1st Edition
Documentary Journalism A Field Guide to Collaborative Storytelling, Human Connection, and Emotional Impact
Foreword by Wes Pope
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Justin Clifton: Making the Environmental Case-Study of Leche y Miel (Milk and Honey)
Chapter 2 From Pitch Deck to Script Development: A Hands-On Workshop for Documentary Story Structure
Chapter 3: Lauren Frohne: Making Connections Through an Intimate Lens in Environmental Documentary Journalism
Chapter 4. César Martínez Barba: Creating Sensory Documentaries Through Lens Choices, Sound Design, and Editing Rhythms
Chapter 5 Mark Helenowski and Samantha Michaels: Collaborating and Building Trust with a Camera in After the Crash
Chapter 6. Erin Brethauer and Tim Hussin: Developing the Vulnerability of Participant-Driven Stories
Chapter 7. A Sound Design Workshop for Creating Sensory Documentaries in Steve Roach: Life in the Soundcurrent
Chapter 8. Creating an AI Research Assistant for Documentary Story Research and Development
Index
Biography
Kurt Lancaster is Professor of Creative Media and Film at Northern Arizona University, USA. His feature documentary, Steve Roach: Life in the Soundcurrent (2023), earned Grand Winner Best Documentary Over 30 Minutes at Newsfest (True Stories) in Santa Monica, Best Sound Design at the European Cinematography Awards, and Best Music Documentary at The Santa Clarita International Film Festival. Kurt received his PhD from NYU, where he attended the Tisch School of the Arts.
“Kurt Lancaster’s Video Journalism for the Web is a masterclass in character-driven, cinematic storytelling. Lancaster guides readers through character, sound, and visual storytelling with practical exercises and real-world insights, making it an invaluable resource for documentary filmmakers and video journalists alike. It teaches you how to create documentaries that are both visually compelling and deeply human. A must-read for anyone serious about telling stories that matter.”
- Nita Blum, Clinical Assistant Professor, The Sidney Poitier New American Film School, Arizona State University
“Useful examples, timely issues, relevant to the types of storytelling students can do.”
- Adina Schneeweis, Oakland University
“All chapters have their place and position to offer keen insights into the various process of creating non-fiction videos that have resonance and profound meaning covering the struggles and triumphs of the human spirit. It is unmatched in its diverse and inclusive portrayals of people of color and other underrepresented groups and topics, including authentic expressions of spirituality.”
- Daniel Jacobo, Chaffey College
