How do I make a documentary about the streets of Kolkata

by Trisha Sikder
(India, Kolkata)

A street vendor in Calcutta, India

A street vendor in Calcutta, India

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Question: I have to make a short documentary for my final year of college, preferably a social topic. I really want to make my documentary on "The streets of Kolkata". I want to highlight the Heritage of the city through its renowned streets, the history behind them. But i don't know where to start from...


Desktop Documentaries:

Hello Trisha, making documentaries can be as simple or as complicated as you make it. A very simple idea for you is to take photos of the streets of Calcutta and weave them together with some music and recording your voice as narration (you can record your voice with your video camera or any other recording device. Even your phone!).

A more complicated option is to take your video camera out into the streets and interview people. Take those interviews, upload them to your computer and edit the clips together in a way that tells a story.

For inspiration, browse through YouTube videos to see what other filmmakers have created.

Here are some helpful links to get you started in making your documentary.

Step-By-Step: How To Make A Documentary

How To Edit Your Documentary

How To Write A Documentary Script

Choosing The Best Video Editing Software

Filmmaking 101: What Is Video Production

If you don't want to learn how to edit on your computer, a very simple editing software is called Animoto. Just upload your photos and video and it edits the video for you!

Did I answer your question? Please leave comments below.

Comments for How do I make a documentary about the streets of Kolkata

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Jan 25, 2014
 I am also making a film in Kolkata NEW
by: Ben

Hi i am currently working on a documentary in Kolkata, looking at how a school over their helps deprived children in a unique way, but also how hard it is for children who don't go to school. i am going out again in April if you are interested :)
Dec 14, 2012
 thnk u NEW
by: trisha

thnx a lot for the help :)

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