"This has been one of the best courses I've ever taken based on the presenter, the host, the content and even the PDFs after the course."
Master the art of using ChatGPT, Google Veo, Midjourney and more in your filmmaking journey.
Unlock the potential to create exceptional films faster and easier than ever before.
Learn practical strategies to implement AI in various types of documentary and video productions.
Discover insider tips and real-world applications of AI tools in filmmaking.
Apply today's latest AI tools for tomorrow's documentaries.
Join us for this live 4-part class, Documentary Filmmaker's AI Playbook (2026), where you'll dive deep into the world of ChatGPT, Google Veo, Midjourney, Suno, ElevenLabs and other AI tools.
Led by Sundance award-winning documentary filmmaker Philip Shane, this comprehensive course is designed to revolutionize your production process, helping you create captivating documentaries with unprecedented ease and creativity.
Delivered over four live sessions, with the opening class starting February 17th.
In 2026, AI is no longer a “future trend” in filmmaking. It’s part of the everyday toolkit.
Tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, Veo, and ElevenLabs can speed up development, strengthen research, and unlock new ways to visualise and test ideas before you spend time or money in production.
This training walks you through the workflows that matter most for documentary makers, so you can use AI to move from idea to materials to edit-ready assets more efficiently, without losing your voice or your standards.
And not just documentary features.
The lessons translate across real-world formats too: short docs, trailers, pitch reels, social video, impact campaigns, client and company films, and more.
"When it comes to learning AI tools for filmmakers, Philip is an exceptional instructor. What sets him apart is his ability to explain complex and intimidating technologies in a way that's easy to follow, and directly relevant to the art and craft of documentary filmmaking."
- Doug Block, Producer, Director and Founder of The D-Word
Class 1: ChatGPT and NotebookLM for Documentary Development and Research
- Brainstorm faster: sharper ideas, angles, loglines, plus B-roll and cutaway lists
- Plan the work: clear task order, checklists, and “what do I do next?” decision support
- Draft your key docs: outlines, treatments, synopses, interview questions, and promo copy
- Research like a producer: topics, locations, and grants, including how to analyse an application with AI
- Build a research hub in NotebookLM: organise sources, pull quotes, and turn reading into usable notes
By the end of Class 1: you’ll have a repeatable workflow for using AI as your doc development and research assistant, from idea to plan to polished materials.
Class 2: AI Video for Docs with Google Veo
- Generate video from text and images (fast, repeatable workflows)
- Direct the model with “shot language” (timing, camera moves, continuity)
- Stay organised: versions, selects, and edit-ready exports
- Upgrade footage: upscaling, basic cleanup, and what’s actually possible
- Advanced edits: remove objects/people, reframe vertical to horizontal, and character swaps
By the end of Class 2: you’ll have a reliable workflow for creating and refining AI video clips you can actually use in a documentary edit.
Class 3: AI Images for Docs with Midjourney
- Create b-roll and illustrative visuals (from abstract to specific, fast)
- Generate location visuals to support story and context
- Build “historical” imagery responsibly: look, era, and authenticity cues
- Restore and enhance old photos (clean-up, colour, upscale, repair)
- Edit and adapt images: variations, fixes, and format changes for different uses
By the end of Class 3: you’ll be able to generate, restore, and edit documentary-ready images, and turn them into usable story visuals and promo assets without a design team.
Class 4: AI Audio for Docs + Extended Q&A
- Clean up messy dialogue fast with Adobe Podcast Enhance
- Generate temp music for rough cuts and trailers (using Suno)
- Create narration options with ElevenLabs voices (without re-recording everything)
- Add sound effects and atmos with AI for quick polish and pacing
- Translate and localise audio with ElevenLabs (including human-assisted options)
By the end of Class 4: you’ll have a practical AI audio toolkit for cleanup, temp music, narration, SFX, and translation, plus plenty of time to troubleshoot your specific workflow in the extended Q&A.
Receive exclusive handouts designed to accelerate your AI journey:
- AI Resources Tool Kit: A comprehensive reference guide featuring the top AI tools for video and documentary production.
- ChatGPT Prompt Guide: Tailored for filmmakers, helping you get the most out of AI.
- Class Replays and Transcripts: Easily access all the class materials inside our state of the art courses platform.
"Philip's AI workshops for D-Word, Documentary Business and World Congress have solidified his reputation as a global authority on how to unlock AI's potential for transforming the production process."
- Peter Hamilton, CEO Documentary Business
Format: Four practical live classes running weekly from Tuesday, February 17th. Each session is approximately two hours long and will run from 12pm-2pm ET
Availability: The sessions will be recorded and made available to all enrolled students for a year.
Exclusive Resources: Downloadable ChatGPT Guide, AI Resources Tool Kit and Class Transcripts
You're invited to join this game-changing 4-part live class.
"Thank you so much! You definitely got my wheels turning on AI."
- Kristina B.
3-Part On Demand Class: Learn how Midjourney can help you confidently create stunning AI-generated imagery and video to support your documentary with Sundance award-winning documentary filmmaker Philip Shane.
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Discover how to leverage ElevenLabs' AI technology to enhance your documentary's audio, with professional voice, music and sound design for your film.
BUNDLE - Includes "Boost your Documentary Productions with AI", "Create Stunning AI Visuals with MidJourney" and "Master AI Audio with ElevenLabs".
