I am doing a documentary!!! input appreciated!!! | |
AsperGirl
User ID: 637830 United States 04/14/2009 08:35 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 656518 Sweden 04/14/2009 09:07 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Being
(OP) User ID: 656502 United Kingdom 04/14/2009 09:09 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 654397 United States 04/14/2009 09:14 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Avoid too many open-ended questions. You need to help direct the conversation a bit to avoid too many abstract answers. In other words, given a chance many people will go way off track and start telling you all about their dog fluffy in third grade. You have to balance this by not manipulating the data to reflect your own views. |
Being
(OP) User ID: 656502 United Kingdom 04/14/2009 09:32 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Avoid too many open-ended questions. You need to help direct the conversation a bit to avoid too many abstract answers. In other words, given a chance many people will go way off track and start telling you all about their dog fluffy in third grade. You have to balance this by not manipulating the data to reflect your own views. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 654397thanks!!! any ideas on how to balance it? |
Being
(OP) User ID: 656502 United Kingdom 04/14/2009 09:44 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 656596 United States 04/14/2009 11:12 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | OP: I shot a feature-length documentary back in 1990 and let me tell you: you have ALOT of work ahead! Although completely differing in structure than films created for sheer entertainment, docs must be approached in a very similar manner: Pre-production, Production and Post-production all remain phases you'll have to complete. Your subject matter may also dictate how you tell your story - so be prepared to shift perceptions MANY times during filming... that's one thing I found especially compelling about documentaries... many times you'll have NO IDEA how your storyline will resolve itself! This stems from the genre itself: since you're presenting actual events/persons you'll have very little control over what appears onscreen [outside of shooting/editing the content], so be prepared to roll with many, many punches to your vision! SO, here's my FIRST piece of advice: SHOOT ALOT OF COVERAGE if circumstances allow. And, they probably WON'T! In some instances, you'll get ONE SHOT ONLY so [if your budget allows] try to use at least two cameras if you're approaching a large-scale event. Interviews are a different matter; you can always go back and do pickups later- but they'll ALWAYS vary in energy and frequently in original content when they are reshot... so, get what you want up front! That's why I stress so much coverage- your shooting stock will be the CHEAPEST aspect of your production, yet the most vital [unless you're shooting on actual film - which is now outrageously expensive and prohibitive to use]- so buy the best you can afford and shoot twice as much as you initally plan. BELIEVE ME: you'll be GLAD you did! NEXT: perhaps the most crucial period of your project will be Post-production - the editing processes. Here, you'll be faced with an entirely new problem that is the most personal of all documentarians. You'll have to decide how much of your own personality and attitudes will color your finished film. I KNOW: you may think you'll be completely impartial in your presentations... but, again- TRUST ME! There will come a time in your editing suite that you'll deliberately cut a scene to create a specific POV and that's when you start to cross the line into subjective filmmaking. Complete honesty can be a TOUGH taskmaster - for example: if you're filming the story of a terminal patient, how much agony and grief and suffering do you depict before you cross the line of human compassion? Some directors have NO such worries and delight in illustrating the full scope of human misery. You need to understand when you've told enough and then allow your audiences to fill in the blanks for themselves. NOW: a few words about financing. Be true to yourself and your vision especially if you're bankrolled by second/third parties. Maintaining project control is MUCH EASIER if you pay all the bills yourself even if you trust the person forking over the cash! It's inevitable that someone who donated to your cause won't like your vision and will try to get more for their money. Tell them to FUCK OFF, or better yet- don't put yourself into the position of having to do so. It may take longer to complete your film... but win or lose, it'll be TOTALLY yours!! I could share production anecdotes that would cover many more paragraphs, but I think I've given you sufficient food-for-thought. Best of luck in your production and I hope it brings you the deep personal satisfaction my own work has given me since I finished it 19 years ago. |
Passerby
User ID: 656074 United States 04/14/2009 11:14 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
being (OP) User ID: 656502 United Kingdom 04/14/2009 11:42 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | OP: Quoting: Anonymous Coward 656596I shot a feature-length documentary back in 1990 and let me tell you: you have ALOT of work ahead! Although completely differing in structure than films created for sheer entertainment, docs must be approached in a very similar manner: Pre-production, Production and Post-production all remain phases you'll have to complete. Your subject matter may also dictate how you tell your story - so be prepared to shift perceptions MANY times during filming... that's one thing I found especially compelling about documentaries... many times you'll have NO IDEA how your storyline will resolve itself! This stems from the genre itself: since you're presenting actual events/persons you'll have very little control over what appears onscreen [outside of shooting/editing the content], so be prepared