Writing, directing, and producing documentary films and digital videos / Alan Rosenthal and Ned Eckhardt

Includes bibliographical references and index

Introduction -- Clearing the decks -- Getting to work -- Writing the proposal -- Research -- Shaping the film -- Beginning the first draft -- Completing the first draft -- Budget and contract -- Preproduction survey -- The director prepares -- Directing the interview -- On location -- Editing -- Writing the final narration -- Finishing the film -- Making your first film -- Cinema verit©♭ -- Documentary drama -- The history documentary -- Family films -- Industrial and public relations films -- Staying alive : the producer's role, the Web, and social media -- Conclusion: Problems and challenges

In a new edition of this popular guidebook, filmmakers Alan Rosenthal and Ned Eckhardt show readers how to utilize the latest innovations in equipment, technologies, and production techniques for success in the digital, web-based world of documentary film. All twenty-four chapters of the volume have been revised to reflect the latest advances in documentary filmmaking. Rosenthal and Eckhardt discuss the myriad ways in which technological changes have impacted the creation process of documentary films, including how these evolving technologies both complicate and enrich filmmaking today. The book provides invaluable insights for the filmmaker from the film's conception to distribution of the finished film. Topics include creating dynamic proposals, writing narration, and navigating the murky world of contracts. Also included are many practical tips for first-time filmmakers. To provide context and to illustrate techniques, Rosenthal and Eckhardt reference more than 100 documentaries in detail. A new appendix, "Preparing for your career using the Web and social Media," guides filmmakers through the process of leveraging social media and crowdsourcing for success in filmmaking, fund-raising, and promotion. A day-to-day field manual packed with invaluable lessons, this volume is essential reading for both novice and experienced documentary filmmakers.--Publisher description