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Documentaries 101
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How To Make Documentaries

Welcome to Desktop Documentaries!

Alaska

Have you landed here for one or more of the following reasons?

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

  2. You have a clue where to start, but are researching the tools (camcorders, video editing software, lighting kits, etc) needed for the job.

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

  4. You have a finished film (congratulations!) and are trying to figure out what to do next -- Film festivals? Web sharing sites? DVD distribution? Sell your film to a broadcaster? Marketing and Promotion? (Believe it or not, this can be the hardest part!).

No matter where you are in the process, the goal of this website is to offer tips and advice to hopefully get you over the challenges and humps that come up along the way.

"Make visible what, without you might perhaps never have been seen." --Robert Bresson, French film director

(If you're wondering why a documentary is referred to as a "film" or "movie", Aha! Good question. Time for lesson number one)

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What's New at Desktop Documentaries?
The Desktop Documentaries Blog keeps you up-to-date with all latest and greatest articles added to the Desktop-Documentaries.com Web site. Subscribe here.

Documentaries 101
Ready for documentaries 101? Here’s a quick overview of the wonderful world of documentary filmmaking.

Documentary Ideas
Are you fired up and ready to start filming? Need some documentary ideas?

Making Documentaries: 9 How-To Steps
Filmmaking demystified! A step-by-step guide on making documentaries that entertain, inspire and motivate.

Directing the documentary
Directing the documentary is all about having a vision, being persistent and problem solving.

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

Video Production Editing
This is where the true storytelling begins. These tips will help simplify the video production editing process.

Top 10 Videography Tips
If you want your video footage to shine, follow these simple easy-to-follow videography tips

Interviewing Tips
Want to make great documentaries? Follow these top 10 interviewing tips to get the most of out your interview subjects.

Lighting for Video
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
Are you a beginner filmmaker in need of some audio basics for your upcoming documentary shoot?

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 tips to keep things simple

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

Video Contests
Video contests can be great fun and can bring in some extra cash!

Home Made Videos Gift Ideas
With the holidays fast approaching, home made videos can make the best gifts!

Legal, Consent & Copyright Issues: Don't Be Stupid!
Making documentaries can be fun, but don’t miss this important overview of legal and copyright issues to keep you out of trouble

Documentary Funding
Documentary funding is often the biggest hurdle faced by documentary filmmakers

About Desktop Documentaries
This is your free on-line resource guide for all things documenary films. Learn everything you need to know about Desktop Documentaries.

Contact Us
Please send us your questions or comments.

Store
Buy a camcorder or watch documentaries to get inspired.

Lovin' Animoto
Animoto is one of the coolest video tools on the market today

Documentary Tips E-zine
This monthly e-zine offers lots of great freebies and helpful documentary tips. Subscribe here.


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