to roll with many, many punches to your vision! SO, here's my FIRST piece of advice: SHOOT ALOT OF COVERAGE if circumstances allow. And, they probably WON'T! In some instances, you'll get ONE SHOT ONLY so [if your budget allows] try to use at least two cameras if you're approaching a large-scale event. Interviews are a different matter; you can always go back and do pickups later- but they'll ALWAYS vary in energy and frequently in original content when they are reshot... so, get what you want up front! That's why I stress so much coverage- your shooting stock will be the CHEAPEST aspect of your production, yet the most vital [unless you're shooting on actual film - which is now outrageously expensive and prohibitive to use]- so buy the best you can afford and shoot twice as much as you initally plan. BELIEVE ME: you'll be GLAD you did! NEXT: perhaps the most crucial period of your project will be Post-production - the editing processes. Here, you'll be faced with an entirely new problem that is the most personal of all documentarians. You'll have to decide how much of your own personality and attitudes will color your finished film. I KNOW: you may think you'll be completely impartial in your presentations... but, again- TRUST ME! There will come a time in your editing suite that you'll deliberately cut a scene to create a specific POV and that's when you start to cross the line into subjective filmmaking. Complete honesty can be a TOUGH taskmaster - for example: if you're filming the story of a terminal patient, how much agony and grief and suffering do you depict before you cross the line of human compassion? Some directors have NO such worries and delight in illustrating the full scope of human misery. You need to understand when you've told enough and then allow your audiences to fill in the blanks for themselves. NOW: a few words about financing. Be true to yourself and your vision especially if you're bankrolled by second/third parties. Maintaining project control is MUCH EASIER if you pay all the bills yourself even if you trust the person forking over the cash! It's inevitable that someone who donated to your cause won't like your vision and will try to get more for their money. Tell them to FUCK OFF, or better yet- don't put yourself into the position of having to do so. It may take longer to complete your film... but win or lose, it'll be TOTALLY yours!! I could share production anecdotes that would cover many more paragraphs, but I think I've given you sufficient food-for-thought. Best of luck in your production and I hope it brings you the deep personal satisfaction my own work has given me since I finished it 19 years ago. WOW! i dont know how to thank you! i do intend to fund the film independently- but not sure how viable that will be! perhaps you could give me a few pointers on things to look out for? e.g unexpected costs, possible pitfalls etc once again, thank you so much! |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 446295 Australia 04/14/2009 01:09 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | One of the things that came to mind. firstly, I completely agree - be true to yourself, someone said something to me awhile back - it was rather profound - in my case they said - when you write this screenplay - be sure to 'consider' 'will I be embarrassed by anything I might write that will go against my inner values - in years to come'. I hope this may be a gem for you to hold on to. All the very best! |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 656596 United States 04/14/2009 01:22 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | OP: When you get into Post-production you'll basically have two options depending upon 1. your budget and 2. your ambitions. You'll have learned ALOT about yourself [and your new craft] by then and you may decide to become a full-time filmmaker; if this is so, you may wish to invest in some good, used basic equipment [even a computer with a decent editing program is a good beginning purchase]. 19 years ago, when I made my film, sophisticated home PC's were still fairly uncommon and home editing was unheard-of! SO: I ended up renting a professional studio to generate most of my titles [$75/hr for studio time was VERY CHEAP even then, so SHOP AROUND, and go in PREPARED to waste as little time/money as possible]; the actual editing I did myself with two matched VCR's, a mixer, and an effects-generator [I bought a low-end unit for $500]. I got quite good after a couple of months [Post-production took nine times longer than everything else] and had my film done just a little over a year after I began working on it - but, I cut every possible corner I could! BTW: expect to end up with several films! By that, I mean you'll start with a roughcut then begin to refine your vision. You'll find scenes/interviews you just CAN'T part with... a really GREAT shot that sends shivers down your spine... but, one which doesn't really help your storyline. That's what I meant above about the editing process becoing so PERSONAL in scope. I started with a 120min cut, then chopped that down to 93min and finally ended up with an 85min print I could live with; This was the final cut I premiered and sold on VHS. LAter, I compensated for my "butchery" by including 30 minutes of my excised material as Special Features on a limited-edition DVD release I did in 2003... so, now I am finally content to let my baby grow old gracefully! Today -believe it or not- filmmaking has gotten much easier with the advanced technologies. When I shot my footage, the SteadiCam Stabilising System had recently been invented and was only being used sparingly in big-budget films. Today, virtually all digital cameras have a similar system as a standard onboard feature... and -as I said above- PC editing programs have become VERY sophisticated. So your enjoyment levels will be very different than my own!! LOL! A side note: when I watch my film today nearly 20 years later, I'm tempted to go back and do a "Director's Cut" using today's technologies to enhance my vision of two decades ago [I fought this urge when I did my 2003 DVD release - at that time I cleaned it up a little bit but left everthing intact... including my glaring errors as a novice documentarian! Artistic integrity and all that]. But, NO. I learned a long time ago that newer doesn't always create better and am content to allow my work to stand as it was then. OP: again, I wish you well in your endeavor; you have ahead of you one of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever accomplish in your life. And: you'll always have something to revisit -and share with others- as testimony of your visions. |
