View Full Version : Looking for a good online documentary course and/or book:


Simon Zimmer
October 23rd, 2009, 06:31 AM
Hello,

Can any one recommend a good online course on how to make documentaries?

I don't have any time or money to go to a film school but online seems doable.

Also if there are any "must" books to have on making documentaries and video production in general I would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks,

Simon

Vasco Dones
October 23rd, 2009, 08:28 AM
Hi Simon,

here's a selection; check'em out at your nearest bookstore
or see if you can browse'em online:

- Genevieve Jolliffe & Andrew Zinnes,
The Documentary Filmmakers Handbook;
- Barry Hampe,
Making Documentary Films and Reality Videos;
- Maxine Baker,
Documentary in the Digital Age;
- Alan Rosenthal,
Writing, Directing and Producing Documentary Films and Videos;
- Michael Rabiger,
Directing the Documentary

Best

Vasco

Simon Zimmer
October 24th, 2009, 07:10 AM
Hi Vasco,

thanks for the list.

I will check them out.

Have a great weekend!

Simon

Peter Damo
November 3rd, 2009, 03:34 PM
I can really recommend this: How to Write a Documentary Script. There's a link to it on this page: Screenwriting for Film (http://www.scriptologist.com/Forum/Ask/screenwriting_for_film.html)

Simon Zimmer
November 3rd, 2009, 07:32 PM
Thanks Peter. I will check it out.

I like that is FREE too.

;)

Simon

Floris van Eck
November 15th, 2009, 03:41 AM
- Michael Rabiger,
Directing the Documentary


- Sheila Curran Bernard
Documentary Storytelling For Video and Filmmakers

Also check out this website for inspiration:

Capturing Reality: The Art of Documentary (http://films.nfb.ca/capturing-reality/)

Interactive website of a great documentary about documentary. Interviews with all big documentary makers which you can watch for free online. They also arranged it in way similair to shooting a documentary. Very well done. Over 4-hours of interviews.

Peter Damo
November 15th, 2009, 05:35 AM
Good stuff Floris. Some nice gems there. Thanks.

Roger Van Duyn
November 18th, 2009, 12:12 PM
I found the "Shut UP and Shoot Documentary Guide" by Anthony Artis to be helpful to me, just starting out in the business.

Marcus Martell
November 20th, 2009, 06:41 AM
Vasco u r da MAN!