based learning, participants develop the technical and storytelling skills needed to produce a short documentary that highlights important community stories and perspectives.

WHAT IS IT?

Doc U runs for 15 weeks as a mostly in-person class. Classes meet primarily once a week from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Each cohort includes approximately 12 participants, so you'll receive personalized feedback and support throughout the program. Participants also spend time outside of class filming, conducting interviews, and editing their projects with guidance from instructors and mentors.

Participants will have the first weeks to learn and create their own short documentary and will need time to work on their projects outside of the scheduled sessions. All films will explore issues and themes through the stories of 1-2 main characters. Sample syllabus. 

In the first weeks of the program, SPNN staff and local documentary filmmakers will guide Doc U participants through the creative process through trainings and mentorship: story construction, video camera techniques, sound, lighting and video editing using Adobe Premiere CC. 

By week 15, each participant will have produced, directed, shot and edited a short 5 minute documentary. In the final week, participants will participate in a reflection session and attend the final screening. The program concludes with a public community screening.

FAQs

    • Doc U aims to empower new filmmakers by teaching documentary storytelling while helping amplify voices and stories that might otherwise go unheard. The program recognizes documentary film as a tool for broadening perspectives, building understanding, and highlighting important community issues. Its goal is to equip participants with the skills and confidence to tell meaningful stories through film.

  • Doc U is designed for people with little to no filmmaking experience.

    You'll be a great fit if you:

    • Live in the Twin Cities metro area

    • Have an idea for a documentary you're excited to explore

    • Want to learn documentary filmmaking from the ground up

    • Are curious about telling meaningful community stories

    No professional filmmaking experience is required.

    • Doc U combines technical filmmaking training with mentorship from experienced local filmmakers. Rather than focusing solely on filmmaking skills, the program encourages participants to tell authentic community stories that elevate underrepresented voices. Every participant creates their own original documentary from start to finish, culminating in a public community screening.

  • Participants receive access to:

    • Sony Z150 video cameras

    • Sony AX200 video cameras

    • Professional lighting equipment

    • Professional audio equipment

    • Adobe Premiere Pro

    • Ongoing mentorship from SPNN staff and local documentary filmmakers

  • By the conclusion of Doc U, participants will have:

    • Produced, directed, filmed, and edited their own original 5-minute documentary

    • Gained experience in every stage of documentary production

    • Presented their completed film at a public community screening

    The finished documentary serves as both a portfolio piece and a reflection of the participant's unique perspective and storytelling voice.

What Participants Learn

Story Development

Shape an idea into a focused documentary concept and be passionate about exploring

Sound & Lighting

Capture clear audio and use field lighting to create compelling scenes.

Pre-Production

Plan interviews, schedules, locations, visuals, and production needs.

Editing

Edit footage and build a finished documentary using Adobe Premiere Pro.

Camera Operation

Learn professional shooting techniques using Sony Z150 and AX200 cameras.

Producing & Directing

Know every stage of your own documentary from concept to final screening.

APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED.

Questions? Contact Za’Nia.

Requirements to Participate: 

  • Be 18+ years of age

  • Be a resident of the Twin Cities Metro Area.

  • Have enough time in your life to create a short documentary (expect about 5-10 hours a week)

  • Have a compelling idea for a documentary that revolves around 1-2 main characters.

  • Meet one of the following criteria:

    • Low-income or working class. Low-income is 200% of the poverty level. Check here if you meet the low-income guidelines. If you qualify for any government program; food programs including SNAP and free or reduced school lunches, housing assistance, disability, medicaid, etc you automatically qualify for Doc U.  

    • Be a member of an underrepresented community in media (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Women, have a disability, etc.)

  • Openness to mentorship from SPNN staff and visiting artists 

  • Be able to meet all program dates

  • Commit to attend the in-person sessions.

Doc U participants have greatly benefited from their participation in the program, leaving with a greater sense of confidence, new skills and knowledge, and an increased appreciation for media arts. Participants say they feel empowered to take their knowledge and use it in their communities to bring voice to those whose stories might not otherwise be heard. They benefited from the learning environments offered by Doc U and increased their ability to tackle demanding projects and bring them to successful completion.

"I feel the principals of Doc U and SPNN provide the footing people require to exercise their personal dreams under the auspices of a caring, professional and mentor based environment."

Embarking on learning a new skill is courageous. Doing it in 15 weeks requires dedication. It is worth the effort when important stories are told.

SPNN's Doc U program is made possible with funding from the McKnight Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.