The Mentoring Room - Ask the Working Pros

Hi all, I am new here and have not yet gotten to introduce myself. I am an anthro/film student at Columbia University in NYC and currently tossing ideas, scribbling in my journal and generally obsessing in thought around ideas for my first film. I was wondering if any one would suggest a good small handheld and would also not mind telling me what their choices pro's are, why they like their suggestion.

I have a PD 150 and still love it, but I was thinking of something much smaller...

Thank you!

panasonic's hmc-150 may be too big, the vixia might work for you.

I am feeling tongue tied. Every distribution workshop I have taken thus far has suggested that you call the programmer of the film festival that you have submitted to and strike up a conversation/introduce yourself. I keep picking up the phone and drawing a blank on what will be important for me to say, what will not seem redundant and irritating to someone who might get these calls all day long. Any suggestions?

I think that advice may be overrated, Katinka. Personally, I've never done it without a specific question. You might, for instance, call to say you have an updated sample and is it too late to swap it for the one you submitted. Or even a new synopsis. And it is a way for to get your film on their radar. But I'd only do that if you actually have an updated sample or synopsis that's significantly better.

Hi all,
any one knows where are the pitching forum for CROSS MEDIA or 360 degree projects in Europe? any help appreciated!
good work,
mat

Can someone link me to a good legal refresher on filming in the US and, if possible, Massachusetts? I'm about to embark on a large scale project here and I don't want to get unreasonably hassled by the man. Thanks!

What do you need to know? An hour with a good entertainment lawyer – one specializing in documentaries – would probably be as good as any course.

Basically, you want releases for everything – if you're filming in the US. Individuals, locations, etc.

If you're signing a contract of any kind, you want a lawyer.

Where would I get a good draft of a legal release to use people/places in my films?

Thanks already for your help!

Andrew, I would highly recommend you get the book Clearance and Copyright by Michael Donaldson. It's geared toward the independent filmmaker.

I am about to do a doc in Mexico. Any ideas of a good point person or company to help insurance against local hassles?

Hello – I have a silly question can u all tell me if in the film world is the word "narrative" just used for fiction films?

Ive heard the word thrown around for both documentaries and fiction long form. I always though that the word 'narrative' just meant 'story' example: what is the narrative? (to me means what is the story)

for better or worse, the term "narrative" is commonly used when referring to fiction films. obviously, we all believe that "narrative" should be able to equally describe a documentary; but in regular industry-speak, TITANIC is a narrative and HOOP DREAMS is simply a doc.

Narrative documentary – you might like to check out Sheila Curran Bernard's "Documentary Storytelling for Video and Filmmakers", also check out D-Worder Karen Everett's website

Thank u both John and Christopher :)

Does anyone know how much a 20-30 clip of a film like "Enchanted" would cost in order to be used for a documentary? I also wanted to use a clip from the show "Roseanne", I love Lucy, Leave it Beaver and other similar shows.

IMDB Pro doesn't have the video stock departments listed for Disney or the 5 major networks.

Also can someone like Disney prohibit the usage or referencing of their company's name or logos in a documentary that depicts them in a bit of an unflattering light? Do I need their approval?

I know the producer/director that did "Supersize Me" was able to shoot inside different McDonalds and use the McDonalds logo and his doc was against McDonalds – so I'm wondering how he got away with that.

There's a short answer to this: get yourself a lawyer. You can be sure that clearing the legal side of satirical/critical films like "Supersize Me" takes quite a bit of time and money.

It's also my understanding that McDonalds made a strategic PR decision not to take legal action against Super Size Me, judging that by giving the film additional publicity through a lawsuit they would do more harm than good for their business.

Looking to start the research process on a documentary should I dive first into the library or is there a tried and true method to scouring through massive amounts of information. If anyone has any tips to share I'm all ears.

Shyla, diving in in the only method I know of. Of course you might find Google more fruitful than the library to get a grounding in the topic.

Hi, I am new to The D-word community. A teacher recommended I join. I am a Photojournalism student and am working with nursing homes for my student project. I am trying to find a model release that is basic, but covers the consent of caregivers. If anyone has any recommendations I would greatly appreciate it!

Best,
Susan

so ive finished up my doc, and i need a score for it, its a doc on social workers dealing with children in grade school, any musical advise?

tell me what you guys think of my first draft,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mHHhzmuhqs

(make sure to press the HQ button!)

