We're offering three workshops focused on the legal and research aspects of documentary filmmaking: Contracts & Clearances 10/1, Archival Research 10/8, and Copyright & Licensing 10/15. Register for all three and receive a discounted package rate, or choose the individual workshops that best fit your needs when you register. We hope to see you there!

Archival Research 101 (Virtual)

October 8, 2026 | Online 7:00-8:30pm

A Zoom link will be shared via email 24 hours in advance.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

Archival Research 101 guides students down pathways for using third-party media in films. This course highlights how to avoid copyright and licensing pitfalls. Students will learn from pre-production to final delivery the basics of how to research, order, and clear archival photographs, films, and videos. We will move beyond Google and seek material at archives like the National Archives, Library of Congress, public libraries, museums, and universities. The course will cover media formats, copyright, licensing, budgeting, public domain materials, distributor requirements, and media management. Students will take away a list of go-to sources for historic film research and contemporary media licensing.

TEACHING ARTIST: Judith Snyderman

Judith Snyderman is a Washington, D.C. independent producer specializing in archival research, acquisitions, and clearances for documentary filmmakers, news websites, and book authors. Her background as a television writer and producer contributes to her expertise navigating federal repositories for visual and textual assets.

Judith holds an M.S. degree in broadcast television from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communications and is an alum of the RIAS Berlin Commission Journalist exchange program. She has served on the Board of Directors of Women in Film and Video and is a member of the Video Consortium and the Archival Producers Alliance.

Click Here to Register