How To Make Documentaries
From Script to Screen
Documentary Ideas | Documentary Funding | Film
Distribution | Documentary Filmmaking 101

---

Welcome to Desktop Documentaries!  Learn step by step how to turn your dream documentary into reality.  

Do you love storytelling and making films?  Do you have a story the world needs to hear?

Filmmakers Helping Filmmakers

This site is run by an award-winning documentary producer who's been making films and documentaries for more than 20 years. There is no other site like it. Every page is dedicated to nurturing, teaching and inspiring the next generation of filmmakers.  

Here's what you'll find on this site:

• Hundreds of pages of free DIY filmmaking tips
• Step-by-step instructions how to make a documentary
• Tools and resources to help you raise crucial funds for your film
• Filmmaking equipment gear check-list
• Camcorder buying guide
• Distribution advice and much more!
  

---

Amazon.com | Deals in Electronics

---

There's Never Been A Better Time To Be A Filmmaker!

What was once reserved for an elite few, making documentaries is now within reach of anyone with access to a camcorder and the internet.

Heck, you don't even need a camera!

Download stock footage off the internet and "mash up" your own unique film using free video editing software and free film clips. You can even make a movie with your iPhone.

Whether it's highlighting a local sports team, documenting a mental illness center or following your own life's story, making a documentary today is limited only by your imagination and determination.

---

Filmmaking Quick Links

Videography Tips Distributing Your Film

Storytelling Techniques Video Editing

Audio Tips How To Write A Script

Get Funding Directing

---

---

What Brings You Here?

You have a great idea for a documentary, but have no clue where to start.

You have a clue where to start, but are in need of funding.

You are researching the filmmaking tools (camcorders, video editing software, lighting kits, etc) needed for the job.

You’ve been shooting footage like crazy and are now in need of some scriptwriting or video editing guidance.

You have a finished documentary (congratulations!) and are trying to figure out how to distribute your film.

We can help!

---

Filmmaking Tools Quick Links

Video Editing Computers Camcorders

Video Editing Software Gear List

Lighting for Video Accessories

Microphones Hard Drives

---

No matter where you are in the process, thank you for stopping by. It is my sincere hope this site is helpful in your filmmaking journey. You can learn more about this site on our About Page. Or start making movies right now! Thanks for visiting and happy filmmaking!

Faith Fuller, Publisher/Editor

Every story has a beginning... what's yours?

---

Documentary Fundraising Tools

---

Table of Contents

What's New at Desktop Documentaries?

The Desktop Documentaries Blog keeps you up-to-date with all latest documentary news and articles added to the Desktop-Documentaries.com Web site. Subscribe here.

Making Documentaries: A Step By Step Guide

Filmmaking demystified! Are you ready to start making documentaries? Follow these simple steps and you are on your way to having a finished movie.

What Is Video Production

Are you asking yourself what is video production? In this article we lay out the basics concepts behind the process of making a video or documentary.

Documentary Ideas: Create, Pitch and Explore Dozens of Ideas

Ready to start filming and in need of documentary ideas for inspiration? Or maybe you have a great idea you'd like to share? Browse dozens of ideas and learn how to generate your own.

Filmmaking Secrets: Directing the Documentary

Directing the documentary is not just barking out orders. Here are the specific steps for overseeing the filmmaking process.

How To Write A Script For A Documentary

Staring at a blank page? Here are some great starter tips on how to write a script for your documentary.

Video Production Editing for Documentaries

Learn the basic steps of video production editing and how to craft a compelling story the audience will love. Tips, tricks and techniques for editing your documentary.

Top 10 Videography Tips

Grab your camcorder! Here are some basic videography tips for shooting documentaries, news, reality TV and web video.

Lighting for Video | Three-Point Lighting Diagram

If you’re ready to add some flare to your documentary footage, check out these simple and easy tips for lighting for video.

Audio Basics For Documentary Filmmaking

Learn audio basics. Did you know sound quality often separates the pros from the amateurs in documentary filmmaking? Learn the best ways to capture sound for your documentary.

Digital Video Essentials for the Documentary Filmmaker

Before you can begin making desktop documentaries, there are a few “must have” digital video essentials you’ll need to get started.

Choosing a Camcorder

Choosing a camcorder can be an exciting, but there's a lot to think about. Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind.

DVD Authoring Software for Video and Documentary Projects

Tips on how to find the best Blu-ray and DVD Authoring Software for your documentary project.

Free Film Clips and B-Roll Footage

Looking for free film clips to use in your documentary? Thousands of public domain movies, films, audio, photos and videos are available across the internet for immediate download.

Documentary Funding | Basic Steps To Raise Money For Your Film

Documentary funding is often the biggest hurdle faced by documentary filmmakers. Here are a few pointers to get you started raising money for your film.

Distributing Your Film | Beginners Guide To Launching A Film

As a documentary filmmaker, distributing your film can be one the most daunting and mysterious parts of the process. Here are some insider tips on how to find an audience and sell your film.

Legal, Consent & Copyright Issues for Documentary Filmmaking

Making documentaries can be fun, but don’t miss this important overview of legal and copyright issues to keep you out of trouble

Acquiring Music Rights For Your Documentary

Acquiring music rights for your documentary is essential if you ever hope to copy, sell or showcase your film.

Documentaries Online | Create Your Own Kick-Ass Documentary Page

What documentary have you made? Post your documentaries online and watch other documentaries and trailers.

Submit a Review | Documentaries, Camcorders, Filmmaking Tools

Jump in and let us know what you think! Submit a review for your favorite documentary, camcorder, video editing software and more!

Write An Article | Promote Your Film, Grow Your Audience

Write an article for Desktop Documentaries and build awareness for you and your film project. This is a great opportunity to promote your documentary, build credibility and grow your audience!

Ask A Question

Got a question about making documentaries?

About Desktop Documentaries

Want to learn more about Desktop Documentaries? Get free DIY filmmaking tips, advice on distribution and tools for fundraising.

Documentary Production Services

Are you in need of documentary production services to help tell your story? We make mini-documentaries, feature length documentaries and short films for non-profits and businesses.

Documentary Tips E-Newsletter

Our monthly newsletter offers lots of great freebies and helpful documentary tips. Subscribe here.

---

Don't Miss A Single Filmmaking Tip!
Sign Up For Our FREE Monthly E-newsletter
And Get A Free Gift. Learn More.

Return to the top of this page

---