Hi Dustan, your draft makes it very clear for me what the programme is about and what it aims to achieve.

I have three issues (all audio).

1) The music you chose for the draft gives it a bit of a "infomercial" kind of feel. I was not charmed by it, but wouldn't know immediately what other music to recommend.

2) the part where the voice of the main character overlaps with another scene of him talking confuses me as it seems that he's out of sync with the audio. It was great seeing him (not talking but doing the excersize with the string) and hearing his voice, but the shot immediately after it makes for a weird effect.

3) Do you think you can get rid of the audio overdrive (or whatever it's called), there's a few ugly bumps in sound.

Hey Sahand,

you right, however choosing music has been one of the hardest things for me. Its hard to choose something that fits perfectly? not too cheesy but not to controlling over the video. Ill fix it up and bring it back up to this site, cheers,

Can someone explain what the Fernanda Rossi – aka The Documentary Doctor ad on d-word is all about? and is it free?

It's an announcement not an ad, Diane. Fernanda is our guest expert for a special 5-Day topic on the subject of story structure for documentaries. It will start on Monday and be open to the general public (aka Enthusiasts), as well as to all D-Word members, and will be archived after the week is over. And, yes, it's free.

that sounds fantastic

Hi hi hi.. i was wondering if anyone has any feedback on FRACTURED ATLAS fiscal sponsorship program?

Hi! I'm trying to break into the business working on documentary films. I currently work as a TV reporter so I have background in shooting, writing, interviewing , editing, ect but want to change career paths. How do I get a paid position working on films? I've gone through craigslist but haven't had much luck. Any tips?

What is it you want to do in documentaries, Jennifer? Produce? Direct? Most folks just start out by making a film themselves. Another option is to try and find Associate Producing or editing gigs. It's actually pretty hard to answer that question.

I'm having issues putting together a budget. I'm shooting with miniDV and editing with FCP and all the sample budgets I found have have a lot of things on the budget pertaining to film and renting avid equipment and such. Plus I don't understand some of the categories such as beta tapes, video 1' stock, video dubs ect...Help!

Yeah.. I was thinking about making one while keeping my day job. I would want to do the writting, researching and setting up interviews and shots. I think that would be more the producer side? I think I understand that there isn't just a company that churns out films.. it's more a labor of love with money making jobs on the side?

I've enjoyed this week so much. Thanks.

I would like to use a 70s theme song for my film. Do you know how I go about getting permission to use the song.

G.

There's quite a few companies (and freelance individuals) who specifically work on music clearances .. they're the best resource for clearing music.

In reply to Jennifer MacDonald's post on Thu 21 May 2009 :

I think the best way to go about making a living with documentaries is to target one specific role, and hone your craft. You'll rarely make much money directing or producing docs, but you can do fine earning a day-rate as an editor/sound recordist/cinematographer... So I would focus on that, and make your own films on the side. Eventually, that part of your work will start taking precedence.

In reply to Georgi James's post on Sun 24 May 2009 :

Be prepared how expensive this can be, especially for well-known hits. Check out this BBC guide to clearing music rights

I would like to know a bit more about release forms for documentaries, for locations and for people.

To what extend are they really necessary?
I have tons of interviews with people who all agreed in advance (generally by email or over the phone) to participate in my film. They have a clear understanding of what the film is about. The fact that they do a one hour interview with me already proves that they are willing to participate, right? Some of them have signed release forms, other ones haven't (yet), simply because we didnt have any at hand at the time. should i contact all these people again and get them sign this paper?

Also, what about people who are in the shot (e.g. street shots, shots on conferences...you know, b-roll footage that establishes a location etc. surely it would be impossible to go up to every single one of them in the shot and get them sign a paper?

For you documentary makers out there, what's your views on release forms? I often find it rather threatening to the subject I am interviewing, to do an interview and then shove a paper under their nose with lots of legal terms. I think it can frighten a lot of people, even if you tell them it's just a pro forma document.

And what about logo's and advertisements that are in the frame, even in the background? does all these have to be cleared as well? Is this only needed for the US, or do European and Asian distributors and broadcasters also demand this?

looking forward to hear your views on this

Stephan, I try to get written releases from everyone I interview and who may be in the film. Or if it's a quick spontaneous interview or scene, I get a verbal agreement while the camera is rolling before or after the interview.

