http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Forums » Tag: Documentary - Recent Posts en Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:43:51 +0000 http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/raw-new-docu-comedy-feature#post-52237 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:59:34 +0000 Garbonifilms 52237@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello,</p> <p>I'm Gilbert.</p> <p>I have been working on a feature docu-comedy (with some serious parts) that is scheduled to have its premiere at a university theatre in the area later this month. It is about 88 minutes long. It is my first feature film. Most of the interactions are with people who may not be considered real actors, but there are a couple of cameos with TV personalities.</p> <p>Here is a trailer/prevue:</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oYd6IO-qmM"><strong>&lt;span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: small;"&gt;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oYd6IO-qmM&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;</strong></a></p> <p>Thank you for reading. If you watch the trailer, thank you.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-on-buying-a-portable-dolly#post-52226 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:08:30 +0000 EarlC 52226@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>You actually, for most work anyway, rarely need more than several feet of dolly track. Dolly moves, like most every other approach to videotaping should be of the "less is more" variety, and short dolly shots of momentary occurence are more effective as a rule than long, continuous, involved dolly shots - of course some entertainment folks might disagree.</p> <p>With that thought, a relatively compact and portable dolly rig that with fast and easy setup/breakdown could fit the bill for adding a bit of something special to your shoots and resulting content. But then, like Billy Idol once said: "...too much is not enough..."</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-on-buying-a-portable-dolly#post-52223 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:04:32 +0000 midsouthvisual 52223@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I assume everything will be shot on rough fields, gravel, grass, etc?  I think you'd have to go with a track based solution instead of tire based, or a glider style tripod mounted dolly (glidecam, indieslider, etc.)  The gliders only let you do a few feet of motion and no curved radial shots though, but fast setup and convenience.</p> <p>________________</p> <p>Paul Lyke<br /> dollytrax.com</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/interviewing-homelessmentally-ill#post-51356 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:47:30 +0000 TheWildlifeStudio 51356@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I have two autistic spectrum affected grandsons and, at the behest of their mother, am doing a doc regarding them. A number of officials in the local education departments are extremely interested in the outcome!</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/interviewing-homelessmentally-ill#post-51337 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:02:08 +0000 oc6088 51337@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>My son is autistic and my husband and I are his legal guardians.  This is meant to protect him.  Keep in mind, even if he gave his consent for you to film him, his consent is null and void without the consent of his guardians.  The problem is, our son doesn't even understand that he can't make the decision.</p> <p>Most mentally ill people have guardians.  Talk to his caretakers and they should be able to point you in the correct direction.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advice-on-buying-a-portable-dolly#post-51158 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:22:18 +0000 freefalk 51158@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hey there,</p> <p>I am doing lots of documentary films in africa.....</p> <p>I'm looking for a dolly solution that must be portable, and durable. I have seen a thing called a wally dolly, a digidolly and a fly-dolly. Any coments on what works would be appreciated.</p> <p>thanks</p> <p>Falk</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/interviewing-homelessmentally-ill#post-50603 Sat, 05 Sep 2009 23:15:51 +0000 grinner 50603@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Skip the release. It'll only put em on edge and I think you can assume they have no lawyer on retainer. lol<br /> I went on a road trip with the infamous Beatle Bob. I knew he was homeless and assumed he was autistic. I wound up with a 90 minute feature and nobody in it, including the music legends sprinkled throughout cared about release forms. I hate em. I shoot reality. You can't get that after having folks sign a legal document. It's much easier for me to submit it to them for their approval first and nine times out of ten, that leads to gigs for them directly.<br /> you can watch it here, if you like:<br /> <a href="http://grinnerhester.com/BeatleBob.html" rel="nofollow">http://grinnerhester.com/BeatleBob.html</a> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48217 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:03:51 +0000 composite1 48217@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>The toughest thing I've found about making documentaries hasn't had anything to do with the production aspects. It's always been with festival boards. I've made enough doc's to make them interesting enough to watch. Whenever I'm able to get any of them in front of an audience so far it has always been the subject matter that has sparked debate not any technical foibles which is as it should be. The difficulty is getting stuff past those (when you can't say anything nice...) festival boards. Man, if your film isn't the 'flavor of the month' or reach the board participants specific tastes, fuggeddaboutit! If I see one more doc about starving kids in africa with AIDS and so on.... Not that it isn't an important subject, but it isn't the only subject out there.</p> <p>The whole purpose of documentary filmmaking is to 'document' a subject and present it in the visual medium. Those subjects can involve anything, but since the primary place for screening docs is film festivals if you have to start making your film's to what you think a review board will accept, that defeats the whole purpose of making a doc. That's one of the reasons you keep seeing the same thing over and over. Doc's may be information inspired works, but they ultimately have to be 'marketable' in order to reach an audience. You're piece can be a flawless work of filmmaking that touches the heart and enlightens the mind. But, if some festival board or distributor doesn't think it will sell, no one will see it.