I would like to pose this question to the DV community, and also ask, can it be done in digital "XL1S". I am at the very beginning stages ( thinking ) of doing a documentary on our water ways here in the chain of lakes (Central Florida). Since WW II engineering changes were made to the greatest fishing lakes in florida and now they are near death with even alligators dying at increasing rates. The learning curve and the mass of such a project is overwhelming. I have knowledge of where the information is but I am a little apprehensive to start the project because of it's shear size. I have an idea of what the outline would be. Is a guideline available, have you ever shot such a project. I guess I am asking if you think a reasonably smart but inexperienced individual trying to create such a project would be successfull. Do you have any words of wisdom to offer. My end goal is Discovery or TLC channel. I also have a very small budget and at this time no one but myself to create this. Do I stand a chance??

Some words of advice.

First, don't worry about the camera. The short answer to "can it be done with the XL1S." The answer is yes. Documentaries of this type are done all the time on DV camcorders like the XL1S. Last year, Showtime ran a documentary called "Outwitting Hitler" shot entirely on DV. Stuff shot on DV is aired all the time. So don't worry about the camera. Forget about it; that's not your biggest concern. Don't focus on the camera, it's just a tool and it won't make or break you.

As to your project; the first step and the hardest thing to do and also the least expensive step in the process is: sit down with pen and paper and outline exactly how your documentary will flow. What you want to do is, first, develop a one-paragraph synopsis of your project. State your goals in one short paragraph. Okay, that's your mission statement in a nutshell. Next, expand that statement into a three or four page document that describes your project in some detail. This is your treatment. Somebody should be able to read this and see exactly what your project is about. That mission-statement paragraph you wrote earlier is the introduction to your treatment. When you shop this thing around looking for locations and interviews and support, the treatment is what you show to people so they know what you're doing and what you're all about.

Okay, now you need to develop an outline, and this is the real meat of your project. The outline covers everything that's going into your documentary. Do this on index cards first, one card per item in your outline. Put the cards in order as you go. Along the way you can fill in and mix and re-order as you see fit. What you're developing here is a "paper cut" in a non-linear fashion so that you can easily re-order things until you feel it's complete and have things the way you want them so that it makes sense. Now you'll translate this series of index cards into a word processor on your computer in outline format. You'll still change things here and there but it's the rough outline from which you develop your shooting script. You might have to hone things down to keep the target run time to about an hour (or thirty minutes or whatever).

Your shooting script comes out of your outline and it can be as simple as a shot-by-shot list of all the things you need to get on video. Along with the shooting script you'll also develop a location list and a list of people you need to interview (prepare release forms for each person and location). You'll also prepare a list of charts or graphics you'll need to incorporate along the way. You're not actually preparing those graphics; just a *list* of what you need.

It's important to visualize in your mind exactly how you want this to flow. Look over your shot list and imagine it finished and playing in your head, how long each shot should be, what kind of cutaways do you show during interviews, etc. Read your shot list and imagine seeing every single second of it. Does it make sense? What else do you need to show? What should you take out etc.

This is how you get your "paper cut" and it represents the laborius, exhaustive pre-production process before you ever roll any video. It's the process of getting your ideas down on paper and filling in all the details so that you have a well-constructed plan of action before you start spending any real money. It's how you develop your shooting script.

You might want to consider aiming at local and regional broadcast instead of Discovery and TLC. Generally speaking, channels like Discovery will deal only with experienced, professional production crews and generally most of their programming is their own idea. There are numerous other outlets available to you; you'll want to explore those as well. Good luck,

Chris, you must be reading my mind! About an hour ago I had a hair brained idea to do a documentary, something I've never even considered attempting before (must be spending too much time on this board). I was thinking about what to include in an outline, to organize ideas to use as a guide when it came time to start shooting video and your response has been very helpful.

Thanks!

Ah. When I was in film school at UT-Austin in the early '90's, I took some C&I and EFP video production courses from Dr. Ira Abrams, a noted producer for the PBS Nova series. Sometimes class notes just tend to stick with you over the years, especially from instructors like him. My "advice" is just some school-learning being passed on... I didn't invent that technique or anything.

Thanks Chris, I actually have started an outline somewhat as you described, and I have a good idea of how I want the flow of the project to move. I will use your suggestions for the pen and paper script style layout. Is there a document, book, or guideline somewhere available for such a project. How much of your life (time) would you allow this project to take. How many people would you let assist you without loosing control. Where does the bulk of cost occur. Do you think it can be done with Pinnacle studio DV 7 or similar program. I already have someone experienced in editing DV audio to clean the audio up. I know that these may seem like subjective questions, but sometimes a person needs other opinions to balance there own estimates.

