Things You'll Need:
- - Video Camera with a Charged Battery
- - Good presentation
- - Good lighting
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Step 1
Choose a topic. If you want to make a documentary at home, you probably already have a topic in mind. Choose a topic you feel confident in presenting and practice before you record yourself in front of the camera. The purpose of your documentary should be to teach someone else about your topic.
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Step 2
Obtain a video camera. You’ll need a video camera to record your presentation. Some digital cameras have a video recording feature, but a video camera will give you the best quality. Find someone to record you presenting the topic. If you don’t have someone to help you, you’ll need to get a camera stand and a remote to operate the camera from a distance. Make sure the battery is charged before you start to film the documentary.
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Step 3
Eliminate distractions. When watching your documentary, you want your audience to focus on you, not on the man mowing the lawn in the background or the child screaming out to get your attention. Send everyone out for ice cream or make the documentary when nobody else is home. The attention should be on you, not what is going on in the background or around you.
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Step 4
Practice your presentation. Avoid using words like “um” and “uh.” You want to appear confident and knowledgeable in the topic you are presenting. It is helpful to practice your presentation in front of a mirror before recording it.
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Step 5
Use good lighting. You want the audience to see you clearly, so lighting is important. If the light is not bright enough, you may need to bring in some additional lights. A film that is hard to see can be a distraction and the audience will be focused on trying to see you instead of hearing what you have to say.
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Step 6
Look professional. Take a shower, do your hair (and makeup if applicable), and wear a nice outfit. Smile and speak clearly, keeping your head up and talking into the camera. Have fun making the documentary!
