Documentary Filmmaking: A Contemporary Field Guide

by John N. Hewitt

Documentary A Contemporary Field Guide , Second Edition, is a skills-oriented, step-by-step guide to creating documentary films, from the initial idea phase to distribution. Thoroughly updated to highlight the effects of technological advances and social media, this compact handbook offers something for all types of documentary recommendations (for the film buff); illustrations, examples, and commentary from working documentary makers, producers, editors, and distributors (for the more grounded, visual learner); the latest trends in Internet video (for the more "techie" documentarian); and practical financial tips, fundraising ideas, and legal considerations (for the more idealistic-and not always realistic-visionary).

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Spiral-bound

First published February 5, 2009

About the author

John Hewitt grew up in the smog of Southern California and has worked as a newspaper reporter, newspaper editor, magazine writer, television reporter, television news producer, documentary cameraman, documentary producer, university professor, textbook author and novelist. He has traveled in Mexico for over 50 years and also in Central and South America, Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia, Europe and the Middle East. His first two novels, Stranger in Baja and Under the Padre’s Thumb, explored the fascinating culture in Mexico’s Baja Peninsula.
He now lives north of San Francisco.

Reviews

[Brandi]

If you are the kind of person that needs to read a book before you feel comfortable tackling a new skill (I'm guilty of this trait), this book is for you. The author did a great job of portraying the intricacies that go into developing documentaries, and the many different kinds of skills that are needed.

[Lena Nechet]

Good information.