Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Things You’ll Need:
* Tripod
* Video editing equipment
* Digital camera
* Microphones
Step1
Write a good documentary script, or team up with a writer who has already produced one.
Step2
Create a shot-by-shot outline of the script and use this as your guide. A timeline is also beneficial.
Step3
Lease or purchase a camera, tripod, microphones and video editing equipment. Without these basic tools, you will not have the means to make a documentary.
Step4
Contact all of the people you want to interview and set up times to meet with them.
Step5
Stick to your outline and relay the story. Film everything on the script.
Step6
Film two or three times more footage than you expect to use. It can always be edited later.
Step7
Edit the footage into a concise 90-minute film. Enlist the help of experienced documentary makers or editors to help you with this process.
Step8
Write a documentary treatment, which includes a synopsis and other details about the film. Submit it to film distribution companies for consideration.
Tips & Warnings
* Keep the camera still and focused. Too much zooming and panning will make your film look out of focus and amateur.
* Always carry a backup battery and charger. Nothing will kill the momentum of your filmmaking faster than a dead battery.
* In this age of digital photography, cameras are extremely inexpensive and produce high-quality footage.
* Relay the story as it unfolds; don’t get caught up in pretty shots.
* Make sure you have a decent microphone. Microphones that come with most cameras are just not good enough. A boom mic or a large shotgun mic will be invaluable to you.
* Watch all of your footage every night. Keep tabs on what works for your documentary and what you will have to re-shoot.
* Be sure to back up your documentary with facts and figures if you are making any claims against other...