How To Make Documentary On Your Own Terms

Documentaries have the power to educate, inspire, and provoke thought. They allow filmmakers to explore real-world issues, share stories, and influence public opinion. Creating a documentary can be a rewarding and impactful experience, but it often comes with challenges.

Choose Your Topic Wisely

The first step in making a documentary on your own terms is selecting a topic that you are passionate about. Choose something that resonates with you and aligns with your values. It could be a social issue, an environmental concern, or a personal journey. The key is to choose a subject that you feel strongly about, as this will drive your commitment throughout the filmmaking process.

Empowered Filmmaking: How To Make a Documentary On Your Own Terms

by Sarah Moshman (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10072 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	308 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Once you've selected a topic, conduct thorough research to understand its various aspects. This will help you identify key stakeholders, potential interviewees, and relevant archival materials to enrich your documentary. The more you know about your subject, the better equipped you'll be to tell its story.

Crafting Your Narrative

A compelling documentary requires a strong narrative structure. Start by outlining the main story arc and identifying the key points you want to convey. How will you engage your audience and keep them invested in your story?

Consider incorporating personal anecdotes, real-life examples, and expert opinions. Weave these elements together to create a cohesive and relatable narrative. Use visual aids such as photographs, videos, and animations to enhance the viewer's understanding and emotional connection.

Gathering Footage

When it comes to filming a documentary, capturing authentic and high-quality footage is crucial. Invest in a good camera or reach out to local rental services to ensure you have the equipment you need.

Plan your shooting schedule according to your story's needs. This could involve on-location shoots, interviews, or capturing events as they unfold. Always prioritize obtaining appropriate permissions and releases when filming people or private property.

During the filming process, be open to unexpected moments and allow them to shape your story. Sometimes, the most impactful scenes are those that unfold spontaneously.

Editing and Post-Production

Editing is where your documentary truly takes shape. Start by organizing your footage and selecting the best shots. Use a video editing software of your choice to trim, rearrange, and add graphics or music to enhance the viewing experience.

Ensure that your documentary maintains a good pacing, allowing your audience to absorb information without feeling overwhelmed. Incorporate transitions between scenes to create a smooth flow and add captions or subtitles for accessibility.

Distribution and Promotion

Once your documentary is complete, it's time to share your work with the world. Explore various distribution channels such as film festivals, online platforms, or local screenings. Research the submission requirements and create a compelling synopsis or teaser to entice potential viewers.

Utilize social media platforms to spread the word about your documentary. Craft engaging posts, share behind-the-scenes footage, and engage with your audience. Consider collaborating with relevant organizations or influencers to amplify your reach.

Making a documentary on your own terms is an exciting and fulfilling endeavor. By selecting a topic you are passionate about, crafting a compelling narrative, capturing authentic footage, and promoting your work, you can create a documentary that resonates with audiences and sparks meaningful conversations.

Remember, the key is to stay true to your vision and maintain your creative freedom throughout the process. So grab your camera, follow these steps, and make a documentary that reflects your unique perspective.

Empowered Filmmaking: How To Make a Documentary On Your Own Terms

by Sarah Moshman (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10072 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	308 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Documentary films have the power to change the world. And the best part is, you don’t need a lot to get started making a film you’re proud of that can influence and inspire the masses. In Empowered Filmmaking, Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Sarah Moshman takes you through the step-by-step process of how to make a documentary from developing an idea to all aspects of filmmaking: fundraising, camera, audio and lighting basics, post-production tips, marketing, distribution, impact, and lots more. After directing and producing 3 feature-length documentaries ("The Empowerment Project: Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things", "Losing Sight of Shore" and "Nevertheless"), Moshman shares her personal stories and real world examples of how she raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to fund her projects independently, screened her films countless times around the world, as well as landed a six-figure licensing deal with Netflix. If you’re wondering how to conduct a great interview, run a successful crowdfunding campaign, bring on investors, and navigate the distribution landscape, this book has something for every aspiring or seasoned filmmaker to feel empowered to tell the stories that matter to them, on their own terms.