How to Become a (Really Good) Documentary Filmmaker

That began to change in 1960, when cinema verite was born, with a film called Primary about John F.

They minimize the imposition of crew, narration, editing – anything that affects the conveyance of reality.

Keeping your eyes open is certainly a key ingredient in good documentary making—that and serendipity

Try Snag Films, an online distributor of docs, to see what’s new out there. You may even consider this type of distributor for your own film, as Snag has a portal for submitting your films online for consideration.

Michael Moore’s “Roger and Me.”

If you’re an indie person, meaning you’re not going after the cable outlets and want to make films with your own stamp on them, you’ll likely have less feedback from whoever gave you the money. If you’re a one-man band, putting up all the money yourself, you don’t have to answer to anyone at all

ry to remember that sometimes they can actually provide valuable creative input, and do your best to have a constructive relationship with them.

The producer is more the logistics and business manager, and participates in the editorial process to varying degrees

Verite means “truth” and that’s what these filmmakers aspire to give their viewers. They minimize the imposition of crew, narration, editing – anything that affects the conveyance of reality.

Maysles brothers’ Grey Gardens and The War Room by R. J. Cutler.