I can't recommend this book enough, it has helped me tremendously: Clearance & Copyright: Everything You Need to Know for Film and Television by Michael C. Donaldson. It's an essential reference book to have around.

If you want your movie to end up on television or in theaters, you generally need to have a release from basically everyone in the film. You can use a very simply worded release that people will understand. So yes, I think you should get releases from everyone in the film. That is unless you don't intend on buying E and O insurance to show it publicly.

As for the b-roll question, you don't need releases for crowd shots. However if one person is singled out on screen for any significant amount of time you need a release.

As for logo's in the background of the frame, so long as you didn't put them there, you are good. Incidentally shot logos are generally covered by fair use, which means you don't need clearance. However if you intentionally put a logo in frame, that is another story.

FUNDING APPLICATIONS QUESTION

Hello all,

I am in the process of drafting various funding applications for a feature-length documentary currently in production and firstly I want to thank you for the amazing wealth of information you have all helped to create on the d-word. I have a few questions, however, that I have not been able to answer by looking at past posts.

1. Is it a good idea to reference other films in the proposal as a way to describe intended style, structure etc?

2. I know that some funders say they like pictures in the proposal, but is it ever not a good idea to put pictures? If you do have pictures, how do you usually use them?

3. Does anyone have experience with the Sundance Documentary Fund application? I am looking through their guidelines and they specify that they want a summary and then a synopsis. Do you know if by synopsis they are really looking for a treatment? (Is it ok to contact them and ask?)

I would really appreciate any input you might have.

Thanks a lot.

Hi, Tsvetina.

1. Yes

2. Use photos if they're very strong and support and enhance what you're saying in the text. I'd wrap the text around them, but you can also put it at the top of your synopsis or treatment.

3. By all means you should call them. They're very nice and helpful and speaking to them will give you an opportunity to get your film on their radar (especially if you've found a good way to describe it in a sentence or two). Wait until you have a couple of questions, though.

call Kristin Feeley or Win-Sie Tow. both of them (women) are extremely nice, and will answer any question you have about the application.

i was lucky enough to get a grant from them back in 2007, but when i applied, there was only a request for a "Statement of Objective" and a "Narrative Summary". there was no mention of a synopsis, which i basically folded into the Narrative Summary.

Hi Doug and Christopher,

Thanks a lot for your responses. It helps to know that I am on the right track generally with the film references and the pictures. I was a bit confused before since, although in interviews representatives of the funds would say they like pictures for example, I never saw any in the "Example" proposals on the websites nor do any of them reference other films.

And Chris, thanks for letting me know who to speak to.

Good luck to both of you with your projects and I hope I can be helpful in return in the future.

Many greetings from Beijing,

Tsvetina

From Beijing, huh? Well, maybe you can become Skype buddies with the Sundance folks ;-)

Next week, I will be in Washington, D.C. at a national conference where we have the exclusive rights to videotape the entire conference. Big names will be presenting, Ted Kennedy will be accepting a Legacy Award. In addition to taping the conference, we are hoping to get exclusive interviews. The problem is we're working with a broad release. We were informed by our lawyer that the language was so broad that no one of that stature would sign the release. Could you point me in the right direction as far as language used in such a release?

I'm moving onto a new phase for CONNECT USA, my Connect Four doc. I'll be interviewing media analysts, think tankers, talking heads and news types to discuss/investigate the notion of the USA being a nation politically divided. I can find contact information for many people but some celebrities are more elusive like Janeane Garofalo. Are there any suggestions for getting a hold of someone like her?

we live in the same neighborhood but I just can't roam these streets forever...

Tsvetina do you live in Beijing? I may end up in Beijing the first week of September and may have some questions.

I've got a copyright question. I've found a a couple videos on youtube that I am wanting to use in my project on violence in youth sports. One of the videos was posted on a California newspaper youtube page. I contacted them to get permission to use it. Unfortunately they no longer know who the original owner of the video is. It is a video of parents going crazy at a football game.

The other videos are of the same subject matter but went viral years ago and it seems impossible to track down the original owner of the content.

I've read through The Code for Best Practices in Fair Use and it would appear that I can use it. I want to make sure everything we do is legal and I also want to give credit where credit is due.

