A Conversation with Documentarian Kirby Dick
By Stephanie Hubbard Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker Kirby Dick talks about choosing subjects, casting a documentary and whether to make a
Documentary
Documentary filmmaking articles: finding a subject, research, interviews, shooting b-roll, ethics, editing real stories and distributing documentaries. Documentary directors, cinematographers and editors share how they capture and shape true stories for the screen.
Michael Apted Straddles Features and Documentaries
By Larry Jaffee Director Michael Apted talks about moving between Hollywood features and documentaries, and why the Up series is
Documentary Camerawork, Locations and Lighting: Q&A with David Lent
Documentary producer and cameraman David Lent shares hard-won lessons on documentary camerawork, difficult locations and lighting on the run. Independent
Strange Culture: Reinventing the Documentary Form
Lynn Hershman-Leeson’s Strange Culture mixes documentary and drama to tell the story of artist Steve Kurtz. A short Q&A on
Documenting Archeology off the Irish Coast
By William Donaruma William Donaruma describes three years documenting an archaeological project on the islands of Inishark and Inishbofin off
Story First: Narrative in Documentary
By Sheila Curran Bernard A documentary needs a story, not just pictures. Sheila Curran Bernard explains narrative structure, character and
News and Documentary Shooter Checklist for the Sit-Down Interview
By Dave Lent Cameraman Dave Lent says the job is 10% creativity and 90% furniture moving. His checklist for setting
The Making of L.A. Aboriginal
By Bayou Bennett Bayou Bennett explains how she produced and directed L.A. Aboriginal, a documentary about L.A. artist Dave Tourje,
The On-Location Interview: So Easy, So Misunderstood
By Dean Goldberg The on-location interview looks easy but is often misunderstood. Dean Goldberg explains how to set up, light,
Workflow and Weaving the Story: Editing Ten More Good Years
By Jennifer Falk Editor Jennifer Falk shares how she organized hours of footage and wove the story of the documentary
Tips for a More Successful On-Camera Interview
By Sam Kauffmann Nothing is more basic to documentary than the on-camera interview. Sam Kauffmann shares tips for asking questions
Finding Aftermarkets for Your Documentary
By Vicky Collins Is there an aftermarket for your media? Vicky Collins shows documentary makers how to find educational, nonprofit