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48179 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:20:36 +0000 jimcvideo 48179@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>In my spare time, I moonlight as a standup comedian and a member of a comedy improv troupe, and I'd rather work on 10 documentaries (or any other genre films) than 1 comedy, although I do plan on shooting a full-length comedy one day. The problem with comedy is that there's just so much potential for failure. Heck, half the time when I watch my own jokes after the fact I don't even find them all that funny. (It's a good thing most comedy clubs serve alcohol).</p> <p>As far as documentaries go, I'm working on one right now, and it should be pretty impressive when it's finished. I'm still in the preproduction stage, but I'm taking pointers from folks who've been around the block a time or two. I'm not saying it'll be a Ken Burns masterpiece, but it should be pretty good.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48178 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 09:52:11 +0000 zoobie 48178@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Composite, </p> <p>I saw your other thread but don't have time for the movie. I actually enjoy well put-together docs like on the history/learning channel. I just don't like <em>making</em> them because there's no challenge in filming an interview, having the subject do most of the performing, etc. I'm currently with the buskers and every video I've seen is a doc. I've been burnt in half from all these same docs. Homemade amateur docs are the worst. That's half the reason why I'm making a comedy movie.</p> <p>I don't know why but I thought comedy would be the <em>easiest</em>. But when I think of the risks Mel Brooks took, you're probably right. Some of it worked and some bombed. Most of the comedy I've written so far is slap stick/visual and shown in fast motion just like the old silent cinema. I need to practice writing more comedy with dialogue. Now, that's a challenge...</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48170 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 01:44:30 +0000 composite1 48170@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Zoobie,</p> <p>You have my absolute respect as a comedy writer. Of all the genres comedy is the hardest. My sense of humor is mad dark and rarely does that translate well to movie audiences. My latest film is a horror spoof of Reality TV's inevitable solution to ratings. There's stuff in there that will make you laugh, but I only put it in there to offset all of the 'other stuff'. To purposefully humorous through an entire film... Uhy! </p> <p>Though I've been working on narrative projects more, I haven't given up on docs. In fact, I'm gearing up for post on two big doc projects. You'll be happy to know that one is more of a 'news style' expose' on different topics and the other is a subject I've never worked on before. Now, it's in a genre I've seen good and horrible renditions of the topic, which is why I'm taking a little time to really look at the footage and see where it wants to go.</p> <p>I'm on the fence about which is 'easier' between docs and narrative. Both have their challenges and depending on how big the project is, you'll still have to deal with other people's foolishness while trying to get job done.</p> <p>If you get some spare time, take a look at the 'Writing on Spec' Thread. The video attached is probably something you can identify with.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48167 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 23:27:59 +0000 zoobie 48167@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Ha ha...Yes, I drew the line at one. I find them boring, awful, and trite with lots of sleepy interviews. My interests are simply different. I don't find talking heads interesting. I chuckle when I see someone doing another doc on an already worn-out subject. Then, they've the nerve to make another on the very same subject! That's why the article needs to be reprinted monthly in every video magazine and website.</p> <p>Fortunately, the only way I got thru my easy doc was making it a docu-comedy. I'm into comedy writing now and it's fantastic. I've a performing, teaching, and writing background which helps a lot. I run some of my ideas past friends and, the last I looked, they were laughing their heads off. Then they get into the spirit and help me out, too.</p> <p>(I've just written something for someone else a few hours ago that I know he's going to use.)</p> <p>Everytime someone new is around, they get inspired to get a camera and start doing their own stuff. I don't know how many people I've influenced to get a camera. That's what teachers do...inspire others to grow, expand, and learn.</p> <p>However, writing and actualizing are 2 different things. I have to hire actors to perform the way I need them. Shooting is more challenging than the actual script writing. I make all the music, too. I'll never do another doc...just too much fun creating other stories that have yet to be told. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48164 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 21:35:17 +0000 composite1 48164@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Zoobie,</p> <p>Hoss you sound like you've still got your 'smolder on' after getting burnt being involved with a doc. The 'delusion of groundbreaking' you mentioned can plague (and often does) narrative filmmakers, musicians and other artists as well. I've made or been involved with the making of a lot of docs and have been fortunate to learn the craft from some really good people. When I read the article, I shook my head through it saying, 'How could you not know this stuff? It's basic filmmaking?' I then remembered that I've been at this a while, have had some really good training and had the opportunity to work professionally making product. Many people who get involved with filmmaking lack one or more of those critical bits when they start making their films. </p> <p>As anyone who's done this more than once should know, it is all too easy to 'fall in love with making a movie' during the production process. I've seen it happen to musicians when they go into the studio and I've certainly seen it (and done it unfortunately) during production. When a filmmaker gets too involved with the 'cool points' of making a movie, they've fallen in love with it and just like when one is in love, they'll miss all the important little details about the relationship that pops up. Not that filmmaking shouldn't be enjoyed, but you kind of have to treat it like your 'pet chicken'. Yeah you love old 'Clucky', but when you have to you'll eat him.