Any ideas from the most knowledgeable keepers of all things documentary?

hello, i have a question about which way to direct my focus within my indie film making career.This would all be under the assumption that the films are of good quality,well shot,directed and edited.

what would be the pro's and cons of two directions?
one being funding the doc's ourselves completely, then once completed pitching them to television broadcasters.
Two being to search for funding,and/or produce in cooperation with a broadcaster.
I have the general ability to go either way, neither is really very easy alas my inquiry, Thanks

In reply to Marshall Burrgtorf's post on Thu 11 Jun 2009 :

I guess I should posted this in the archives topic. Sorry gang, I haven't been around for awhile. I got it straightened out though.

No worries, Marshall, you'll get the hang of it. The important thing is you're posting again.

I have a question about independent educational distribution. I have a copies ready to go of a 1 &1/2 hour film of an interview I did with Susan Neiman on her book Evil in Modern Thought. I'm very happy with it and it is in demand with a certain group of professors and philosophy students.

I'm building a website for it, but I'm clueless about the appropriate & practical steps to independently distribute something like this to universities and conferences. I have an endorsement from a professor who used the film at Loyola and I have been receiving requests for the film. I don't see the need to look for a distributor, but I may be wrong.

I have an idea about a price structure. For educational purposes, $1000 and individual copies at $30. Are there legal papers that someone paying the higher price to show in front of an audience will have to sign? Should I sell the personal copies for the much lower price, through my website? Does this lower my chances of receiving the proper payment from professors looking to use my film?

Any advice is so appreciated – Thanks

Hi,
My name is Elan Frank; I am a documentary film maker residing in LA.
I am now in the process of developing a documentary film on the co-existence between Jews and Muslims in Morocco and got to the sage of presenting investors with a business plan and production package, including a proposed budget.
I was wondering if anyone could refer me to samples of such packages/forms, what is essential to have in them, and a one-page budget sample form that is satisfactory to investors (I have my budget format, but it is in excel and very details, not something you provide investors. I am looking for a designed one page with the essentials.
Thanks you. I am glad to be part of this documentary family here in D-word!
Elan

In reply to Monica Williams's post on Sun 14 Jun 2009 :

I just needed to do more homework – never mind my question – I realize there are no clear answers though I wish there were.

Hi all- I haven't posted in a while. I've got a new series that I am writing up for the August deadline for the National Endowment for the humanities. Does anyone have any advice, specific or general, about NEH-specific grant-writing? Thanks, Rob.

Hey guys, quick questions, im shooting a high school reunion with 300 people, and im using a panasonic dvx 100b. Firstly, what mic should i use? and secondly, what preferences should i shoot under? Maybe i could shoot with a slow shutter speed? idn any ideas?

Hi this is Sudeshna here. I want to be a filmmaker and really keen on making documentaries. RIght now am working for a news channel. could you plaese tell me how do I start. Yes, I was told that I should start making videos and post it on websites. Could you please let me know how do i begin and which are the potential websites i should send my work to?

It depends very much on you, Sudeshna: what interests you? What's going on in your area? What stories do you want to tell? The website part is easy (you can use Youtube or Vimeo), but it's the work that counts. Are there any films which have inspired you?

Hello John
Yes films that mostly deal with social and religious issues interest me. I have watched a couple of documentaries by Satyajit Ray whicb have insppired me a lot. Also this film called La Americana have motivated me to further explore subjects. I have also watched a copule of documentaries on Maoists in India. Well these are teh kind of stories that I intend to tell. Am making short videos( which i shoot with my handy cam and right now cany afford one due to financial constraints)but what i am looking at is to become part of an organisation that will give me good exposure. These of course are my views but i don't know how it actually works. Your seggestions please??

ABOUT VIDEO ESSAYS that use docu-drama – Where do 'documentaries of the future' exist? A film that posits a possible future? Such a film obviously could be declared 'fiction'. Is there a genre of this type?
Thanks.

