Introduce Yourself: Sign In Here First

Hi everyone,

I'm currently filming my first documentary. My subject matter is
changing over a 12 - 14 month period of filming, and therefore I
don't have the ability to go back and reshoot something that didn't
work (creatively - not technically - that is a different challenge).

I have tried to conceive each and every possible shot I
could/should/would need at the end of 12 months, without letting the
potential of this overwhelm or dilute my focus. I'm finding this
very challenging.

When I came online today, and discovered this website, it was coming
across a road sign in a language I could read. Although the journey
will ultimately be my own, it is very cool to know that others who
have walked this same path are just a discussion forum away.

Shazia, Krystian, and Mona - welcome to The D-Word Forum!

Glad you found us, Mona. Welcome.

Hello, coming to you from snowbound western Virginia, (100
miles west of Washington DC,) I am a author/writer with
specialty in health, sciences, and have produced 4 pieces in
video format for various clients and government on healthcare,
animal health surveillance in Africa, HIV/AIDS and other pieces. I
Started as a still photographer years ago, and continue to use
film equipment (am resisting digital sorry) with now using old
16mm Bolex which is understandable for my non digital brain!
Newest project takes me to Africa again, in a few weeks , am
very interested to learn from you experts/enthusiasts here since
this is my first project of my own (read- independent, unfunded at
this point) . Applaud everyone for their pursuits, sorry this is so
wordy!!
BLH

Welcome, Barbera. Congratulations on your decision to stick to film.
After all, life is not digital, is it?

I would like to pitch a project and am also seeking finishing funds
for a project I am currently working on. Is there an appropriate way
to do this?

Not really, Rosalyn. You can join The D-Word Community - www.d-
word.com/join - and get feedback and advice, but we don't pitch here.
I suggest you read the current CE conference for info on how they wish
to be approached.

I worked for twenty-two years as a current affairs journalist with
Irish Television,RTE, and, since leaving in 1999, I have been
making international documentaries, most of them broadcast on
RTE. Please see my website, www.anynewsinc.com for further
information.

My most recent production is 'Congo, Heart of Africa' made from
material accumulated during ten weeks travelling alone in the
Democratic Rebpubic of Congo (DRC). It tells the story of the
forgotten war in DRC where 4 million have died over the past five
years, more than in any other conflict since WW2. Seven
neighbouring African countries have been involved in a vicious
scramble for Congo's wealth - gold, diamonds, copper, cobalt,
coltan, tea, coffee, timber, tobacco, oil - with US,EU and
international companies in close attendance.

This 34 min documentary was broadcast on RTE on 18 Dec
2003.

Jerry, welcome to The D-Word. Make sure to join The D-Word Community
as well. More info at <www.d-word.com/community/>, and join at
<www.d-word.com>. It's free but, unlike The D-Word Forum, it won't be
automatic this time.

Hi there, another new film maker on the big block. Educating via
entertainment is my thing. Currently working on an Irish project I
shot in August last year. Looking for funding to polish the
project. So glad to have found film to express the passion!

Delighted that you found us, Johanna. Welcome.

For funding tips, be sure to read last week's conference with
commissioning editors in Europe, as well as the one we had last year
with Jan Rofekamp.

So this is what you d-word people do all day...!

Having come to filmmaking through the back door - bet you've never
heard a law degree being referred to as that before! - it would be
great to hear from anyone with experience of pitching and producing
their first project - oh and tips of getting funded would be great
too!

cheers, s.

Welcome, Sarah. I suggest you read some of the conferences that are
archived here. Start with The International Pitching Forum {LINK NOT IMPORTED} for
pitching advice, then proceed to the recent Meet Commissioning Editors
in Europe {LINK NOT IMPORTED} for funding advice. And read Jan Rofekamp's
conference, after that... if you dare.

Welcome Sarah!

Everyone - when you introduce yourselves, please tell us where you
are based. (Sarah is in London.)

Hi D-Worders!

I'm Joe Mondello a former Cinema Studies Student from NYU
circa the late 60s and early 70s getting back to what turns
me on (groovy huh? ;) )

Just signed up for a Documentary pre-production course
at NYU and our prof recommended this website.

I look forward to participating here.

Thanks,
JM

Welcome to The D-Word Forum, Joe!

Thanks, Ben.

Are there any geographical "sub-groups" here?
I'd love to meet more folks in the NYC area.

Not in this forum, Joe. I suggest you join two great organizations,
AIVF - www.aivf.org - and DocuClub - www.docuclub.org. They hold lots
of events where you can meet other NY doc makers.

But welcome to our groovy little virtual shindig.

Thanks for the info Doug. Appreciate it.

