Story First
Gear changes every year. Knowing how to find, research and shape a human story doesn't.
About
An online documentary school for the stories nobody funds.
Unpackaged Stories exists because the people closest to a story are usually the least likely to be handed a camera, a crew or a budget. We teach the documentary craft directly, practically, and at a price that doesn't require a film school loan.
Learn by Making
Every module ends with something you make — not a quiz. You leave with work, not notes.
Open to Anyone
Self-paced lessons, low-bandwidth friendly, and scholarships covering up to full tuition.
What we actually teach
The whole process, in order.
Interview / 01
Finding a story and a central question.
Interview / 02
Research, access, releases and ethics.
Field notes / 03
Interviewing people so they trust you.
Field notes / 04
Shooting picture and sound that hold up.
Edit / 05
Structure, paper edit, rough cut, fine cut, finishing.
Release / 06
Festivals, digital release, trailer, poster, filmmaker profile.
On location
The work our students learn to make.