</p> <p>Doc's are 'easy to make' as they take far less money and resources to get made, but are so much harder because a good doc maker will allow the story to 'tell itself'. Every doc I ever saw that 'sucked on ice' was obviously not allowed to do that. Documentary filmmaking is like the 'found art' Picasso and other artists since made with bicycle seats and other junk that was laying around. Before they manipulated it to be something specific, it was just a bunch of unrelated stuff. Doc's are like that, a bunch of stuff you shot to tell a story you concieved that ends up being something you didn't. Usually, what you end up with is so much better than you thought of originally.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48163 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 21:10:44 +0000 zoobie 48163@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>The article needs to be reprinted over and over again month after month because docs are the most popular and easiest to make. Any idiot can make one because the subjects do all the work. The result is yet another mistake heaped upon mountains of mistakes. The tired format of making a doc about making a doc rests at the summit. I'll bet festivals are fed up with the same doc subjects year after year after year...even refusing some because they've already got one for that year. </p> <p>Bands are performers. Performers are more interesting because they actually do something...anything. They're also screwups which are fun to watch. Don't ask me how I know...</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-48161 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 19:41:29 +0000 composite1 48161@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hey all,</p> <p>Making docs are more often a labor of love. Despite the difficulties Doc makers can face, real gems get made. Here's a couple I've found that combine 'compelling subjects' and 'interesting locations'. Both are about how two types of American music and culture have had their influence on people in places most could not imagine. Without being a 'spoiler' I present 'Wu Tang Gran' and 'Heavy Metal in Bagdad'. The first is an 8min + short and the second is a feature 1hr 24min. If you can't sit in front of your 'puter for an hour plus, I do understand. However, both are very good and surprising.</p> <p><a href="http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/wu_tang_gran/">http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/wu_tang_gran/</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/heavy_metal_in_baghdad/">http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/heavy_metal_in_baghdad/</a></p> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-47905 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:28:03 +0000 composite1 47905@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Earl,</p> <p>Glad you enjoyed it. I initially thought that it might be too high-end for many of the novices who read Videomaker, but I do believe the earlier they get this stuff the better.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-47888 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:08:16 +0000 EarlC 47888@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Good read. Interesting approach. Eye-opening use/application for Twitter. Good points, and should be well-taken by all but the most thin-skinned of individuals (usually those who cannot handle the truth, thus over-react). Thanks for the find and posting, enjoyed and appreciated the read.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/serious-advice-for-aspiring-doc-makers#post-47880 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:17:06 +0000 composite1 47880@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>For all of you who aspire to create documentary films, here is an article by Basil Tsiokos a veteran film festival programmer on what not to do when producing documentary films. Apparently some feel his criticisms are too harsh, but as a filmmaker who cut his teeth in the biz making documentary films I found his points were well made. Also, Mr. Tsiokos being an 'insider' for the selection of film festival (Sundance) and public television (POV) programming I think he's definitely worth checking out. I also think that 'old hands' at doc making would do well to turn an eye to the article for it reaffirmed the lessons I've learned over the years.</p> <p>Let me know what you think.</p> <p><a href="http://www.indiewire.com/article/good_advice_documentary_dos_and_donts_from_a_vet_programmer/">http://www.indiewire.com/article/good_advice_documentary_dos_and_donts_from_a_vet_programmer/</a></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/camera-advise-for-a-new-documentarian#post-45924 Sat, 18 Apr 2009 01:34:48 +0000 doc_lady 45924@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello fellow videomakers,</p> <p>I've been a fan of this community for a couple of years now, but just now I'm beginning to actively participate in the daily interaction with all of you great minds. And I need your help! I've been doing some research on purchasing a digital camcorder but I feel like the more options I have the more lost I feel! </p> <p>There is one thing I know for sure, though, the sound recording quality must be as best as possible and that has been one of the components I've paid close attention to when I've been looking for a camera. And on that note, there is an event that I'm planning on following and recording that takes place at night, outdoors with limited lighting! So here comes my problem ... what kind of camera is suitable for my "modest" desires!</p> <p>I'm looking at a price range up to $500...but if I score from the lottery these days I won't mind an upgrade.</p> <p>Thank you in advance for your kind suggestions</p> <p>Happy filmmaking!</p> <p>doc_lady</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/interviewing-homelessmentally-ill#post-44157 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 23:29:53 +0000 D0n 44157@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> You can do the "Repeat After Me" routine, get on film.