Documentary Filmmaking A Contemporary Field Guide

by John N. Hewitt, Gustavo Vazquez

Documentary A Contemporary Field Guide is a skills-oriented, step-by-step portable guide to creating documentary films, from the initial idea phase to postproduction processes and distribution. An indispensable resource on site or in the studio, this compact handbook offers something for all types of documentary recommendations (for the film buff); illustrations and examples from working documentary makers, producers, editors, and distributors (for the more grounded, visual learner); the latest trends in Internet video and other forms of new media (for the more "techie" documentarian); and even practical financial tips, fundraising ideas, and legal considerations (for the more idealistic--and not always realistic--visionary). Organized by the chronological structure of documentary film creation, the book opens with ideas, motives, access, and preproduction questions. It then moves on to research, crew considerations, legal issues, production planning, film shoots, and interviewing issues, before wrapping up with postproduction organization, publicity, distribution, and festivals. Offering a strong focus on practical advice and ethics, Documentary Filmmaking is an ideal text for undergraduate- and graduate-level documentary film courses. FEATURES . Step-by-step information for producing documentaries, including many useful checklists . Detailed hands-on advice and class-tested instructional organization backed by the authors' combined forty years of teaching experience--and by their combined sixty years of independent documentary work . An up-to-date and careful look at the latest distribution market structure and innovative media for distribution . Brief structure and compact size that encourages portability . Unique chapters covering Internet video, the use of music, and publicity and distribution"

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Unknown Binding

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good information.