Hi all,
Does anyone have any advice/experience shooting Sweet 16 videos? I'm shooting one this Friday documentary style, so i won't be directing so much as just capturing the moments (and there's plenty of dance numbers and such to capture), but it's my first paid job as a documentary videographer and my first Sweet 16, and I know the family, so I want to do this right. I have experience shooting formal events with my cousin's wedding and a friend's wedding. However, I'm shooting this on my own, with a Panasonic DVX100a, and my journalistic instincts. Would you recommend a lav mic on the birthday girl if she would have it? I wasn't going to bother just to simplify. If i do direct at all, is there anything fun you'd recommend shooting with her and her "court" or her court alone? I can let the photographer take the lead on this stuff of course during the photo shoot, but I think it may also be good to have her close friends and family say/do something. Would you recommend I use a separate mic during the party for that? I have a RES50B. This is really a big deal for her and her family, and they trust me to do an amazing job. I know what they have planned for the day and night, and i plan to capture some behind the scenes, getting ready moments, and the excitement and fun. I also posted in the legal section to ask about a contract template just to protect myself (I've only done pro bono before). Other than charge my batteries and get close with the camera and shotgun mic, work my angles, am I forgetting anything? I also do mostly handheld so i'm thinking that a monopod vs. a tripod would be better. Lastly, if anyone can recommend a place in NYC to pick up a spare and relatively inexpensive DVX100a battery, let me know. It's going to be a long day.
Thanks.

Craig, as someone who's shot well over a hundred weddings, I say don't fret too much. Unless you're a hopeless incompetent (which you're not), they're gonna love what you shoot, I guarantee it. Normal people aren't used to seeing themselves captured verite-style and it's always a hoot for them.

Technically speaking, I'd simply use a good directional mic on the camera (like a Sennheiser 416), get in fairly close as much as you can, and definitely shoot handheld. Screw the tripod. And I'd set up as little as possible, just be a total fly on the wall. But that's me.

Have fun and lotsa luck.

A few other related questions to my previous Sweet 16 post that i forgot to ask: I normally shoot my documentary footage in 24P on the DVX100a in squeeze mode. Do you see any issues with using that format for the Sweet 16 video? Do videographers at the formal events normally just wear a black button down shirt and slacks? When i was i shot weddings, i was actually in the wedding party so i wore a suit. And I am renting one of those light panels for the top of my camera for low light situations, but i haven't tested one out. Advice? Thanks again.

Thanks, Doug. I was hoping you would post. Now I'll stop my fretting. Thanks for the sage advice.

Doug, I didn't get very far in "legal" on my contract template request. Can I ask how you handle getting stuff in writing? All I have now is a verbal agreement on the price. I feel like it would be good business practice to protect myself, on this job or when i don't know the family. Have a great July 4th weekend.

Craig, just emailed you my standard, one-page wedding agreement. Hope it helps. BTW, the Mentoring Room is for Enthusiasts, not Members, so keep stuff like this in the Legal topic in the future.

Short question with a complicated answer: Have any of you guys ever filmed in Cuba? I figure before I start doing research about how to get permission to go to Cuba as a journalist from the State Dept., I could ask here, and see if anyone's got any experience with it.

As you're already a Member, Brian, you can pose this question in the Production Topic. There are several colleagues who I'm sure will be able to ask your question.

In reply to Brian Boyko's post on Tue 14 Jul 2009 :

Brian: you can email me off list and I'll give you my phone number, but the short answer is unless you have a letter from an accredited news organization that's recognized by the State Dept., you will not qualify for a journalist exemption to the travel ban.

Assuming you do not have relatives there, that leaves you the option of going illegally, or under the license of a humanitarian group. I can advise you on that, too. Depending on what you want to do, you will also have to fly under the radar of the Cuban govt.

In reply to Mark Barroso's post on Tue 14 Jul 2009 :

We considered that possibility, but isn't there an application process for freelance journalists?

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1097.html
"Free-Lance Journalism – Persons with a suitable record of publication who are traveling to Cuba to do research for a free-lance article. Licenses authorizing transactions for multiple trips over an extended period of time are available for applicants demonstrating a significant record of free-lance journalism."

If we can't get special permission, we're considering contacting BBC, Reuters, AFP, EFE, CNN, etc., to see if they could use some stringers in Cuba, work under their aegis, and film the doc in-between assignments.

I'll e-mail you off-list, Mark.

In reply to John Burgan's post on Tue 14 Jul 2009 :

Cool – I didn't notice I was promoted in my absence!

Just a quick update: We had our meeting this afternoon with everyone on board. The producers didn't consider all the problems that we might have, and when I spelled them out, they realized that there was no way that they could pull off the movie with a reasonable chance of success at this time.

However, we quickly moved onto our secondary project, which will likely be an examination of Tango in Argentina.

I would love to meet the performers who pass the examination. Take me with you.

I am wondering about the best way to approach people or organizations I want to interview. what are the pros and cons of showing unannounced versus trying to get an appointment. my questions are not intended to be confrontational. thanks.