</p> <p>one little caveat to keep in mind....</p> <p>Mental health issues could also mean not competant  to give legal consent.</p> <p>If you make money with your project, your subjects, or more likely some relative of your subjects may show up with a lawyer wanting to get paid...</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/interviewing-homelessmentally-ill#post-44152 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 21:53:36 +0000 EarlC 44152@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> When I have interviewed "street people" in the past (never really developed into the documentary I wanted it to be) I usually only asked them to give me a verbal acceptance on tape (with or without their names - sometimes it was really challenging to get them to share their names/ages. Also most of them either mumble, speak very low, while the others yell, gesture and speak extremely loud and somewhat disconnected/incoherent, not always making much sense)</p> <p>Out of a few dozen "interviews" (the term used somewhat lightly), only one was willing to write/sign anything for me.</p> <p>Good luck with your efforts, it can be challenging but can also result in something very powerful. I hope you get from it what you are looking for. Keep us posted, if you will.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/interviewing-homelessmentally-ill#post-44147 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:05:34 +0000 robgrauert 44147@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> would they have a caretaker? their signature may be enough. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/interviewing-homelessmentally-ill#post-44146 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:16:28 +0000 onedogdan 44146@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Hi all,</p> <p> I'm seriously considering shooting a doc about mental illness.  How do you get a person who may not even have i.d. or be of completely sound mind to sign over their likenesses?  Video tape them reading the release?</p> <p> Thanks!</p> <p>-Dan</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/make-money-producing-video-vignettes#post-42629 Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:43:28 +0000 EarlC 42629@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>NB - eccomeecgo is my video marketing blog site; I am in transition, developing and changing content and clips and stuff on my sites. They are in a general state of mess but still kind of acceptable if you are talking about <a href="http://www.corelann.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.corelann.com</a> or <a href="http://www.californiaweddingcinema.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.californiaweddingcinema.com</a> or <a href="http://www.californiamemorialvideo.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.californiamemorialvideo.com</a> or <a href="http://www.waverleychapelweddings.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.waverleychapelweddings.com</a> . There are others, but these will give you an idea of the variety of my company's video production focus. The clips are hosted on my dotmac account and some of them take up to 45 seconds to play in QuickTime because I opted for better quality rather than speedy response. Contrary to the opinion of many real or self-professed web site/clip gurus or experts, it is my experience that a person looking for samples and information will wait a bit if they are promised quality in the experience.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/make-money-producing-video-vignettes#post-42628 Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:38:22 +0000 NewBirthProductions 42628@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Earl is that your web site?</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/make-money-producing-video-vignettes#post-42605 Mon, 29 Dec 2008 08:08:20 +0000 daryldrj 42605@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Interesting Hummm Thanks again EarlC more for me to think about </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/make-money-producing-video-vignettes#post-42584 Sun, 28 Dec 2008 09:36:59 +0000 EarlC 42584@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Something fun to do, relatively easy to produce and market, is Video Vignettes. See the blog at <a href="http://www.eccomeecgo.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.eccomeecgo.blogspot.com</a> and put this puppy in your production war chest for those slow, unfilled hours, days and weeks when nothing else seems to be moving.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-documentery-film#post-40610 Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:24:45 +0000 FILMSinc 40610@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Good idea. Thats kind of what i was thinking, it is also also about dangers in the classroom. Like How easy it would be to smuggle an ak47 into class. Also, as you said, the evils. That ties into dangers and misuses of weapons <strong>IN the classroom</strong> . NOt really haveing because they really arn't doing any "action packed" harm.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-documentery-film#post-40602 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:56:10 +0000 Aspyrider 40602@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Depends on your angle, if you are showing the evils of bringing or having weapons in school it may work.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-documentery-film#post-40600 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:20:35 +0000 FILMSinc 40600@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Hi (standard way to start a fourm)Im thinking,scratch that I am going to make a documentery film and need some way to get off the ground. As usual i want to stay on a super low budget (around $75) Its about weapens that super evil smarties build in school. you won't believe the things that these kids creat if you find the right materal. Basicly it is going to have a "host" yapping, then there is going to be a senero (i know thats not how you spell it) About a kid "pretending to construct it" (Not HOW to construct them.) Then Pretending (by the way, the audience isn't supposed to know that the actors will be pretending)to use it on someone. I have done a lot of planing and i am about ready to pitch this to my crew. I am working w/ a small crew and i just need some pointers.</p> <p>I have neaver made a large documentery before so im going to need some help</p> <p>P.s. If you think this idea is a bad idea, speak up!!</p> <p>Thank you </p>