Before even starting on an outline just research, research, research. You'll be surprised how many interesting stories will pop up when you really begin to research the topic with a visual documentary in mind. Unlike a written document that can be sustained with data and charts, a video documentary needs people and action to thrust it forward. Look for people who not only have something to say but who also have a lot to do and show.

Try reading John McPhee's "The Control of Nature." His style of writing was very helpful to me in the 1980s when I was producing similar documentaries. He bases his stories around people and their actions. In Control of Nature, among other topics, he talks about controling the Mississippi River. He researches his stories based on colorful but relevant characters. He's not a documentary filmaker, just non-fiction writer, but we can learn much from his approach.

If alligators, and the lakes themselves, are dying...then rest assured somebody in that area is working to right the situation, either through their job or through their passion.

Plan on doing some legwork to find the people who've been dealing with this problem for a long time and who have the info you need. If you convince them that you want to support their efforts on film, they'll talk and show you around...and then there you go. You've got material.

And don't forget...tape is relatively cheap. So take your camera along even when you're out searching for leads. You never know what'll crop up. And don't forget to take along plenty of releases.

(Ozzie...looks like you and I submitted similar answers almost simultaneously. Your post wasn't there when I started to respond. Great minds think alike?)

Ozzie was very right, the peoples stories and info are falling into my hands faster than I can write. At this point, information is coming in so fast that I can only record the source and location of information rather than the story itself. To give you an idea of what several phone calls and some research have netted. The first alteration to the chain began at the mother lake 1888, army corp of eng. An old boss began a campaign to save the lakes in 1962. His son gave me the paperwork. A study in europe says a 1947 hurricane destroyed the lake. In the early 1940's the federal government created farms on the lake to feed the troops in WW II. I found friends of Lake Apopka , a group dedicated to the lake. The locals say in 1970 some country boys tried to blow up the 5 locks that they say have stoped the natural breathing of the chain. An old friends grandfather started a live bait company that serviced the lake in the 50's, they are saying it was the greatest bass fishing lake in all FLorida. Soil samples, 1950s air photo's. etc. Add to this the current move to dismantle the Rodman Damn that is a huge political battle and engineering project.

The following link is what happened during the recovery effort

http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/022799/met_2a1apopk.html

In case the link doesn't work just search "Lake Apopka tragedy"

I am a research freak, took 3 years to decide what harley to buy, rode it 9 months. I have only hinted of this project and it is exploding in front of me.
Thanks to all who have given advice, I am listening and will continue, Any of you live in Florida??

I can't wait to try and find a few seniors who grew/lived/worked the lake and get their stories.

Hmmm... This is becoming a fascinating story...and it's only a few days old (here).

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/26/science/earth/26EVER.html

Hi Central Florida,

I live in Palm Harbor and have some expierence with documentaries and consevation work. If your looking for help with production or post-production let me know. I've done work for the Nature Conservency, New Jersey Audubon and several smaller, local conservation groups.

Good luck.

Jeff

Jeff, At this point it would be great to have help, I find myself having to learn so much that I am taking a step backward everyday. feel free to email me using the link below my post. I would be interested in talking with you.
thanks
Don

You have definately discovered my favorite tool for new projects- Sounding it out with various peers, and this is the right place. The people here are experienced and helpful, and very diverse.

While it is unlikely that any two people will have the same vision, that is what makes it so useful to me. After expessing an idea or vision, I ask several friends with various backgrounds for their ideas or opinions. Sometimes they help curb odd tangents, or give a new angle that I might have overlooked.

You already have the basic premise of the project, as well as the final destination or market. Other points to consider might be:
- TLC or Discovery's interest in such a documentary, and what length the final version should be.
- A list of resources- local fishers, schools that are doing research in that area, or may have already been there. You even mentioned the Army Corp. of Engineers, a very credible source for info.
-Airboat tours of the area might help find footage.
-What graphics you might need or want.

