Introduce Yourself: Sign In Here First

Hi all. Just realizing I don't think I ever introduced myself here, so figured I'd take the opportunity. After slaving in the commercial world and working in production for several series' and a couple doc features, finally got the nerve to get my own project off the ground. With a small grant from a non-profit, covering equipment costs, and an entire crew backing out one by one as they realized the reality of where we were shooting (a year in an Argentine shantytown) I managed to survive the shoot as a one-man-band, juggling between camera & logistics.

For those interested, a trailer can be seen here:
http://www.chargingbullfilms.com

Currently, I'm working on getting a distribution sales rep, submitting to festivals, etc. And as that's moving forward, prepping things to get a couple other projects off the ground.

Glad to be a part of the community and looking forward to help when I can. It's truly a breath of fresh air to see a group of people all in the same fight, willing to share info to help those of like mind. Unfortunately, all too uncommon in the production world.

Welcome, Ethan, and thanks for finally introducing yourself. We should follow up on this in the Marketing and Distribution topic, but you'll find that sales reps generally won't be interested in taking you on until you get a premiere at one of the top festivals (Sundance, Toronto, Tribeca, etc).

Hi all,
I am looking to make documentaries on wildlife and habitat conservation issues in India. Would like to link up with like minded people. I have an identified project and would like to execute it in March 08 if everything goes ok.
Cheers,

Oops I meant March 09!

In reply to Baldev Rayat's post on Wed 17 Dec 2008 :

Hi Baldev,
Merry Christmas! I would like to get some input from you on sound recording for documentaries...if you don't mind. What would be the best equipment to use for a documentary where I need to capture sound outdoors? Is it best to get one where it is integrated with the camera or better to get an external recorder? If so which one?
Thanks ever so much for your help,
Regards, (my email – prabs_n@yahoo.com)
Kanasu

Record to the camera for ease of editing, especially if you are just beginning. Less equipment to handle. Unless of course, you just want wild sound, then you can use a digital recorder like the Zoom H2 or H4. Input with a good mic like a Schoeps. If you have the budget then a Sound Device 702

Welcome, Prabha. So you know, all questions should be posted in the Mentoring topic. This is just for introductions.

Well, here I am, on the D-word at the urging of my friend, Tanner Wolfe. I own a film production company called Dusk Films. I am transforming it into a non-profit. Exciting times. I hope to contribute to the site as much as possible and I hope to learn from all of you as well. I love community stuff and I love film.

Welcome, Aaron. You're gonna want to sign up for full membership to get the full benefit of the topics here.

My friend Doug Block has been urging me to join d-word for years! I am happy to finally be here. I have always enjoyed the community of documentary film makers when I have been at film festivals. So now I guess I have that community on tap.
I am amongst other things, a documentary film maker. Having made films about OTHER people I am currently making two films which include MYSELF.
I was trained as an ethnographer – one who uses their own self as an instrument of understanding the world view of others. Although I tell my own story on stage – in a performance called Two Men Talking – the enterprise or telling my story on film is one of the most challenging I've ever undertaken.
Perhaps there are those of you out there in the same boat.

either on the stage or in the boat. I find it difficult when I have a foot in each, though elastic underwear has made this almost achievable.

Welcome at last, Murray, but you're only halfway here. You now need to sign up as a full member to gain access to all the discussion topics.

Murray is a being a bit humble, as usual. He made a terrific feature documentary called "Paternal Instinct" that I'm proud to say I co-produced. And he was nominated for an Academy Award (with Roger Weisberg) for the short, "Why Can't We Be A Family Again?" And he's a total sweetheart of a homo sapien.

Welcome, Murray! I saw "Paternal Instinct" a couple of years ago and was completely blown away – it's still one of my favorite films ever!

Hi All, just joined the d-word this week, not sure why it took so long! I run a fledgling documentary production company, and am obsessed with all things documentary. Currently working on finishing a feature length doc 2 years in the making, about a kibbutz in Israel. I'm looking forward to learning and contributing at the d-word.

Welcome, Ben. Do share more about your film in the Members Films topic. I had a chance to see the rough cut and am only sorry that timing did not work out to screen it at Docs In Progress.

Hi Erica, I will do that. Didn't have enough time to work on it to submit it again for January, but we are hoping to re-submit for the March screening. By the way, the new Docs In Progress website is great!

I'll let Adele know you want to be considered for March and I guess you spilled the beans on something I wanted to announce in the Member's Websites topic so follow me there.

Hi everybody
my name is Issar Shulman,I'm a musician.I do specially like documentary movies and for the music I wrote for the film "To die in Jerusalem" I was nominated for an Emmy award in September 2008.
I had a great experience working with HBO,editor Geof Bartz and director Hilla Medalia.that is the cause for my decision to move to NY in March and try to make as much connections I can.
you can hear some of my music in my web site
www.issarshulman.com

hope for inspiring collaboration in the documentary realm and feel free to ask me for music suggestions if you are looking for music to your movies.

In reply to Issar Shulman's post on Mon 5 Jan 2009 :

Welcome Issar! I just listened to your samples. Very impressive. I'm positive you'll be making connections here. In my opinion this is one of, if not, the best forum for documentary filmmakers/musicians/whatever out there.

thank you Michael that was really fast I've just found this site thanks again

Welcome, Issar, and thank you for the praise, Michael.

Who else is out there who has been meaning to introduce themselves? ;-)

Hello everyone! I've been producing documentaries for a couple of years with d-word member Ben Crosbie, but have only just now joined the forum! I'm looking forward to connecting with other people who share my passion.

A passion and a magnificent obsession!

Good to have you here, Tessa and Issar. Welcome.

In reply to Issar Shulman's post on Mon 5 Jan 2009 :

Hi,Issar, we are Russian cinema (not big)and music production company.Music for films – in our list.So we are interesting in cooperation.I`ll write you a letter this week.Your work is impressive.Michal Stein, info@storypictures.biz