Kathmandu Documentary Filmmaking Bootcamp

Kathmandu Valley

Highlights

• Learn documentary filmmaking in one of the world's most visually rich cities — from concept to final cut in 8 days.
• Photography Tour · 8 Days
• Small group, guide-led

Day-by-day itinerary

1. D1

   Story Development & Pitch

   Arrive and spend the first day developing documentary concepts. Each participant pitches three ideas; the group and instructor select the strongest. Workshop on pre-production: research, permissions, and building trust with subjects.

   Kathmandu Valley As per plan

2. D2

   Camera & Sound Fundamentals

   Technical workshop: DSLR/mirrorless video settings, shot composition for documentary, natural lighting, and audio recording in noisy environments. Practice shoot in Thamel to test equipment and technique.

   Kathmandu Valley As per plan

3. D3

   Production: B-Roll & Observation

   Begin shooting your documentary. Focus on B-roll — the visual texture that makes a documentary immersive. Workshop on shooting sequences (wide, medium, close-up, detail) and capturing natural behavior without directing it.

   Kathmandu Valley As per plan

4. D4

   Interview Techniques

   Workshop on documentary interviewing: open-ended questions, creating intimacy with subjects, filming the interview with multiple camera angles, and capturing cutaways. Each participant conducts a practice interview with a Kathmandu resident.

   Kathmandu Valley As per plan

5. D5

   Production: Following the Story

   Full production day following your subject through their daily life. The instructor accompanies each filmmaker, offering real-time feedback. Learn to anticipate moments and position yourself for the decisive shot.

   Kathmandu Valley As per plan

6. D6

   Editing Workshop: Assembly

   Begin editing in Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve. Learn to organize footage, create a paper edit, and assemble your first rough cut. Evening group screening of rough cuts with constructive critique.

   Kathmandu Valley As per plan

7. D7

   Editing: Fine Cut & Sound Design

   Refine your edit: pacing, music selection, color grading, and sound design. Workshop on legal and ethical considerations: model releases, music licensing, and representing subjects truthfully.

   Kathmandu Valley As per plan

8. D8

   Premiere & Certificates

   Final screening of completed documentaries for the group and invited local guests. Feedback session and discussion of distribution strategies for short documentaries. Certificate ceremony and farewell dinner.

   Kathmandu Valley As per plan

Price includes

• Local storyteller guide
• Stays as per itinerary
• Daily breakfast
• All ground transfers

Make it yours (upsells)

Everything apart from the trip itself is an upsell — tick what you want.