CelticLegends
User ID: 616930 United Kingdom 04/14/2009 01:24 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
being (OP) User ID: 656502 United Kingdom 04/14/2009 01:39 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Hi OP - what a great gem of advice the other Doc filmaker contributed - I'm writing my first Screenplay (Hollywood) - and even I gleaned valuable insight to the above tips. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 446295One of the things that came to mind. firstly, I completely agree - be true to yourself, someone said something to me awhile back - it was rather profound - in my case they said - when you write this screenplay - be sure to 'consider' 'will I be embarrassed by anything I might write that will go against my inner values - in years to come'. I hope this may be a gem for you to hold on to. All the very best! thats one for the notebook ;) thank you! peace and love to you all! |
Fistevil User ID: 643266 United States 04/14/2009 01:40 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
gsbltd
User ID: 656596 United States 04/14/2009 01:43 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
being (OP) User ID: 656502 United Kingdom 04/14/2009 01:49 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | OP: Quoting: Anonymous Coward 656596When you get into Post-production you'll basically have two options depending upon 1. your budget and 2. your ambitions. You'll have learned ALOT about yourself [and your new craft] by then and you may decide to become a full-time filmmaker; if this is so, you may wish to invest in some good, used basic equipment [even a computer with a decent editing program is a good beginning purchase]. 19 years ago, when I made my film, sophisticated home PC's were still fairly uncommon and home editing was unheard-of! SO: I ended up renting a professional studio to generate most of my titles [$75/hr for studio time was VERY CHEAP even then, so SHOP AROUND, and go in PREPARED to waste as little time/money as possible]; the actual editing I did myself with two matched VCR's, a mixer, and an effects-generator [I bought a low-end unit for $500]. I got quite good after a couple of months [Post-production took nine times longer than everything else] and had my film done just a little over a year after I began working on it - but, I cut every possible corner I could! BTW: expect to end up with several films! By that, I mean you'll start with a roughcut then begin to refine your vision. You'll find scenes/interviews you just CAN'T part with... a really GREAT shot that sends shivers down your spine... but, one which doesn't really help your storyline. That's what I meant above about the editing process becoing so PERSONAL in scope. I started with a 120min cut, then chopped that down to 93min and finally ended up with an 85min print I could live with; This was the final cut I premiered and sold on VHS. LAter, I compensated for my "butchery" by including 30 minutes of my excised material as Special Features on a limited-edition DVD release I did in 2003... so, now I am finally content to let my baby grow old gracefully! Today -believe it or not- filmmaking has gotten much easier with the advanced technologies. When I shot my footage, the SteadiCam Stabilising System had recently been invented and was only being used sparingly in big-budget films. Today, virtually all digital cameras have a similar system as a standard onboard feature... and -as I said above- PC editing programs have become VERY sophisticated. So your enjoyment levels will be very different than my own!! LOL! A side note: when I watch my film today nearly 20 years later, I'm tempted to go back and do a "Director's Cut" using today's technologies to enhance my vision of two decades ago [I fought this urge when I did my 2003 DVD release - at that time I cleaned it up a little bit but left everthing intact... including my glaring errors as a novice documentarian! Artistic integrity and all that]. But, NO. I learned a long time ago that newer doesn't always create better and am content to allow my work to stand as it was then. OP: again, I wish you well in your endeavor; you have ahead of you one of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever accomplish in your life. And: you'll always have something to revisit -and share with others- as testimony of your visions. im starting to feel guilty replying to your info because it is so insightful and i have no way to repay your kindness. perhaps it will please you some way to know i will be releasing the documentary for free on google as soon as it is finished- and it will be the first part of a series. perhaps you could leave a name or alias that i could kindly add to the credits :) thanks again to everyone!!! and i welcome any more! |
Anonymous Coward (OP) User ID: 656502 United Kingdom 04/14/2009 01:51 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 656694 Ireland 04/14/2009 01:54 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
being (OP) User ID: 656502 United Kingdom 04/14/2009 01:59 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Quoting: Anonymous Coward 656694 i will definately purchase that. thank you! |
Starbug