I'm new--- Steve Olpin. I have been doing this for about 15 years. Now I mostly
do action sports with a documentary style rather than most in my world that do
it with action and music. I have had a docmentary short at Sundance about 10
years ago but have not been back(i've tired--no luck) i'm kind of loosing
interest in film festivals ----but that's is another story---they are sometimes like
high school parties it cool if you invited but now worries if not. ---I not sure how
to do this group i would love to chit chat with peers. I have finally found peers
in Action sports in surf skat snow and moto but never really found a
community in documentary---hope this works out. I shoot video and film and
cut on final cut pro. I own all my own gear and share a edit suite with a brilliant
filmmaker Tim Irwin---I could go on but I will stop and try to figure how to work
inside this group.
thank you,
Steve Olpin
SOLPIN FILMS INC

Actually, the chit chat is in the community area, which you've
already applied for, Steve. Instructions will soon be arriving via
email.

hi, my name's matt osborne, i'm 22 and currently living in Perth, Western Australia,
originally from tasmania, australia. I've recently completed an action sports video and
am about to start a university degree in film and television, specializing in
documentary. I write, shoot, edit and produce and am eager to learn from some
seasoned professionals and maybe even share a bit of young inexperienced
knowledge. My only problem is i might have one to many ideas floating around in my
head???

matt osborne
neige productions and unrest media

Thanks for the intro, Matt. Welcome.

Wow, there's a lot of documentary filmmakers out there!

My name is Anthony. New to the outreach side of documentary work and
beginning to learn video editing for future projects tucked away in
my head. Based out of Waltham, MA (right outside Boston).

And you haven't even seen how many folks we have behind the gated
walls of the community, Anthony. This forum is just the tip of the
iceburg! Anyway, glad you found us.

Greetings to all,

Like many here, I am a novice. It's a career change for me.
I had a big corporate job, and after having a "what am I doing?"
moment, walked away. I've started at the bottom and have
worked successfully on productions of other peoples projects:
I'm lucky to have connected with some very talented filmmakers.
It's kind of like a modestly paid film school for me. While I am
enjoying learning technical skills, I have yet to help craft content.
I know the best way to do this is to make a film. I have some
ideas about this, and I'm looking for a community that I can
contribute to, and learn from along the way.

So here I am.

Kevin

And we're glad you found us, Kevin. Welcome. The Albert
Maysles/Susan Froemke conference {LINK NOT IMPORTED} is one in particular you might
want to read.

Thanks, I'll give it a look.

Kevin

Hi, Doug and everybody!

I am currently based in Kyoto, Japan. My interest is in socio-
cultural issues. I am editing what I shot in Mexico initially and
figure out what I will need to shoot when I go there this year.

Kyoto is beautiful and has lots of interesing things. But documentary
filmmaking is not its strongest point. It's really great that Doug
created such a supportive environment for documentary filmmakers. Now
I can be connected to people with whom I used to hung out, while I am
in this ancient city. Thank you.

Hey, glad to hear from you, Nanako. Want to tell us a bit more about
the film you're making? And if you have any professional experience,
or at least are completing your first film, please register for the
community: www.d-word.com/community/join.

Oops, Nanako, just realized you already registered. That's great. Be
sure to post another intro in the Introduce Yourself topic within the
community, ok?

Hi, I'm new. To the forums and to documentaries in general.
I've always wanted to make documentaries but I don't really know how
and where to start.

I was hoping to pick up tips and information since I don't know
anyone in the Philippines who could help me. I know they're out
there, but I don't know where.

Well, you have plenty of reading to do here, Jonathan ;-) Take a
look at the archived conferences and you'll get a good head start.
Welcome and good luck.

Wow! Thanks for the prompt response!
I'm reading the archives right now, actually.

Also, I tried to join the D-Community by accident.
I didn't know it was for the experienced film-makers, sorry for the
hassle.
-jon

Doug, I will introduce myself at the community.

Regarding the current project, I shot some footage in a town in
Mexico, several years ago. I injured myself in the middle of it and
had to leave. So I am editing what I shot and developing it further.
I am focusing on women and aging. To finish it I have to go back
there.

Dear D-Word Forum,

I'm based in Berlin. Together with Klaus Salge, November Film, we are
producing documentaries. I am also working as a productionmanager for
fictionfilms.
At the moment we want to co-produce with a polish colleague and I
would like to get more information about the Media Plus programm for
the newcomers in the European Market, like Poland. Is there a
different in the regulation?
I just got to be a member of Cafe Utne, the whole system is new for
me, so I have to spend some time with it.
Best Regards.
Brigit Mu

Welcome, Brigit. We're on our last day of the MEDIA confererence
here {LINK NOT IMPORTED}. Be sure to check it out.

