First 12 Filmmaking Essentials

Let's say you want to make a documentary but you have nothing to make a documentary with. What do you need to make a documentary?

That's actually a loaded question because you really don't need much. You could make a documentary on your smartphone.

But let's say you really wanted to make an impressive documentary with great light, sound and video that is edited and color corrected and made ready to sell on Amazon and Netflix. Now what do you need to make that kind of documentary?

D4Darious breaks down the first 12 things you need have to start making your own documentary.

First 12 Filmmaking Essentials

1. A Computer

Well, most of us have a computer. So this is one you can probably go ahead and check off the list. Or can you? Sure, you've got a computer but can it handle editing your film? Does you computer have the guts to get it done?

Do you have at least 16G of RAM? Check you graphics card to make sure it's up to the task of handling all of that video.

Odds are, the computer you have now is good enough to get you moving on your project.

If you're not sure, you can get a decent Dell gaming computer with a good graphics card for under $700.

2. Camera

There are a lot of cameras out there. Don't spend a lot of time worried about which camera has better specs. Anything built in the past few years is going to give you plenty of camera to work with. Don't forget. You can use your smartphone to make a film.

If you want a good place to start, try the Sony Alpha a6000.

3. Extra Memory Cards

If you're just getting into documentary filmmaking, this is an item you may easily overlook. You want to have extra memory cards for your camera for a variety of reasons. You'll want to have the ability to shoot a lot of video. Especially, if you cannot offload your footage after a day of shooting. Having extra memory will help keep your mind at ease while you are shooting.

These 64GB compact flash cards from Lexar should do the trick. (Check to make sure they are compatible with your camera.)

4. Lens Filters

Shooting in daylight, especially bright daylight, can be challenging when shooting video. You can't always change the settings to get the exposure you want. ND filters are screwed in front of your lens. ND (neutral density) filters are like sunglasses for your lenses in bright light. They allow you to have better control over your exposure settings and can take away much of the blinding light.

Lenses come in different sizes. So do filters. Check your lens' thread filter to see what size filter works for your lens. Common thread sizes are 52mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, and 82mm.

This 58mm ND filter from Tiffen is a solid choice.

5. Tripod (Fluid Head)

You don't want to hold a camera all day. A tripod saves you energy and gives your shots a professional look. A fluid head tripod is designed to give the operator smooth camera movements. Fluid head tripods reduce (or remove) those jerky camera movements that can throw a viewer off.

Neewer makes good filmmaking products at a fair price. This fluid head tripod is under $100.

6. Sound Recorder

You've got your camera. But that's probably not going to be enough. To record professional (if not just better) audio you want to use an external sound recorder. Hook your microphone(s) up to an external audio recorder and you will have much better sound than your camera alone is capable of producing.

The Zoom H5 is a well-reviewed and affordable audio recorder that produces very good results.

Check out our article on audio basics for documentary filmmaking to make sure you're working the right way.

7. Microphone

Did someone just say microphone? Yep. To get good audio you need to get a microphone. There are all kinds of mics for all kinds of specific purposes. Two good microphones to start with are lavalier mics (for doing interviews) and directional mics (for pointing at your sound subject). You can learn more about microphones here.

8. Mic Stand/Boom Pole

Think of it as a tripod for your mic. You don't want to hold a camera all day and you don't want to hold a mic throughout an entire interview. If you are using lavalier mics, you won't need a mic stand.

This boom stand should be enough to get you started.

9. Lighting

Of course you need lights. Every location will be different and you need to be able to make a space presentable for your camera. Having a good set of lights is crucial for interviews. Although, you don't always need lights...

This bi-colored and battery operated set of LED lights offer an affordable way to get into the lighting game.

If you want to learn more about lighting, check out these video lighting techniques.

10. Disk Reflectors

A disk reflector is a portable light bouncer. Disk reflectors have different materials that let you control how the light is bounced onto your subject. This is another item that will easily pay for itself after just one use.

Get one and you're done.

11. Editing Software

You've got to edit your film. And the way to do that is with a video editor. There are lots of choices when it comes to editing video. If you are just starting our iMovie is a great free tool for Mac users. Hit Film Express is another free option to consider when looking for a video editor.

Looking for the basics of how to edit a documentary? We've got you covered.

12. External Hard Drives

Just like you want to have extra memory cards when you are shooting in the field, you'll want to have plenty of extra memory at home too. If you are shooting 4K be prepared to use a lot of hard drive space. There are a lot of hard drives out there. Most are going to be pretty good for what you need. Find a reputable one in your budget and get a few. You'll thank yourself later.

Lacie makes great portable hard drives for the on-the-go producer. Drop, dust and, rain resistant this Lacie 4GB external hard drive will protect your footage for a long time.