How to Make a Good Documentary

Documentaries are ways for filmmakers to get their message across. But like everything else in life, nothing just happens. There are technical and most of all, financial matters to consider. Every film is different with different needs so this article will not cover the types of equipment to use. To find out the proper equipment for your needs, go to any camera shop that deals with filmmaking. They will be happy to help. The following should simplify the documentary filmmaking process. Happy filming.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Write an outline of each section of your film since documentaries aren’t stories in the Hollywood sense.

2. Make a detailed list of the equipment you’ll need and the corresponding budget.

3. Find the financial backing. Cold calling or going on-line are great sources to find such funding. If you decide to go on-line, the International Documentary Association would be a great starting point. They don’t finance films but they can recommend sites and places that do. Another good source is organizations that advocate what you are advocating. Usually funding programs finance either production or post-production, sometimes both.

4. Familiarize yourself with everything you acquired once you get the backing and the proper equipment.

5. Start filming. Be comfortable with the subject your filming about and just as important let the subjects be comfortable with you.

6. Edit.