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Sounds like a great idea, Laura. Nick Fraser, who runs the
Storyville doc strand for the BBC, complained to me recently that
there just aren't enough funny documentaries out there. He's someone
you might want to approach when you have a strong sample tape (or
rough cut, if you're not making a sample).

Anyway, welcome to The D-Word Forum. You might want to register for
the private D-Word Community where all the working doc makers hang
out: www.d-word.com/join. There's an extra step involved.

Thank you for the welcome/advice. How can I reach Mr. Fraser?

Don't want to give out his info in the public forum, Laura. But he's
easy enough to find. Google "Storyville, BBC" and you should find it.

Thank you, understood. I am so grateful to have come across this
website/community. (So excited!!!!)

Hi, I'm new to this forum.
I tried and failed to register in the community forum anyhow
I'll try again later. I have worked for a couple of documentary
filmmakers and am now about
to venture for the first time on my own.
I am scared of being unprepared but at the same
time am very excited.

I have my PD 150, a wireless mic, my on board mic
and hope to survive this adventure.

If anyone has any magic words of advice
I would really appreciate it.

Welcome, Shirli. Here's your magic words of advice:

JUST DO IT!

Those are good ones!!!!

I am running into stupid technical problems.
I wonder if someone could shed some light

I got two power2000 sony NP-F950 replacement batteris
and they are acting weird. My camera
shows that they are full when they are not....
the running time is not accurate...and I don't
want to take any chances.

Does anyone have any experience with these batteries?
Should I return them and never again
touch non Sony batteries? Some people here
have told me that they are inferior and can cause
damage to my camera...

what do you think???

I'd try running the batts til they drain then charge. Then drain and
charge again. It might be a memory issue. Or call the company. If
neither works, get Sony batts (I assume you have a Sony camera).

BTW, in the future, ask any specific questions like this in the
Mentoring topic.

Hey everybody.
I'm sitting outside an internet cafe at 2 am in seattle using
free airport internet service. I'm still all geeked out about it. Just moved to
Seattle from Colorado hoping to find a more active community for
filmmakers(and a job).
Got my MFA in Chicago at Columbia college, made one long doc and a few
shorts. Struggling to get to the next plateau, but enjoying the climb. It's really
cool to see so many folks talking about doc. jk
ps. what's the deal with the different forums?

Hi everyone

Its Joanna 'first time doco maker' here!

I have this problem with my doco. I have finished filming, and im
done capturing in final cut pro.

My problem is that while i was going over the rushes etc. I found
that most of my really good takes are rushed and short. There are no
talking heads, so sound isnt a problem for now. Except i will have
problems with the voice over later.

Is there a way to make my doco flow better? What kinds of transition
effects can i use to make my timeline cuts smoother and less
intrusive to my audience. Or is there a particular style that
someone can refer me to?

Welcome, James and Joanna. James, the different forums are special
periodic discussions we hold with guest doc luminaries. Joanna,
impossible to answer questions like that in a forum like this. I
suggest you hire a good experienced editor or consulting editor.

:(

Doug...
I am a one person show with no budget and I want to do this to the
best of my ability :) I am only a student.
I know its a little much..
But i was just wondering if there was anyone out there with anything
to share.

You can ask whatever you want in the Mentoring topic, Joanna. This
is mainly for introductions.

hello i am new
i live on the lost coast, in fortuna california.

Hello new Doug. Welcome.

hau (hello)

I am a newbie to this site and to documentaries. I am native ameican and live in
southwestern South Dakota USA. I work for a Native Ameican College (Oglala lakota
College). I am a musican and have been interested in film and video for some time
but have not had the resources. Well I now do. Our college has supported me and
now I have two digital cameras, non-linear editing system, protools gear and plan on
purshasing an HD camera. Right now there are only two of us doing the work. I am in
the process of learning all the software required. The other person wears other hats
also.

We are interested in recording our tribal histories and stories. I can't wait to see all
the resources available here.

Tony, Welcome. If you're not awareof http://www.nativetelecom.org
native american public television, that site will have some
interesting information for you. I'm working on a project with
native alaskans... one of my advisors is a musician with Pamyua and
they are providing some of the key music for my film...

And not to bury you under too much information but there's a good
link for advice on gathering oral histories
http://www.h-net.org/~oralhist/

if you use their search function you can find some good articles to
guide you on both recording technique and ideas for planning
projects.

Good luck with your projects

I don't check in here regularly but on of our members told me of
your posting so if you have questions feel free to email me (but
note I'll be gone from Oct 10 to Nov 5.

mikegreen@mail.com
www.camediainc.com

Welcome, Tony! Make sure to introduce yourself in
{LINK NOT IMPORTED} as well.

Hi,

I am new to the page and docs. I am a chemical engineer in canada.
Have been interested in movie making since i was very young, first
production used the editing method of videotaping playback on a tv.
Just finished a five minute documentary and LOVED it. Want to go
further, want more info, excited to find the site.

Welcome, Ryan.

Hey everyone,

I'm in my second year at university, taking some film courses, and
trying to figure out how to start a career in film. right now im
really anxious to get started making my own films, including
documentaries, but i don't know how to get started..and so i'm here
to find out!..im really new to it all, so I'm glad to have found this
site/forum :)

Michele

Glad you found us, Michele. Now, get a camera and start shooting!

new to this forum. am in the process of making my 3rd film. this one
has to be good, so I am very interested in thoughts and experiences
of others.

The others didn't have to be good? Anyway, hope this forum helps
this one to be good ;-)

Hi! I have no background in filmmaking, but was asked by a close
friend to help (in whatever capacity I can) in the creation of a
documentary. I'm sure can learn some worthwhile basics here, to say
the least! Thanks to all for this forum.