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Hi all,

What a wonderful site! I am a screenwriter and freelance journalist based in Derry in the north of Ireland. My passion is movies, documentaries and music. I am currently conducting research for my third movie script (recently finished the final polish of my first script with my second on its third draft). I have a few ideas for documentary films / series that I have been developing (only really in subject research for now) and am currently finding out the best ways to get the first project underway – getting a team together, getting it financed, getting it picked up etc. It will be great to hook up with some like-minded souls on here, and I look forward to getting in touch with some of you soon.

All the best,
John

Welcome, Jasper and John. Very ambitious project, Jasper, and hugely expensive, I'd imagine. Hard to see proceeding without corporate backing, or someone like Lonely Planet. Or, hell, maybe even Google. John, it's a little late to go to the pitching sessions at the Toronto Documentary Forum as an observer, but keep IDFA in mind for November. A very valuable way to meet broadcasters and learn what kind of projects they're seeking. And how others go about financing their docs.

Thanks Doug! I would love to check some of those out. Sadly, being based in Ireland, it's not as easy to get to those over on Canada. There's never anything like that here in Ireland. But, I shall do my best to seek some out!

Hello, everyone! I am currently in production of a feature length documentary about the different viewpoints at play with revitalizing urban neighborhoods.
I am filming here in Cincinnati OH USA. My film focuses a great deal on the legacy of the late social activist Buddy Gray. One aspect of significance with my project in today's world of documentary filmmaking is that I am shooting with super16mm film rather than video. This aesthetic is very important to me for this project.
I joined D-Word because I want to 'go public' with the project and learn how to make the most of available resources and best-practices. I am ready to start applying for grants and could really use some guidance in this area.

Thank you!

Mark Hood

Welcome to The D-Word, Mark. Feel free to register for full membership, which will give you access to the vast majority of discussion topics.

Hi John, IDFA's in Amsterdam. AirLingus tickets, when ordered in advance, cost nothing (you can get a roundtrip for under 100 euros)

Hi I'm a first time documentary filmmaker and I was hoping to get some example of grant applications that have been funded and ideas for style and distinct visual/technical elements. Also will be interested in which documentary film festivals are your favorites. Thanks!

Hello, I am michael gatti trying to make a documentary and well getting funding is kicking my arse right now. My so called 'production company' is Max Ham Productions and I am out of Derry, N.H

welcome to the d-word, michael. most everyone's getting their arse's kicked these days, join the club.

Hi everyone, I'm a long time fan/recently turned Member of the D-Word. I'm a first time doc filmmaker as well, and feel fortunate to say that after 7 unbelievable years, my personal doc--A Lot Like You--is finally enterring its home stretch.

My friend Basil, whom many of you know, helped us design our movie website (www.alotlikeyoumovie.com), which contains our latest trailer. I would greatly appreciate any feedback on our trailer and/or the website, which we are currently beta testing...

What a tremendous resource this is. Thank you all for being here!!!!!

In reply to Cory Fisher's post on Thu 11 Feb 2010 :

Hi Cory. You should check out www.documentaryhowto.com. They have alot of great information, webinars, teleseminars, budget templates, distribution contact information, etc. to help you get started with your own documentary. Good luck!

Hello All:

I am new here to the D-Word and currently in production on a feature-length doc about an inspiring medical maverick.

We're looking for a DP. Is this the best place to post for this or perhaps under another topic? I can include a synopsis and where interested DPs can contact us.

Cheers all!!

Welcome, Kiira. The Classifieds topic is the place to post for a DP. Good luck with your project.

I don't know what took me so long to join!

I am a filmmaker and interactive media professional (web site strategy, redesigns and most recently, managing an interactive toy platform for children).

Currently, I am in rough cut stages of a film called "Every Day Is a Holiday," a character-driven documentary about a WWII prisoner-of-war who also happens to be my father.

I recently attended Loni Ding's NYC memorial – I did not know her, but knew of her work and I have friends who were her students.

Look forward to meeting everyone.

welcome theresa! always great to have another asian american documentary filmmaker in the D-Word...

Hey Ya'll!

I'm a filmmaker in Atlanta, GA. I have a short in the finals of the International Doc Challenge and will be at Hot Docs. If anyone else is going to be in Toronto...Holla! I've got a bunch of stuff cooking--and here's my last film's website www.theculinarybrowns.com. Excited to be a new member of the d-word. Also in pre-production (and soon to be production) on a feature doc shooting in India. Would love any "words to the wise" from anyone whose worked or working in India.

Welcome to The D-Word, Phoebe and Theresa. Phoebe, you might want to look over the special Hot Docs topic, which I'm sure will get more active as we get closer to the festival. But we'll be figuring out a time and place for a D-Word f2f soon.

In reply to Eliaichi Kimaro's post on Sun 18 Apr 2010 :

Hi Eliaichi, the site looks good. Love the colors. The trailer is bold and inviting ! Am a sucker for old pictures. Reminded me of my family album .Best of luck

In reply to Phoebe Brown's post on Tue 20 Apr 2010 :

Hi Phoebe. Where in India will you be shooting? I've shot both in Pakistan and India and if you're in either of the two place in summers, you need a lot of sunblock! Also lately there have been a surge in power outages so you might wanna look into getting extra battery packs.

Am a gringo in Brazil, and have lived here since end of 2006. I have a UK registered company, but am a bit far from the UK/French/European commissioning circus. Am a DP and animator, and own an XDcam HD PDW350 for dry or wet hire here in São Paulo.

Since arriving in Brazil, I have helped local brazilian producers develop coproduction projects in the animation field, did a stint of distribution for the Brazilian market and now am back where I love best which is behind the camera.

Last month we did some executive production/camera work for Best Boy Production from Newfoundland on their Soccer Shrines series and I shot/edited a piece for the Financial Times on agribusiness.

And last but not least, I design/animate maps for documentary makers.

Am loving being in Brazil, discovering every day a bit more about this continental country.

Me on youtube: www.youtube.com/storyunlimited

Welcome, Nick. Great to have you joining us.

Dear All,

My name is Fateh Ahmed, I am an audio engineer/music composer, and currently attending a filmmaking college program where I am working on my first documentary.

I was looking for some help and direction if someone would have stock footages/photographs any of the following I would be grateful:

1. the first gulf war in 1990 when iraq invaded kuwait.
2. Swiss air crash in Peegy's Cove in 1999.
3. Halifax explosion December 6, 1917.

Thank you:)

In reply to Cory Kelley's post on Mon 5 Apr 2010 :

Hi Cory!

Are you new to Seattle or just new to D-word? Definitely keep your eyes open for d-word d-rinking.

In my 9-5 (1.5 years now) I am a shooter/producer/editor for a large hospital. I do anything from covering events, filming surgeries, to miraculous survivor stories, and profiling programs at the hospital. I have also done some commercials.

I spent a year in marketing that I'd rather forget.

Started out in local news for 3 years as a graphic designer, editor, and producer.

Beyond the day job I'd love to make a documentary. Of course I don't have any money, equipment(outside of work), or help. Have pleanty of ideas though:) I am saving up for my own equipment.

I have always been lacking a mentor in this field and usually figured things out on my own.

After reading some earlier posts I'm wondering if I should I look for help in making a documentary or just do what I have always done? Me, a camera, and a good story?

The later has always worked for me, Mathea. And joining The D-Word as a professional member will help, too. You'll get a slew of mentors.