Unannounced is synonymous with ambush interviews. News people do this when they intentionally want to make people look bad. Making appointments is considered civilized and professional.

COMPARABLE FILMS DATA

Hey folks, I'm a young producer in the development stage of a documentary and I'm trying to get some data on comparable films for budget projection (DVD sales, Rentals, Negative Costs, P&A Costs, Domestic and Foreign TV, etc.) Are there any places that have this kind of information at a reasonable price? Anywhere that specializes in the more obscure documentary titles?

You're asking about a wide range of data that is unlikely to be covered by a single source.
On the one hand you have production and post production costs, on the other you have projected revenue streams. Very different stuff.
About costs of filmmaking – these are roughly quantifiable. About revenues – these are much harder to know and depend very much on your film and all sorts of variables in the way it's made and released that you can't easily predict.
Suffice it to say that if you structure the project around the distinct possibility that your film will never be profitable, you are unlikely to be disappointed.

Thanks James,

Ha ha, yeah we're well prepared for that un-profitability possibility, but the donors/investors would like to at least see what's been achieved with other similar films.

Obviously there's BoxOfficeMojo for theatrical grosses. I know that Baseline Research (http://www.blssresearch.com/) sells other data:

- $20 a title (negative costs, P&A, rentals, & video units and gross)
- $50 a title (for expanded domestic and foreign TV)
- $70 for ROI reports

They have a pretty sparse selection of documentaries though. I just wondered if some company specialized in this kind of data for documentaries or smaller indie pics, but I guess not.

Fortunately, my particular film has some elements of marketability as well as some social objectives that might make it more interesting to donors interested in mideast peace and not in profit.

On that note, have any of you social issues filmmakers heard of L3C legal status?

Unless you're proposing a reality TV like scenario (eg Supersize Me), I don't suggest going the investor route. You'll have to pay an attorney just to draw up the LLC and PPM – unless you already have an investor ready to throw in $100,000. Even if your film has some marketable elements, that by no means, indicates that it will be commercially profitable.

In reply to J. Christian Jensen's post on Tue 28 Jul 2009 :

Once again, please don't double post, as you asked this in the Legal topic, so any additional answers should go there. Not to mention, this is a topic for Enthusiasts, not Members.

Sorry Doug,

I'm still getting used to the lay of the land here. :|

POST GRADUATE DOCUMENTARY DEGREE

What are the best MFA programs specializing in documentary film out there (both in and out of the U.S.)?

I'm considering applying to some MFA programs specializing in documentary film either this fall or next fall. I have a pretty good academic record, strong writing abilities and a respectable resumé of non-fiction film experience.

I'm very serious about increasing my diversity as a documentary filmmaker but most of the programs that I have heard about structure their curriculum around narrative/fiction films.

Any suggestions on schools I should look into?

In reply to J. Christian Jensen's post on Tue 4 Aug 2009 :

I did a Master's (not MFA) in Australia and had a great experience and hopefully came back a much better filmmaker, my problems were I came back to the US with no contacts and no real idea of how to get funding in the US. Still though, my degree is what landed me my current job.

In reply to Michael Wolcott's post on Tue 4 Aug 2009 :

Thanks Michael,

What school did you attend? In my particular case, I'm not pursuing the degree necessarily to try and land a job. I already have several options for jobs but I want to attend a school that has the alumni network and the curriculum that is on the cutting edge of what's happening in the documentary world.

I'm particularly interested in building strong networks with filmmakers who are really pushing the limits of the genre. I would also like to give myself the option to teach on a University level at some point later in the future, which requires at least a Masters.

I went to the University of Technology, Sydney. I had a lot of great teachers who were a part of the '70s/'80s Australian film & documentary movement, like Tom Zubrycki & Jeni Thornley (who just released a really interesting looking film Island Home Country). The film dept. is small though so you probably wouldn't get the kind of network that you'd be looking for there.

One of the reasons I went on for a Masters was also for the ability to teach in the future, without an MFA though I think my options are somewhat limited. Until of course my first blockbuster documentary is released.

Yeah, I'm working on my first blockbuster documentary right now too. ;)

In reply to J. Christian Jensen's post on Tue 4 Aug 2009 :

Check out this list of courses

Hello fellow filmmakers

Wanted to get some advice here. At a tough spot with my film. Its a character/story driven doc that also has elements of issue- themed doc as well...

