Registration for online workshops cuts off 30 minutes before the listed start time. Once registration has ended, participants will be emailed a Zoom Link. Any questions can be directed to Kiwi Lanier – kiwi@sidewalkfest.com.

It’s never been a better time to make a documentary film. Barriers to entry are lower than ever, and with Hollywood film production on hold, documentaries have become more and more attractive to streaming platforms and beyond. But whether you’re a beginner with an idea you want to refine, or already working on your first, second or even third documentary, this is a chance to learn some essential basics in a one-hour seminar with filmmaker and television programmer, JP Olsen.

Topics covered include:
What do you need to get started?
What makes for a compelling documentary?
How do you identify strong characters?
What are some pitfalls to avoid in your editorial and production process?
What are simple some strategies to avoid legal issues?
Now that you’ve made your film, what’s next?

JP Olsen is an Emmy award-winning filmmaker and journalist. His independent documentary, “The Narcotic Farm,” aired on PBS and is the subject of a book, published by Abrams, that he co-authored. In addition to writing, directing and producing his own documentary and experimental films, Olsen is a director of original programming at HBO.

Sidewalk’s Educational Programs are sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality.