The workshop
The workshop is conducted in French, so a certain level of proficiency in the language is required to fully benefit from the training.
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This training provides a framework for reflection and practical tools for directors eager to develop author-driven documentary film projects based on existing research or developed in direct collaboration with researchers or practitioners in the fields of humanities, exact sciences, or artistic creation.
The goal is to shape a genuine cinematic narrative, crucial for conveying knowledge to a broad audience. Authors will find in this training the necessary time to mature their projects and find conceptual and aesthetic keys for scripting the film, combining collective reflection with individual guidance.
The workshop is part of a partnership with the Cinéma du réel festival: projects can be presented to producers as part of Paris Doc, the festival’s professional section.
The 2026-2027 training is planned as followed:
- 1st session: October 16th, 17th and 18th, 2026 (3 days - 21 hours)
- 2nd session: November 7th and 8th, 2026 (2 days - 14 hours)
- 3rd session: Tutoring (42 hours spread between December 2026 and March 2027
- 4th session: 3 days in March 2027, around the Cinema du réel Festival (3 days - 21 hours)
The programme
1st session: Project Contextualization
==Group seminar, 3-day weekend=
- Detailed analysis of projects
- Discussion with targeted speakers: for example, a philosopher or academic who has reflected on the issues of representation and image, a scientist who has collaborated on films in their field of expertise, etc.
- Analysis of film excerpts focusing on documentary writing
- Presentation of practical exercise: "alternative to interviews / staging of dialogue"
Intersession: Each director shoots an exercise in their field
2nd session Experiences Confrontation
==Group seminar, 2-day weekend
- Critical viewing of the exercise filmed during the intersession "staging of dialogue"
- Case studies of films related to projects (humanities, medicine, history, architecture, etc.): in-depth dialogue with researchers and filmmakers who have made films on established knowledge
Intersession: Directors rewrite the statement of intent for their project
3rd session: Tutoring
Collective and individual follow-up over 4 months
Two tutors alternately accompany author/director pairs in the writing of their project.
Filmmakers receive individual guidance on the development of their projects. Work sessions (in-person or remote) are scheduled based on each participant’s availability as the projects progress. The pairs take turns consulting with the mentors to keep the process fresh. Each stage of the writing process must be approved before moving on to the next; project progress is shared during a plenary session once a month.
Each month, filmmakers benefit from a plenary session and individual follow-up. Work sessions (in-person or remote) are scheduled based on everyone's availability, as projects progress. Pairs alternate consultations with the 3 tutors to renew their approach. Projects must be finalized for the next step.
4th session: Preparation and “First Contact” professional meetings as part of ParisDoc (Cinéma du réel festival)
3 weekdays
A new speaker will give a preparatory session to help participants prepare for their pitch: analyzing projects and developing a personalized presentation to showcase the project and its creator.
The projects can then be pitched to producers during the Paris Doc professional meetings as part of the Cinéma du réel festival. Several one-on-one meetings will take place following the pitches.
- Day 1: Group rehearsal with the tutors
- Day 2: Pitch & individual meetings with producers and composers, within the framework of ParisDoc "First Contact" event.
- Day 3: Debriefing, evaluation and roadmap
Pedagogy
Ateliers Varan teaches the practice of documentary filmmaking, opening one's perspective on the world. Learn more about the Ateliers Varan pedagogical approach
More Information
Accessibility
Ateliers Varan, a Category 5 ERP establishment, welcomes people with disabilities.
For any requests related to accessibility, please contact Fanny Chapuis: contact@ateliersvaran.com / 01 43 56 64 04
Satisfaction
In 2024, 6 people took the training course “Writing a documentary, from research to film narrative.” Satisfaction rate: 100%.
==Program updated on April 2, 2026=
Application details
The following documents should be written in French.
- A cover letter
- Film project summary in 2-3 pages maximum (originality of approach, quality of preparatory work, author's intention)
- Detailed CV
Please send these materials via email to contact@ateliersvaran.com along with your complete contact information.
For shortlisted candidates, final selection will be based on an interview with one or more trainers.
Teaching staff
The pedagogical team consists of two mentors who will accompany you throughout the training.
The trainers change for each workshop. Currently, the filmmakers are:
Ask Us
Questions about our training courses? Please contact us 01 43 56 64 04
6, impasse de Mont Louis
75011 Paris
