Masters' Series

The DOC Toronto Masters' Series: Filmmakers Talking to Filmmakers

DOC Toronto Masters' Series are evening classes where celebrated documentary filmmakers share their in-the-field experiences and expertise with their colleagues and peers. The emphasis of this unique professional development series is on the craft and art of documentary media rather than the business and logistics of production.  

The series offers an insider’s look into the process, rituals, even eccentricities of documentarians known for excellence and who have maintained a consistency and clarity of vision over time. Our selected Masters show clips from various projects, and share (often for the first time) personal stories of challenge and triumph with their work. The result is a demystification and articulation of the processes that build a director’s vision and high artistic standard.  A lively discussion and Q&A session follows. These classes allow Toronto documentary media artists (emerging and experienced) a rare opportunity to go to “documentary school” and to reflect on and refine their craft.

The Master Series curriculum has been carefully designed to highlight different documentary genres, techniques, pressing questions and hot button issues.

“I just wanted to thank you for such a great evening last Tuesday. Both Jennifer (Baichwal) and Nick (de Pencier) were outstanding. That's exactly what DOC Toronto members  need to keep inspired, informed and connected. Fabulous event.”
                                              - Richard Meech, Creator, Producer, Director. Feb, 2009. 

The DOC Toronto Masters' Series is produced with the support of the City of Toronto through Toronto Arts Council.

Past Events:

Frederick Wiseman: Master Filmmaker, in conversation with Kevin McMahon
A TIFF Special
Sunday, September 11, 2011, 2:30pm-4:30pm
Using clips from his films, Wiseman discussed the process, philosophy, and challenges of an astonishing career in documentary in conversation with well-known Canadian filmmaker Kevin McMahon.

Ron Mann: Hold the Pepperoni 
Monday February 21st, 6PM-9PM
A presentation by the multiple award-winning filmmaker, who has made a career out of capturing the history of alternative and dissent culture.

Kim Longinotto: Observational Film
Monday, September 16th, 6PM-9PM
The UK's acclaimed auteur of observational documentary (our first International speaker) shared stories and secrets about working closely with opressed and at-risk subjects.

2009/10:

Larry Weinstein: Dramatic Documentary or Documenting the Dramatic?  
Monday November 16, 6PM-9PM
The Master of the craft of dramatic documentaries reveals secrets on how he keeps the pace going, his characters fascinating and the story riveting. Click here for photos.

Peter Raymont: Capturing Your Audience 
Tuesday, April 20th, 6PM-9PM
The most important shot in almost every film - documentary or drama - is the first. Veteran documentary filmmaker, drama producer, and former film editor, Peter Raymont, explores how to seduce and capture your audience, using examples from several of his, and other's, award-winning films

John Kastner: Mr. Interview
Monday, July 12th, 6PM-9PM
The multiple Emmy Award-winning director of Life With Murder, Monster in the Family, and Rage Against the Darkness gives a talk on his documentary process and technique.

2008/09:

Kevin McMahon
Imagining Reality/Crafting Your Film - Developing the Director's vision

Shelley Saywell
Filming Under Fire - Access and Safety in Volatile Places

Manfred Becker & Barry Stevens
The Pleasure and Pain of Making the Personal Documentary  

Allan King (moderated by Marc Glassman of Pages Books)
Freedom, Authority and The Tyranny of Genre

Jennifer Baichwal & Nick de Pencier
Plans Are Subject to Change: The Philosophy of Documentary