Protagnist on quest to find love- adheres to strict Jewish law forbidding touch between opposite genders. Can she find love without touch?

Have tons of compelling footage, lots of opposition from her family, keepng law gets harder as their relationship progressess. They end up getting maried without touching eachother once.

Cut into the story, we also want to tackle the broader isse- what is the law? benefits? why is its observance 'dying out' within observant Jewish circles? is it healthy? what is the best way to learn about sex? How do other cultures view premarital sex? sex ed system, etc..

Question:
Weve spent the past 1.5 yr capturing, cutting scenes, interviews some experts, interviewing other young people about sex, etc. Also tried to edit whole cut of hjust protaganist story without tackoling issue at all... Now we feel stuck. Should we back-track and write a script? Should we figure out the 'issue' stuff and shoot it? Should we hire an outside prof editor at tis point? A doc doctor? Should we be looking for other stories to intertwine with this one?

Need some advice here!

Thanks in advance!!

Yocheved, since you already asked this question on the member side, and have already started getting answers there, you should pursue this discussion in the other topic. No double-posting on D-Word. Most people read everything.

Sorry :( Learning the rules here... ;)

no worries :)

Hello, I just joined, so please let me know if my post does not adhere to the rules of the community. I'm producing my first documentary and plan to shoot in HD and would like to meet broadcast standards. I'm considering purchasing Panasonic's new AG-HMC-40 (H.264 MPEG-4 using 3-1/4.1" CMOS image sensors). Can anyone tell how to be sure the camera I'm considering meets broadcast standards?

Sharon,
I just joined too and am planning my first doc with a similar camera. I am not sure what broadcast standards will really be as the web blends with TV in the near future. The camera I plan to get is the Panasonic hdc-tm300, which is a stripped-down version of the one you want. It has very similar specs, though. I am interested to hear about your doc and how you plan to gather the material.

Chris,
Thanks for the info. I wasn't aware of the camera you mentioned, but I checked it out and it is very similar to the one I'm considering. I plan to cover my topic by recording my subjects in their natural settings as well as through interviews. As of now, there are approximately 25 specific days over a 9 month span that I'd like to cover. I have some flexibility on the number of days I can devote, but not much. If needed, I'll trim some of these days to add other material as it develops. Tell me a little about your doc.

Sharon,
I'm just trying to figure out how to do a character-driven doc on a local woman who is on a personal mission to save unwanted pets. I hope to do it in episodes for a start-up web/cable TV station. Then,who knows, maybe there will be enough good stuff for a real doc. As I mentioned before, I plan to shoot most of it on the TM-300, which is really small and lightweight. The interviews can be shot on my JVC hd200. When I picture this story, it vaguely looks like Jon and Kate Plus Eight...that kind of reality. When the episodes run in this two county area, I hope it builds awareness of the plight of the animals and that people will donate and/or adopt. The documentary will have a bigger focus on an over-arching topic when I can get enough material. I am the shooter for this and my husband is the editor. He uses FCP. What is your doc about in general?

Hello D-word

I'm Jane Taylor and currently studying an MA at the University of Salford, Manchester, UK in Television Documentary Production.

I am at the stage now where I am conquering my dissertation. I got extremely inspired by the Documentary Campus event at the Manchester Town hall – Leaner Meaner and Keener, and have based my dissertation on the effect the internet has on documentary.

I would really appreciate some opinions, experiences and professional advice on this subject. How the internet plays a part in documentary distribution in a good way and bad way? advantages and disadvantages? What's the future? How it has helped you business or film? Everything and anything would be highly appreciated.

Many Thanks,

Jane, the short answer is that the internet has been a great boon for marketing and promoting your docs, and hasn't nearly reached its promise as a serious distribution platform, especially for long-form docs. Whether it ever will is the (multi) million dollar question.

Hello All,
I've just joined and was wondering if there were any posts about copyright violation on torrents sites. They're offering my film on free downloads and i need to find out how to have it removed

Hi all
I am shooting a film that has extensive performance of jazz standards. The musicians have given us releases for their peformance but I need to understand a) how to get performance rights from the publisher b)what these rights would cost.. I am trying to budget this and appreciate any help ..FYI examples: Green Dolphin St, Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White, At Last, Moanin' etc

thanks

In reply to Jaty MacMillan's post on Fri 21 Aug 2009 :

I can't help you, but I'm curious how you found out. I'd like to check for my own work.