Introduce Yourself: Sign In Here First

I thought I would re-introduce myself briefly, since I haven't been around in over a year.

My name is Jason Caminiti, I made a Documentary a number of years ago called Pawtucket Rising (www.pawtucketrising.info) which played on RIPBS. You can view the entire doc on my page through Vimeo.

Currently, I have been thinking about working on a documentary that I had the idea for during my work on Pawtucket Rising. Unfortunately, now that I have made a documentary, I know what work really needs to go into it. This makes me extremely worried about starting a new project. But, I figured I'd come here for some encouragement and comiseration.

Hope to see you all in the forums!

DON'T DO IT, JASON! (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

Welcome back and remember that procrastinating on The D-Word is almost as good as actually making a documentary. And much less expensive. Good luck!

Lol! Thanks for the sage words of advice. BTW. I've been wanting to see your new doc, is it still making the circuit, or is it out on DVD yet?

As a matter of fact, THE KIDS GROW UP comes out on dvd next week, July 19. Includes 4 dvd extras with 45 minutes of bonus material. And you can pre-order it now!

Wait, is this the Shameless Self-Promotion topic?

Hi,

I'm new here. I am an artist-curator-librarian who is currently working on a documentary film about Joybubbles – a blind phone phreak (telephone hacker). I made an audio documentary collage of sorts on the subject, which anybody can listen to over the phone at 718-362-9578.

I'm here seeking general advice about doc filmmaking for newbies.

My first question has to do with legal stuff. Is there a good general template out there for interviewees to sign – granting me permission to use them in my doc, for promotion, etc.?

I'm also wondering if there are any organizations out there that are more likely than others to give money to emerging filmmakers like myself?

Thanks!

Rachael

www.rachaelmorrison.com

Hello...

Another newbie here.

After years of toiling cutting indy features, editing series TV (Numb3rs), I returned to my first love, docs, three years ago. Since then I've cut a doc feature on the Dalai Lama (Dalai Lama Renaissance), directed and edited my first doc feature (HomeGrown) and cut a biopic of the Native American leader Dennis Banks (A Good Day to Die)

I look forward to learning and sharing with ya'll!

Robert

Hi everyone!

My name is Melissa Silvestri. I was Assistant Editor for Filmmaker Magazine for two years, and have covered independent film for several film websites, including IONCinema, Cinespect, Women & Hollywood, Dance on Camera Journal, and Film Monthly. I truly enjoy writing about documentary films, because there is so much depth in topics that aren't as well-known to the public.

Currently I am working as a freelance writer, and am looking into doing transcribing jobs, such as transcribing from audio interviews. I am so interested as well in getting to know filmmakers and possibly covering them for future stories.

Rachael, I really liked your website, especially the 20 Things About Me part. That is cool that you are a librarian! I'm interested in being an archival assistant, but a few librarians advised me against getting an MLS degree, saying too many libraries are in trouble these days to make the investment for one.

Welcome to The D-Word, Rachael, Robert, and Melissa!

Phone hacking... how topical!

Welcome, everybody :)

Hi all,
My name is Bonnie Friedman and I just completed my first doc. It was a total labor of love and the process keeps me sane while working my "day" job. I now need guidance on the business side of things and hope to find that here.
thanks

Welcome Bonnie. Just ask away in the Mentoring Room .

Hey Everyone,

My name is Andrew James. I co-directed a documentary called CLEANFLIX which had a pretty decent festival run last year. It premiered at TIFF in 2009 and screened at a bunch of other festivals. Its about the movie sanitizing industry (which started in Utah) and the Mormon culture which created it and supported it. We are working on a small distribution deal right now.

I'm currently working on a new project about how people are adapting to post-industrial spaces in Detroit. We are taking a direct cinema approach. No interviews. No graphics. No voice over. The subjects never even break the fourth wall. The working title of the film is STREET FIGHTING MAN. We are shooting with the 7D.

I'm happy to be here, looking forward to connecting with other filmmakers, and excited to take part in the sharing of ideas.

In reply to Andrew James Schleiffarth's post on Mon 25 Jul 2011 :

Welcome, Bonnie and Andrew....

Hello everyone – I joined D-word a few days ago after meeting Doug in Berlin. It seems to be a great network! I just finished my third feature documentary with Eric Black, “Heart of Sky, Heart of Earth” after wonderful 13 months living and filming with the Maya in Mexico and Guatemala (and a few difficult years of financing and post production…). The film will have a theatrical release in Germany on November 17. In this world of vanishing documentary slots on television and after some negative experiences with world sales agents, I am especially looking forward to discussing new ways of distribution.
Kind regards, Frauke

Welcome to The D-Word, Frauke! Meeting you and Eric last week was a real highlight of my week in Berlin, so it's great that we'll get to see each other here from time to time. Or maybe we can lure you to join us in NYC on Aug 11 for The D-Word's 12th birthday bash ;-)

Dear Doug, August 11 is also Eric's birthday AND the beginning of the ancient Mayan calendar... But unfortunately I'm afraid we won't make it to NY so soon...

Ok, nice excuses so we'll let you off this time. Just two words for you: Film Forum. And two others: Fingers crossed.

Hello All!

Great to see all these introductions. Right now I guess I don't have too much to say about myself, but I have worked in production for a few years, now. I love storytelling, educating, and allowing people to tell their stories.

Right now, I am looking at creating a transmedia project that would be ongoing. I just need to get things ready to apply for grants. So, if you have any suggestions, please throw them my way.

Thanks!
-Kim

Welcome everyone!

In reply to Doug Block's post on Tue 26 Jul 2011 :

Isn't The D-Word's birthday in September?

Hello all – I am film composer who was introduced to D-Word by friends at the 2011 Silverdocs Festival, where my film, "Long Way Home: The Loving Story" was screening with HBO. Feel free to give a shout out if there is anything I can help you with on the musical front. I will be at the party tonight and am very much looking forward to meeting you all. My D-Word link is here:

http://www.d-word.com/people/dmajzlin

Cheers, David
www.davidmajzlin.com

David, terrific to see you here. It was great to make your acquaintance at Silverdocs – and as I told you then, I think the music for The Loving Story plays an eloquent, effective role in a very powerful film.

Hi Everyone

This is Jessica Miller from Transcription wave that offer an assortment of transcription services for audio, video and interviews at an unbelievably low cost. Our transcription services are available for a wide spectrum of customers: interviews, conference calls, focus groups, film and television production companies; raw footage/B-roll and closed captioning of scripts. Inward we accept audio or videotapes and all digital file formats like mp3, wav, wma, mov, avi, mp4, etc.

In reply to Frauke Sandig's post on Tue 26 Jul 2011 :

Frauke and Eric are fine filmmakers. Congratulations on the new film and welcome to The D-Word...

And keep us posted on your progress, Frauke. Did you ever hear from the Film Forum?

So nice to hear from you, John and Doug!
We haven't tried the film forum yet, but will be in New York for a few days in September...