MediaStorm Methodology Master Class

The MediaStorm Methodology Master Class gives participants a chance to look inside the workings of a successful film and interactive production company, while taking them step-by-step through both the creative and business aspects of digital storytelling. 

During this in-person workshop in Santa Fe, attendees learn about the history and recent developments in photojournalism, multimedia and video journalism, including the current trends in documentary filmmaking, all through specific examples in MediaStorm’s work.

Brian Storm shares MediaStorm’s workflow and methods and discusses essential elements of project organization and storytelling concepts. We also have detailed discussions about working with clients and fostering relationships with NGOs and other partners as well as traditional and new models of distribution, offering a detailed blueprint with specific recommendations for producers and educators alike.

Attendees are encouraged to participate in ongoing discussions and in-depth critiques of MediaStorm’s work, as well as the industry as a whole. Our goal is to teach and inspire others to improve on MediaStorm’s model and approach, and to foster a growing family of storytellers that will continue collaborating with one another and moving the business forward for years to come.

Participants leave the Master Class with an understanding of what it takes to produce quality documentaries and digital multimedia stories, from software options, to story selection, to distribution. This Master Class is not a hands-on workshop, nor is it designed to teach attendees how to use editing software or how to shoot video. MediaStorm offers detailed Online Training videos for that, and each participant will receive one year of complimentary access.

What you will learn:

Storytelling Fundamentals

• Fundamental video storytelling skills and techniques
• Documentary filmmaking essential principles
• Best interviewing practices for your subjects
• Working with still photographs, sound and video
• Organizing your dailies
• Optimizing your editing workflow
• Putting the package together

Design Fundamentals

• Creating appropriate graphics packages for cinematic narratives
• Fundamentals of web design and interactivity
• Using animation appropriately and effectively in your work

Partnering with Clients

• Pitching to and collaborating with clients/partners
• Wisely choosing different types of possible clients/partners
• Applying to production and post-production grants and contests

Packing and Distribution

• Efficient and appropriate ways to showcase work on the web
• Encoding and distribution for various online platforms
• Syndication models

Various distribution models for both short and feature length content

• Best festivals to submit your film to depending on your priorities
• Specific examples and recommendations of companies and platforms to use to distribute your film

The Business

• Real financials and business strategy of a small production company
• Different possible modes of business for a successful production company
• Remaining innovative and ahead of the curve as a video/multimedia producer