"Doc. Film School" is an impact documentary filmmaking course and community specifically designed for individuals who desire to make purpose-driven films that entertain, educate, and inspire audiences to participate in a bigger story.
Who we are: Over the past 25 years Gratis 7 Films has produced multiple award-winning impact documentary films that have been released on all the major platforms, reached hundreds of thousands of people, ignited thousands of volunteers to get involved, and has raised millions of dollars for our non-profit partners. Now, our goal is to invest what we've learned in the next generation.
What You'll Learn
Have you ever wanted to tell stories that inspire real change? Do you dream of making films that entertain while leaving a lasting impact on your audience?
In our impact documentary film school, you will learn how to develop an idea by finding world-class stories and refining them through a structured evaluation process. During the development phase, you will focus on storytelling techniques, crafting compelling narratives, and planning your documentary in detail. Pre-production will cover assembling your team, producing, budgeting, and preparing for filming.
In the production phase, you'll learn how to plan and execute your shoot efficiently, manage your crew, stay on schedule, and capture quality footage within your budget. Post-production will guide you through story editing and refining your narrative through feedback.
One of the most valuable aspects of this course is our step-by-step systems for marketing, distribution, and crafting an impact strategy. We’ll help you identify your target audience and create a marketing plan that speaks directly to them. Together, we'll create the best distribution options—whether it's film festivals, online platforms, or strategic partnerships and show you how to launch your film for maximum impact.
Finally, we’ll create an well crafted impact strategy to make sure your documentary doesn't just reach audiences but inspires real world change that moves your audience from viewer to participant.
Meet your Instructor
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T.C. Johnstone is a multi-award-winning documentary film director/producer. He has produced and directed multiple features and short documentaries including “Rising From Ashes,” executive produced by Oscar winning actor Forest Whitaker.
The film won awards at 19 film festivals, received US and international distribution and was a catalyst for the creation of the Rising From Ashes Foundation which continues to support the work of peace and reconciliation in Rwanda and around the world.
Additional film projects include numerous successful short documentary films. “Red Horizon”, narrated by eight time grammy winner Usher, the story of a group of young pilots carrying on the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen while changing the racial imbalance in the world of aviation.
“Teen Press”, winner of numerous festival audience awards, follows an innovative teacher and a group of aspiring teens participating in a unique immersive journalism program at Santa Barbara Middle School.
T.C,’s newest film, “In the Dirt,” has successfully screened in over 85 communities since its release in September, 2023. This film follows a group of passionate Native American cyclists, school social workers, and community elders attempting to bring the sport of mountain biking to the Navajo Nation, where no bike shops exist.
T.C. is also the founder of the Gratis 7 Media Group Foundation which produces films designed to create measurable change in 5 specific areas: reconciliation, equipping servant leaders, assisting the poor, caring for the sick, and educating the next generation. T.C. and his wife, Kristen, are partners in their company Gratis 7 Productions. They live in Boulder, CO. T.C. continues to produce and direct films as well as consult non-profits on media strategy.