And you should sign up now for The D-Word Community, our forum for
documentary professionals: www.d-word.com/community/join

Hi all,

My name is J. Lamar King, but you can call me Jason or J. I am
looking forward to meeting like minded individuals and sharing
knowledge. My background is in cinematography, still photography and
writing, mostly about the people and places of the great state of
Texas, my home. Documentary filmmaking is a natural extension of
that. I've done it for 15 years. In addition I've had articles
published in a few national special interest magazines. I have
completed several college level documentary and filmmaking courses
and even though I'm now over 30, I'm still eyeing that MFA.

I've been working for the last 11 months on my own production
titled "School of Eternalism." It's about Korean imigrant sculptor
Yon Sim Pak who's radical experimentation with brain science and
sculpture materials could set the art world on its ear. I have at
least 12 more months on this project. 16mm and 24p.

Also I'm in pre-pro on the tentively titled "The Devil's Arrow" which
follows a group of motorcycle enthusiasts as they attempt to rebuild
a vintage land speed record setting Triumph motorcycle that was built
in Texas but was almost completely destroyed in a fire at a British
motorcycle museum in 2003. 24p and original film elements.

That's what I like to do, make films about people who accomplish
something.

You sound like a busy guy, Jason. Welcome and good luck with your
films.

Hello Doc world,

My name is Dale Galgozy. I am a filmmaker living in the Cleveland
Ohio area. I make short non-fiction films on the local and regional
arts. I have been obsessed with direct cinema for nearly 10 years now
and have no plans to get treatment. I work doing location sound for
many of the local video/filmmakers in the area. I produce my own
films when I can afford to.

My question to the many great artists that may read these postings.
Besides Frederick Wiseman, how many still shoot verite on real film?
I won't let go of the "film" camera; so I'm interested in hearing
from a few diehards.

may be a long wait, dale ;-) nice to have you here, while you do.

Hi.

I'm alex, and I'm currently studying in a Film and media school. I'm
in Singapore and in student projects we do shoot both drama and
documentaries. I have questions about documentaries and hope to surf
around here looking for answers that we students might have in the
course of filming. This mentor thing is especially attractive since
the professionals help out and share their experiences with the
students.

As a student, there are times when your dreams are too big for your
head and realising it might take many years. Yet it's the nicest part
about being who we are, just dreaming and taking one step at a time
to make sure that we get close to that dream. I like to hear what the
professionals say 'cos they definitely know more than we do and thus
the mentoring section is always a nice visit.

My interest in documentary is a farely recent one. I never thought
much about documentary until my course demanded that I take it up and
it's been a very good experience since then. I'm here to take a look
at the world of documentary online, because there are people from all
over the world who come here and post and it's a nice exposure as
compared to what I'm used to in our own little student's world.

Thank you.

alex

Welcome to The D-Word Forum, Alex. I don't have a clue about the
documentary scene in Singapore. What is it like? What films are being
made?

Hi Ben,

This is what I know. I know the local TV channels do produce
documentaries, we have a few tv channels, they range from
entertainment to arts entertainment to news. The arts central channel
produces documentaries, some will talk about the local arts scene,
some will focus on some festival, for example the Singapore arts
festival held in June, some focus on the artist and the displays of
their works, etc. For the chinese and english channels, there are
documentaries that focus on life in Singapore and the issues that
concern us, the range is wide, from healthcare to social isssues to
youth culture to crime etc..

Mostly I feel the TV industry caters to the needs of the public, at
certain times there are certain documentaries to inform and educate
the public. For example, last year we had the SARS virus, so there
are documentaries and news coverage on it which I believed is
neccessary. News and documentaries covered the issues of healthcare
and some interviewees talked about the discrimination they faced
because they chose to stand by their profession. Some also showed the
reactions of the public due to the quarantine, it was a sensitive
issue then and still is.

I don't know much about the indie scene though, my apologies.


Thanks,
alex

It's okay, Alex. Thanks for sharing what you know. Welcome and good
luck in your studies.

Hi Doug,

Thanks.

alex

Hello all,
I am very new to documentary film. In an attempt to gain
knowledge and advice, I joined this site. Hopefully this isn't the
fanciful idea of a 22 year old. I really want to get started and
have no idea where. Anyway, hello and thank you for this wonderful
site.

Phil

You're entirely welcome, Phillip. Buttering up your hosts is always
a good starting point ;-)

I recommend you start right in by reading some of the confererences
we've held and have archived here. Should take a while.

that's why we have the Mentoring topic here, matt. feel free to seek
specific info or advice there. and welcome.