The workshop
The workshop is conducted in French, so a certain level of proficiency in the language is required to fully benefit from the training.
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This workshop offers a hands-on immersion in the artistic, technical, and human aspects of shooting documentary films. Through practical filming exercises, screenings with commentary, group analysis, and real exercices, participants develop a sensitive and confident approach to filming, whether working alone or as part of a team.
Designed as a space for experimentation, the workshop allows participants to explore the relationship between the filmmaker’s gaze, framing, movement, sound, and the connection with the subject, while acquiring the technical fundamentals necessary for conducting a documentary shoot.
The programme
The workshop alternates between technical training, practical exercises, film screenings, and constructive feedback.
Week 1: Fundamentals of Filming and Short Films
- Getting familiar with cameras and other equipment;
- Composition, point of view, focal length, exposure, depth of field;
- first filmed exercises: sequence shots, shoot-and-edit, filming movement, filming speech;
- introduction to synchronous sound recording;
- body movement and image/sound coordination;
- screenings of documentary film excerpts.
Week 2: Technical Deep Dive and Introduction to Editing
- sensors, shooting formats, aspect ratios;
- image/sound exercises in pairs;
- editing sequences shot during the workshop;
- analysis of rushes and edits;
- discussions about participants’ personal projects;
- reflection on shooting setups suited to each project.
This training requires availability on certain weekday evenings and weekends for shooting exercises, in addition to attendance at the workshops .
Pedagogy
At the Ateliers Varan, through initiation into the practice of documentary filmmaking, we encourage participants to broaden their perspective on the world. It is not a traditional academic school; rather, our methods emphasize learning through hands-on experience to the fullest extent. Learn more about the Ateliers Varan pedagogical approach
Evaluation Methods
- Pre-training Assessment: Application file + interview
- Formative Evaluation: Conducted at the end of each sequence
- Final Evaluation: Making of a short film
More Information
Accessibility
Ateliers Varan, a Category 5 ERP establishment, welcomes people with disabilities.
For any requests related to accessibility, please contact Fanny Chapuis contact@ateliersvaran.com / (+33)1 43 56 64 04
Satisfaction
In 2024, 39 people were trained in this program. Satisfaction rate: 97%.
*Program updated on June 3rd, 2026
Application details
To apply, please send in French:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- An email explaining your motivation to attend the workshop
Please send these materials via email to contact@ateliersvaran.com along with your complete contact information.
Teaching staff
The workshop is led by two cinematographers, a sound engineer, and two editors, all of whom are particularly active in the field of documentary filmmaking.
Additional informations
The program is based on hands-on practice, group analysis, and practical experience with real-life filming situations. Certain activities - such as filmed exercises, location scouting, filming in pairs, or assisting with sound recording for other participants - require significant availability and independent work, in addition to the hours spent at Ateliers Varan
Ask Us
Questions about our training courses? Please contact us 01 43 56 64 04
6, impasse de Mont Louis
75011 Paris
