Hi Shameka, I'm not sure how successful I am with docs, yet...lol. I'm still somewhat a beginner, too. I've paid for most of my projects out of pocket and from family member donations; nether of which [more]

Hi Shameka,

I'm not sure how successful I am with docs, yet...lol. I'm still somewhat a beginner, too.

I've paid for most of my projects out of pocket and from family member donations; nether of which is really the way to do it. At this point, I also freelance and have another job so, that should tell you something :)

That said, if you haven't already, make the investment in one of those budget software programs like Movie Magic Budgeting or Gorilla. Budgeting takes time and patience to do, and is a somewhat on-going thing. Make sure you put in a salary for yourself (what would you expect to make in a year?). I'm now using an app called Producer. It has a basic budget program included. I'm not sure if it'll work for me but, maybe.

Grants are the usual way to get money for docs but, you have to be a non-profit or use one as a "conduit". Right now, we're getting ready to launch a Kickstarter fundraising campaign. We're hopeful we can raise the money we need but, not sure what to expect.

I've purchased a lot of the equipment, I use, over the years and most of it is still relevant. The cameras I use, I've always borrowed/bartered for or rented.

One more thing I'll say: if you have any sort of a crew, even if it's one person and your best friend, pay them! Don't offer a "I'll pay for your meals etc." deal; offer them a day-rate of some sort. Even if it seems insulting. One thing I've learned: you DO get what you pay for. Keep it professional.

As far as the process, once I have the idea for a doc, I like to jump in and start shooting. I'll do some initial research but, I feel shooting is part of the development process as well. In fact, I'll still be shooting stuff while in post-production! I find documentary filmmaking is very organic and should be approached that way.

Keep an open mind!

David, Thank you so much for all of the information. I am preparing to start a Kickstarter campaign, but I have not started shooting any material yet. So when you do not have any film yet, what do you [more]

David,
Thank you so much for all of the information. I am preparing to start a Kickstarter campaign, but I have not started shooting any material yet. So when you do not have any film yet, what do you put on Kickstarter? I went on there to look at other documentary campaigns and they all have clips of their work. I am just not sure what to put on there to advertise my campaign.

Shameka

What is your doc about Is there anything you could shoot now I would recommend shooting SOMETHING :) Investors are gonna want to get an idea of the quality of your work and SEE what it might look like [more]

What is your doc about? Is there anything you could shoot now? I would recommend shooting SOMETHING :) Investors are gonna want to get an idea of the quality of your work and SEE what it might look like. A lot of the Kickstarter campaigns are for getting projects finished though, this is not always the case.

Can you tell me about your doc?

I think that's good for you; less competition for your film. I would still suggest shooting at least an interview and some "b-roll" so you have something you can put together, maybe with some sort of [more]

I think that's good for you; less competition for your film. I would still suggest shooting at least an interview and some "b-roll" so you have something you can put together, maybe with some sort of creative CG titles and text, along with music.