Advanced Videography: Documentary and Promo Editing

Overview

By the end of this course, taught by Phil Ebiner, you’ll be able to create compelling documentary promos that blend interviews, cinematic portraits, and B-roll into a cohesive story. You’ll master two-camera interview setups, capture natural and gimbal-assisted shots, and refine your projects through professional review and critique. This course is designed for filmmakers, aspiring documentarians, and content creators who already understand the fundamentals of shooting video and want to expand into professional promo work. You’ll practice lighting and audio for interviews, explore how to shoot beauty portraits that connect with viewers, and learn to add movement and focus pulls for dramatic effect. If you’re looking to tell authentic stories for nonprofits, brands, or personal projects, this course provides a clear path from planning to finished promo. With real-world demonstrations and hands-on projects, you’ll walk away ready to produce documentary-style videos that look polished, professional, and emotionally powerful. Instructor bio: Phil Ebiner has been teaching online since 2012, creating courses that help learners share their stories through photography, video, design, and marketing. He combines real-world experience with practical instruction to help students become confident creators. Phil graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television Production from Loyola Marymount University, where he produced documentaries in Switzerland, Germany, Mexico, and India. He has worked with Participant Media, Stanbridge College, and UC Berkeley, and continues to collaborate on creative projects to keep his skills fresh. Outside of teaching, Phil enjoys mountain biking, traveling, sports, and spending time with his wife, twin boys, baby daughter, and dog Ashby. His mission is to help you grow as a creator, earn from your skills, and live the life you’ve dreamed of.

Syllabus

Launching Your Documentary Promo

This module introduces the scope and workflow of a documentary promo project. You’ll discover how to prepare for interviews, set goals, and plan your production so that your story is clear before you ever pick up the camera.

Mastering the Interview Setup

This module focuses on building technical and creative excellence in your interviews and visuals. You’ll learn how to set up professional lighting and audio, shoot compelling portraits, and add cinematic B-roll that enhances your storytelling.

Cinematic Shots and Project Wrap-Up

In this final module, you’ll bring movement, elegance, and natural lighting into your project with advanced cinematography techniques. You’ll then review the completed promo documentary to see how all the elements combine, helping you reflect on your own creative process.