Welcome To Desktop Documentaries

Your Essential Resource For Documentary Filmmaking – From Storytelling to Pitching and Distribution

Founded by Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker Faith Fuller, Desktop Documentaries began in 2008 as a simple blog where Faith shared tips and insights with fellow filmmakers.

Over the years, it has grown into a trusted platform that attracts top industry experts and award-winning filmmakers.

Today, our instructors and guest speakers include Oscar-nominated filmmakers and producers for leading platforms such as Netflix, Nat Geo, the History Channel, and more.

Join a passionate community of filmmakers, video enthusiasts, and storytellers who rely on our mix of filmmaking tutorials, gear guides, and business strategies to create impactful documentaries that win awards, secure distribution, and drive change.

What You'll Find:

Expert filmmaking tutorials for all skill levels
Gear guides and recommendations for video production
Proven business strategies to help you pitch, fund, and distribute your documentaries
Resources on storytelling, video editing, legal issues, and budgeting
Tools and templates to streamline your production process

Whether you’re working on a 2-minute mini-documentary, a doc series for Netflix ❤️ or a 90-minute feature film, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

What We Offer:

Hundreds of free articles packed with filmmaking tips
240+ training videos across multiple courses
Live Q&A workshops with industry professionals
Free Documentary Tips newsletter for ongoing inspiration and advice
Downloadable templates, case studies, and PDFs for filmmakers
One-on-one mentorship and consulting for personalized guidance

Ready to Get Started?

Jump into our free documentary starter mini-course, and let’s take your filmmaking to the next level!

"Make visible what, without you, might perhaps never have been seen."

- Robert Bresson, French Film Director

Meet Our Team, Instructors & Partners:

Faith Fuller

Faith Fuller is the founder and publisher of Desktop Documentaries. She's been in the filmmaking and communications industry for 30+ years, producing 1500+ news stories, documentaries, short films, PSA's and educational programs. Her feature documentary 'Briars in the Cotton Patch' premiered on PBS, got distribution on Netflix and is currently offered for educational streaming on Kanopy.

Instructor: 7-Day Documentary Crash Course

Daniel Raim

Academy Award®-Nominated Daniel Raim has written, produced and directed 28 original documentaries for the Criterion Collection. In addition, he's directed three award-winning and critically acclaimed feature documentaries which have gotten distribution on Netflix, Paramount+, TCM and others.

Instructor: Documentary Storytelling & Scriptwriting 101 Essentials

Peter Hamilton

Peter Hamilton is a former CBS executive and renowned media strategist who has directed his New York-based international consulting firm for 30+ years.

His clients have included NBC, Discovery, A+E Networks, National Geographic Channels, Global Canal+ and BBC; the Rockefeller Foundation.

Instructor: Netflix 2024: Selling Your Documentary To Netflix and The Streamers!

Philip Shane

Philip Shane is a Sundance award-winning documentary filmmaker with more than 35-years experience.

Philip's work has appeared on PBS, ABC, the History Channel and many others. Philip teaches at the New York Film Academy and is considered an AI expert in the documentary filmmaking sector.

Instructor: Boost Your Documentary Productions with AI

Jilann Spitzmiller

Jilann Spitzmiller is an award-winning Documentary Filmmaker whose work has appeared on the BBC, Sundance Channel, Starz/Encore, PBS and many more.

She has successfully raised over $1-million for documentary projects (including 3 ITVS funding awards and two Sundance Documentary Fund grants).

Instructor: Documentary Budgeting Masterclass / Templates

Hank Rogerson

Hank Rogerson is an award-winning documentary filmmaker with credits including SHAKESPEARE BEHIND BARS, which had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, picked up 11 awards on the festival circuit, and was broadcast worldwide. He produced and directed HOMELAND and CIRCLE OF STORIES for National PBS.

Instructor: Documentary Proposal & Grant Writing Masterclass / Template Pack

Anna Darrah

Anna Darrah is an experienced film buyer, negotiating with and licensing 800+ films in her 15+ years working for Gaiam and Spiritual Cinema Circle. She is currently Head of Development for Film Nest Studios.

Anna has been an active player on the festival circuit and currently advises filmmakers on custom distribution strategies.

Co-Instructor: "Selling Your Documentary For Maximum Profit and Impact"

Gordon Firemark

Gordan Firemark is an entertainment attorney based in California and also teaches Entertainment Law in Columbia College Hollywood's film program.

He's the producer and host of Entertainment Law Update, a podcast for artists and professionals in the entertainment industries and the author of The Podcast, Blog and New Media Producer’s Legal Survival Guide.

Instructor: Documentary Legal & Business Essentials Tool Kit

Tom Jennings

Tom Jennings, a Peabody Award-Winning Producer, has delivered 500+ films to streamers & channels including Netflix, Nat Geo, Disney+, PBS and many more!

Instructor: "Find, Develop & Pitch Documentary Ideas That Sell"

Dandan Liu

Dandan Liu is an Emmy award-winning filmmaker and contemplative creative.

She is a self-taught filmmaker who started making films while on a 4 year journey living in monasteries around the world. Her films are now streaming on Roku, Apple TV, museums, trains, and airplanes.

Instructor: First-Time Documentary Filmmaker Starter Bundle

Scott Umstattd

Scott Umstattd is a vital member of the Desktop Documentaries team, providing strategic consulting and guidance. A well-traveled photographer, Scott is passionate about documenting the indigenous Aztec Indians in Mexico and offers custom photography experiences through his company, San Miguel Photography Adventures. He also serves on the board of Photographers Without Borders.

Caitlin Cooper

Caitlin Cooper is a documentary filmmaker and freelance journalist based in Mexico City. She is the co-founder of the production company Cine Vita, whose work has been screened and workshopped all over the world. She is a contributing writer and webinar producer for Desktop Documentaries.

Got Story Ideas? Send them to through our Contact Form.

What Visitors Are Saying:

"Thank you! You really make this learning experience so easy. It probably would have taken me years to find all of this out on my own!" - Josue Oropeza, Hemet, CA

"I love your site, and I appreciate the way you turn complicated concepts into clear, concise, easy to digest information. I am working on my first documentary, and you are someone I turn to." - Pamela Enzweiler Pulice, Reel Stories Productions

"I found your site by chance... Congratulations, as someone who's made a living out of documentaries for 30 years, this is one of the most comprehensive summaries of what it takes to do it that I've ever seen." ~ Leo Eaton

"Thank you for being such a valuable resource for everything Documentary... I've scoured the internet looking for a resourceful website and have not found anything close to DD. Once again thank you and I look forward to all of your advice, courses, tips, and weekly emails." - David Garza

"Your classes are so helpful because they cover the little things we tend to overlook, which are actually a big deal. I'm grateful that you provide such a great resource for documentary film!" - Kat McFarlin/Documentary Filmmaker