Scripting the Unscripted with Alexandre O. Philippe
Thursday, Dec 8th | 5:30pm – 6:30pm | In-person, Black Lodge, 304-100 Arthur Street
*Note: This in-person workshop is limited to 25 participants. While masks are no longer required to be worn in indoor public spaces in Manitoba, individuals are recommended to wear a mask in our Production Centre.
Documentaries are often referred to as “non-scripted” or “unscripted content,” while their fiction counterparts are called “narratives.” Yet, documentary filmmakers are beholden to the same principles of dramatic structure, storytelling, character development, movement, tempo, and visual syntax. The process of nonfiction filmmaking poses challenges that are unique to the form, but documentaries can—and often should—be scripted. In this masterclass, three-time Sundance Film Festival alum Alexandre O. Philippe will demonstrate the necessity of structuring and scripting your “unscripted” stories, the value of writing a screenplay in lieu of searching for a narrative arc in the editing room, and provide a variety of techniques for documentary filmmakers looking to perfect their storytelling skills.
Alexandre O. Philippe holds a Masters Degree in Dramatic Writing from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, and is Creative Director at Exhibit A Pictures. He has written and directed numerous award-winning films and documentaries, many of which take on the role of unpacking the most influential works of master filmmakers, and dissecting seminal screen moments. His films have been widely distributed on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Shudder, The Criterion Channel, EPiX, BBC, ARTE, Canal+, and multiple other platforms. Past works include Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on the Exorcist (Venice ’19, Sundance ‘20), Memory: The Origins of Alien (Sundance ’19), 78/52: Hitchcock’s Shower Scene (Sundance ’17), Doc of the Dead (SXSW’14), and The People vs. George Lucas (SXSW ‘10). His latest, Lynch/Oz, recently premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, and will be released by Janus Films / The Criterion Collection in 2023. He is currently finishing a new feature about William Shatner’s colorful life and career, also slated to premiere next Spring.
REFUND POLICY
| Notice Given: | Eligible for: |
| At least 7 days prior to start date | Full refund |
| 7 days to 48 hours prior to start date | Full refund less 20% administration fee |
| Less than 48 hours prior to start date | No refund |
The Winnipeg Film Group reserves the right to cancel any course where the minimum registration has not been met. Anyone registered for a course that has been cancelled is eligible for a full refund, Cancelled course fees may also be used towards any other Winnipeg Film Group training programs.
Assistance and accommodations are available to participants with different disabilities. Please call or email us for more information: training@winnipegfilmgroup.com