User ID: 608387 United States 04/14/2009 02:06 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Hi... Quoting: Beingi am from the UK and i am currently planning on making a documentary/multiple-interview project over the summer of 2009. the aim will be to discover what 'the people' really think about the world they live in considering the current state of affairs. i will be trying to include as many different social groups as possible in order to produce representative results. i am a firm believer in the powerful influence of positive intention and perception- and feel that this has a big part to play in allowing others to help awaken themselves. although i am not specifically looking for anyone to collaborate or join me on my project(but am open to suggestions), i would definately appreciate any tips/ ideas/ opinions that people can give as well as advise from anyone who has carried out interviews or produced a documentary. the methodology i will be using will be quite different to what is usually adopted and so i thought i could only benefit from giving people a rare chance to have some input into what i hope will be a very interesting and educating project. all comments/ideas/suggestions and help welcome!!!! Thanks!!! The key is "asking the right questions in the right manner!" As a rule, remember, "KISS-keep it simple stupid." Don't try and impress yourself-instead, remember your target audience & format your "Q&A" accordingly. Also, in general, people tend to prefer "sound-bites" (in lieu of rambling.) Good luck. Starbug Here's a quick reference; [link to www.amazon.com] [link to www.amazon.com] [link to www.amazon.com] iStarbug So remember, when you're feeling very small and insecure, How amazingly unlikely is your birth, And pray that there's intelligent life somewhere up in space, 'Cause there's bugger all down here on Earth. Monty Python - Galaxy Song |
being (OP) User ID: 656502 United Kingdom 04/14/2009 02:15 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Hi... Quoting: Starbugi am from the UK and i am currently planning on making a documentary/multiple-interview project over the summer of 2009. the aim will be to discover what 'the people' really think about the world they live in considering the current state of affairs. i will be trying to include as many different social groups as possible in order to produce representative results. i am a firm believer in the powerful influence of positive intention and perception- and feel that this has a big part to play in allowing others to help awaken themselves. although i am not specifically looking for anyone to collaborate or join me on my project(but am open to suggestions), i would definately appreciate any tips/ ideas/ opinions that people can give as well as advise from anyone who has carried out interviews or produced a documentary. the methodology i will be using will be quite different to what is usually adopted and so i thought i could only benefit from giving people a rare chance to have some input into what i hope will be a very interesting and educating project. all comments/ideas/suggestions and help welcome!!!! Thanks!!! The key is "asking the right questions in the right manner!" As a rule, remember, "KISS-keep it simple stupid." Don't try and impress yourself-instead, remember your target audience & format your "Q&A" accordingly. Also, in general, people tend to prefer "sound-bites" (in lieu of rambling.) Good luck. Starbug Here's a quick reference; [link to www.amazon.com] [link to www.amazon.com] [link to www.amazon.com] wow! thank you starbug! i really appreciate your time! i hope all that contribute actually get to see it! :) |
prothink User ID: 656691 United States 04/14/2009 02:19 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Anonymous Coward (OP) User ID: 656502 United Kingdom 04/14/2009 02:22 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Ostria
User ID: 656417 Greece 04/14/2009 02:31 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Keep in mind that the sound is as important as the image. Use different extra microphones, especially the ones that are targeted to the person that talks and a sound mixer with several channels so you can cover unexpected problems later in editing. What about the crew? How many members? |
Anonymous Coward (OP) User ID: 656502 United Kingdom 04/14/2009 02:37 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Keep in mind that the sound is as important as the image. Use different extra microphones, especially the ones that are targeted to the person that talks and a sound mixer with several channels so you can cover unexpected problems later in editing. Quoting: OstriaWhat about the crew? How many members? At the moment, i have me + 2. however, they will mainly be inputing in the filming etc. may i ask why? i feel you know something i dont lol thanks for the reply!!!!! |
CelticLegends User ID: 616930 United Kingdom 04/14/2009 03:03 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
being User ID: 656733 United Kingdom 04/14/2009 03:05 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Bob Saget
User ID: 578679 United Kingdom 04/14/2009 03:15 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Can I be in it? I always wanted to be a film star. I have great star potential, and am very good at acting and stuff. Go on.....Please. All my life I have waited for this moment. My life will not be worth living otherwise. Simon Cowell failed to recognize my potential. Don't you make the same mistake. So....what do you say? The chariots of God are tens of thousands, and thousands of thousands. |
Being
(OP) User ID: 656733 United Kingdom 04/14/2009 03:19 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Can I be in it? Quoting: Bob SagetI always wanted to be a film star. I have great star potential, and am very good at acting and stuff. Go on.....Please. All my life I have waited for this moment. My life will not be worth living otherwise. Simon Cowell failed to recognize my potential. Don't you make the same mistake. So....what do you say? didnt you get my email about it last week? |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 656327 United States 04/14/2009 03:20 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |