"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."

Transform Your Documentary Productions

  • Master the art of using ChatGPT, Google Veo, Midjourney, Suno 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.

Unleash the Potential of AI in Your Documentary Journey

Enroll in this 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.

Originally delivered as four live sessions, now available to access in full as on-demand recordings.

Why AI? Why Now?

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


What You'll Learn!

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 

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.


Exclusive Resources

Receive exclusive handouts designed to accelerate your AI journey:

- AI Prompt Guide: Tailored for filmmakers, helping you get the most out of AI across different tools.

- AI Resources Library: A set of links to useful articles and sites regarding AI Ethics, Legal Frameworks and other guidelines relevant to Documentary Filmmakers looking at AI.

- Class Replays: Easily access all the class materials inside our learning platform.

Who Should Join?

This class is perfect for beginner and intermediate filmmakers eager to incorporate AI into their documentary productions.

Whether you're looking to streamline your workflow, enhance your storytelling, or simply explore new creative possibilities, this course offers practical, in-depth content far beyond the typical class, all tailored for documentary filmmakers.
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Meet Your Instructor

Philip Shane

Philip is an award-winning documentary filmmaker with over 35 years of experience. Philip's work has appeared on PBS, ABC, and the History Channel, among many other platforms, including theatrical releases worldwide. Philip's acclaimed films include "BEING ELMO: A Puppeteer's Journey," which won the Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Beyond filmmaking, Philip hosts the science podcast WHAT THE IF? and has become a sought-after speaker on AI in documentary filmmaking. He has presented at the DOC NYC and DC/Dox Film Festivals, and conducts in-depth seminars for The D-Word and Peter Hamilton’s Documentary Business & The Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television. He was a featured panelist at the World Congress of Science & Factual Producers and 2024 Woodstock Film Festival.

Philip teaches at the New York Film academy, recently instructed as part of the Sundance Collab weekend intensive, “Navigating AI in Filmmaking”, and also produces the weekly webinar series, AI CAFE, for professional filmmakers.

"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

Class Details

Format: Four practical, in-depth recorded classes, originally delivered live in weekly sessions. Each class runs for approximately two hours.

Availability: Enrol now and get one year of access to all session recordings to watch on demand, whenever it suits you.

Exclusive Resources: Plus a downloadable Prompt Guide and links to other useful AI Resources for Doc Filmmakers.

What Students Say About Philip Shane's AI Classes

Start Watching Today!

Get instant access to the 4-part class, available to watch on demand.

By the end of the programme, you’ll have a clear understanding of how AI can support your documentary in practical ways, whether that’s generating ideas, shaping scripts, creating visuals, improving audio, or speeding up parts of post.

Just as importantly, you’ll be better equipped to make sense of a fast-moving landscape and decide which tools are actually worth your time.
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 "Thank you so much! You definitely got my wheels turning on AI."

- Kristina B.

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