Introduce Yourself: Sign In Here First

Hey D-Word types,

I just joined up after leaving my job as a Interactive Creative Director in advertising. My background is in documentary film making and motion graphics. I've got lots of ideas in the works and am writing proposals and treatments like crazy right now. I am really interested in the potential of interactive, non-linear story telling in documentary. If you are into the interactive possibilities as well, hit me up. Interactive story telling is the wild west right now and anything can happen. I'd love to kick ideas around.

Welcome to The D-Word, Marina and Cory. Glad you found us.

Cory, there's a solid d-word crew in Seattle- keep an eye on the "face 2 face" topic for the next get together, or suggest one yourself. Beer always seems to go over well with them.

Hi Cory – I'd love to talk with you further about this. I've been thinking about non-linear storytelling and interactive possibilities a lot on my own and then was extra buzzed after having a great chat with my friend, Elan Lee, and also attending a couple wonderful panels at SXSW. I'm also currently plotting out an interactive project to complement the doc I'm currently producing. Drop me an email or call to talk about storytelling anytime.

Hello D-Wordians!

I'm just getting my feet wet in the world of documentary and, lacking a formal education in the field, I'm starting very much from scratch. So I hope there is some space here for a someone with training-wheels.

My ambition is to transform how tourists experience a place by using documentary story-telling to create engaging and informative multi-media guides. Kind of like your guide-book on steroids.

For example, I want the tourists standing outside Buckingham Palace in London to see more than just concrete and marching soldiers. What is the history of the building? How did it become the symbolic seat of the monarchy? What is it's significance in Britain's history? Why is it relevant today?

I think a guide presented as an historical documentary can be an exciting way for tourists to learn about their surroundings – one that is more appealing than the standard-issue guide book.

I am from an (IT) technical background so I feel pretty comfortable about content delivery. However, content creation is going to be a challenge. At the moment the largest hurdle seems to be sources of affordable footage and stills. Getty/Corbis etc. have scary prices for someone without corporate backing. It would be great to hear if there are any other sources of material for historical documentary makers.

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.

Hello! I'm a writer/filmmaker from Los Angeles currently working on a documentary about life with my service dog. I've logged about eight million hours of tape and I'm just about ready to begin editing. Wishing you all the best and thanks to Doug Block for sharing this site with me! It's great!

Good luck with the eight million hours, Lauren!

Any friend of Doug's deserves it.

Hi Lauren, glad you followed up and registered. Now go all the way and sign up for professional membership here. When you do, check out the Face 2 Face topic, since there will be a small gathering of D-Word members in L.A. tomorrow night who you'll definitely want to meet. Service dogs especially welcome!

While you're at it, fill in your profile a bit more when you can.

I am now officially a professional! And today I'm up to nine million hours of tape. Double win!

Hello all...Doug Blush here, editor of WORDPLAY, IOUSA, OUTRAGE and others. Directing a feature doc with my wife on bipolar condition for later this year, and proudly premiering FREAKONOMICS Friday April 30th at Tribeca (I edited the Eugene Jarecki segment). Glad to be aboard!

Glad to have you, Doug. Some nice credits you bring along, too. Curious to hear more about your own film (in the Works in Progress topic) if you care to share.

Hello all
I'm working on a documentary film in Rocklkand. Will be filming next week. Getting tired of trekking to NYC to rent cameras. Does anyone know of any local avenues to rent , buy or borrow cameras?

Hey everyone. I'm Matt Groff, a writer-producer-director working in New York. I premiered my debut feature doc, U.N. Me, at IDFA last November (wonderful festival) and done some follow up festivals along the way. Looking forward to connecting on issues surrounding doc production and promotion.

Welcome, Alice and Matt. Alice, you're better off asking questions like that in the Classifieds topics.

Hi Everyone. I am Seth Shire, a post production supervisor and film critic with a special interest in documentaries. I look forward to discussing all aspects of documentary filmmaking from the technical to what's new and exciting in all of your work. Speaking of which Doug Blush I was at the "Freakonomics" screening at Tribeca on April 30. Nice job. In fact I have an article on my blog in which I mention it – www.unpaidfilmcritic.wordpress.com.

Great to have you here, Seth. If there's any justice in the world, you should definitely be called The Paid Film Critic very soon!

Thanks Doug.

Hello everyone
I am Jeff Bush. I work at The Wall Street Journal as a multimedia producer. I shoot and edit video stories that the print reports write as well as do a little of my own reporting. Even though I have been shooting and editing for the past 15 years or so, I have always been in more or less ENG.

I want to expand my skills by volunteering to work on a documentary in a more extreme environment. I want to learn some of the practical skills when it comes to shooting in less than ideal locations.

Hi, Jeff. Welcome to The D-Word.

Hi everyone, I'm a website editor with the Prague-based Institute of Documentary Film... Hoping to make a lot of you interested in documentary developments in Central and Eastern Europe. Please visit our portal www.dokweb.net for articles, interviews, trailers, and more...

You're welcome Jana. You've definitely got an interesting venture going on there in Prague.

A good day to all. Glad to be here & looking forward to the journey.
Best, J

Me and my friend just got back from greenland where we were filming for our first documentary. Before that, we did snowboard movies. so we met this guy from australia, murray fredericks (great guy, check out his work) and he told us about the d-word. great that such a thing exists and i am looking forward to profit and contribute to and from it..

check us out on mmpfilms.ch and read you around, thanks

Greetings, Joe and Beat. Glad to have you with us here.