Doc U
Applications Close November 22nd!
OUR Doc U PROGRAM
Doc U is an 18-week documentary production program for community members in the Twin Cities metro area. Designed specifically for first-time media makers, the program guides participants through the process of creating 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 an original short documentary that highlights meaningful community stories and perspectives.
2026–27 Program Dates:
December 14, 2026 – April 26, 2027
Meeting Time:
Mondays, 6:00–9:00 PM
WHAT IS IT?
Doc U runs for approximately 18 weeks as a mostly in-person class. Classes meet on Mondays from 6:00–9:00 PM. Each cohort includes approximately 9 participants, allowing participants to receive individualized feedback, mentorship, and support throughout the program.
Doc U is a rigorous, hands-on program that requires time both inside and outside of class. Participants will spend additional time filming, conducting interviews, developing their stories, and editing their projects.
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. 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 Pro.
By week 18, 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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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 OPEN Now
Questions? Contact Emma.
2026–27 Program Dates:
December 14, 2026 – April 26, 2027
Meeting Time:
Mondays, 6:00–9:00 PM
Applications Close November 22nd!
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.
Commitment to complete a short 5-minute documentary and attend the in-person sessions.
Meet one of the following criteria:
Low-income or working class. Low-income is 200% of the poverty level. 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
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.
