I'm wanting to learn about documentary making and thought I might start making a few small items about people I know, just to learn with. Do any of you seasoned pro's have any "must read" books or sites that I should look at to learn about it all. I want to learn about all aspects of the process including interviewing, structure and editing if at all possible.

Cheers
Aaron

This will get you started http://www.cinemaweb.com/silentfilm/bookshelf/23_rf1_2.htm Nanook of the North was one of the first documentaries. Flaherty' first film caught fire (a years worth of work) and burned along with his editing facility. Undaunted he returned and reshot everything and more. Amazing story for the early 1900's.

You may want to search Read About It http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=36 for additional books and inspiration.

Jeff

Aaron,
I'm currently reading two very good books on making documentary films which you may also find useful. I've not (yet) reviewed them in the "Read About It" forum, but here are the amazon links to them.

Making Documentary Films and Reality Videos
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0805044515

Directing the Documentary
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0240802705

Thanks guys, I'll check those out.

The cover of Directing the Documentary is a scene from Nanook of the North. I've read Directing the Documentary and it is a good book for beginners and pros alike.

Jeff

You might also look at Erik Barnows History of the Documentary----not a how to book but a scholarly look at the many different veins of documentary film making---gave me some great ideas.

Writing, directing, and producing documentary films and videos by Alan Rosenthal.

<<<-- Originally posted by africats : Writing, directing, and producing documentary films and videos by Alan Rosenthal. -->>>

Yes, the Alan Rosenthal book is good.
Also worth checking out is Paul Kriwaczek's Documentary for the Small Screen. The book also includes shot and audio advice.