From Inspiration to Pitch: Masterclass in Creating Factual and Documentary Ideas with Hilary Fennell

Course Summary

Where do great factual and documentary programme ideas come from and what are the key steps in developing, writing them and getting them made?

This masterclass looks at the creative process involved and is designed to give participants the tools to create a finished pitch for their idea.

The class is lecture-style and includes presentations and Q&A sessions. Workshopping, individual feedback or writing sessions are not included.

Course Outline

A one-day masterclass on how to develop ideas for factual and documentary (non-fiction) screen and radio projects from a successful producer/director/writer with a track record in this field. Topics covered will include:

• introduction to ideas/ ideation
• the role of research
• developing your idea
• writing the synopsis/ proposal
• pitching / elevator pitch
• industry overview/ how to get a commission
• rejection and how to deal with it
• case study of award-winning documentary – from page to pitch

Course Outcomes

At the end of this masterclass, participants will have acquired the tools, as well as the confidence, to begin or further develop their own factual or documentary idea.

Hilary Fennell is an award-winning programme maker and journalist. She has worked in television and radio as a series producer, writer and director. As a journalist, she has decades of experience in interviewing, writing and broadcasting. Hilary’s fiction has won or been shortlisted for prestigious awards including Seán Ó Faoláin, McLaverty and Fish and has been supported by the Arts Council. She has extensive experience of lecturing at third level including at DCU, IADT and Griffith College. She originally studied law at Trinity College and qualified as a barrister.