After a bit, you will have a better idea of what you will use, and what you won't. It's like a puzzle, it either fits, or it doesn't.
Best wishes from the Space Coast,
Keith

Thanks Keith, The graphics end is another world altogether. I have invisioned some old indian drawings and sketchs of times when no photos existed and I admit graphics will be a whole new department of the creation. I also have old aerial photo's in the works, how to transfer them into a video will be another learning point. It is good to see you are in Florida though? At this point the project has slowed because I have to visualize the entire project before creating it. The written treatment is changing as the outline has evolved from animal deaths to a timeline of man changing the eco system and the fight to undue the damage. A big problem is that I Have not fully committed to such a project for fear of failure. I also have a fear that I would enjoy it so much and want it to succeed so bad that I would begin making big sacrifices to see it through. I hope that does not sound wrong but I have limited resources and such a huge failure would be painful. The project however is still going forward. Thanks for the post, everything learned is applied.

Being creative is the funnest part of any project :) Figuring out how to do it is the challenge. Actually pulling it off is the reward.
And yes, I am in Palm Bay Fl.
Keith

Another aspect to consider is whether the story has been covered before. I am pretty sure I've seen something about this issue. That doesn't mean you can't weigh in with your opinion, though. I would suggest you try to find out if/what angle has been covered, that will either help prevent you from repeating the issue or give you some valuable insight into the issue. You may even find some good stock footage.

My experience with Discovery is that they are interested in a scientific "hook". So if that's your goal for release, I would suggest concentrating on that angle. Also, what Chris says is true, but, and please correct me if I'm wrong on this Chris, I think the deal regarding professional outfits is generally for when an idea is being proposed. As far as a finished program is concerned, I think they will definitely view it.

Guy is quite right about Discovery, et al -- if you bring a finished piece to the table, they will definitely look at it. Finished pieces tend to sell, if they're very good, but ideas do not sell that well. They have plenty of their own ideas, and that's when they do their own hiring.

OK, here is the first stumbling block, I need be to pointed in the right direction for information on documetary copyright. I am beginning to recieve locations of photo's and I am searching out old video to use. In news I can shoot just about anybody from a public location, If someone owns the film I will just use a release. Interviews will have a release. But what about shots that may inadvertantly show a face, someones land, I need a book, course, something to give me legal confidence on the project. Any suggestions?? Also, after researching if the storyline had been covered before, I do not remeber such a piece, also a search of the related broadcast networks did not reveal any info in their database. I believe I am in the clear on prior projects.

A word of caution - a documentary such as the one you're proposing doesn't fall under the "news" category as such. Be very careful to get releases from EVERYONE that appears in your footage. I know producers who have had to either pay through the nose or re-edit material because someone objected to having his or her image show to the world. Often these are a nuisance but the law is on their side.

About acquired footage - here again, be very careful. Often the people who grant you permission to use the footage don't actually own the rights. A few years ago we bought the rights to some footage from a reputable stock house. In due time we heard from Disney because ONE shot in that footage did not technically belong to the people we paid the rights to. Of course that was after the material had aired and we had to either pay or recall and re-edit.

My advise is to stay away from using stock footage as much as possible. Stock can be the most expensive item in your budget. Unless it's historical archive footage, shoot as much yourself as possible. At this point there's no need to get a lawyer since that alone will cost you more than you have.

Here a funny annecdote - a few years ago we were shooting a dinner at the VP's house (Gore at the time). Although the tent was pitched outside the front door to the mansion at the Naval Observatory we were quickly told we could not shoot in the direction of the house. When I asked why, I was told the building itself was "copyrighted." I could not shoot it with special permission from some department and pay a fee. Come to think oof it, have you ever seen a picture of the VP's mansion?

OK, now you're getting into some serious stuff. Get yourself some reading material. I'm sure there are a number of excellent books to choose from. Two that I have (although there may be newer revisions) are:

This Business Of Television; A practical guide to the TV/Video industries for Producers, Directors, Writers, Performers, Agents, and Executives, by Howard J. Blumenthal and Oliver R. Goodenough (don't laugh!), published by Billboard Books in 1991. I bought this in '97 and it rocks! How shows are developed, produced and distributed. How networks, syndicators, cable systems, and local stations operate. The FCC and it's influence on program content and advertising. Agents, lawyers, and deal-making in every facet of the business. Home video, music video, and videogames. International markets for tv programs. Essential industry contracts and forms. Lists of orgnizations and sources of information.....etc (whew!) In '97 was $ 32.50, hardcover, 660 pages.

Writing, directing, and producing documentary films and videos, Revised Edition by Alan Rosenthal, published bySouthern Illinois University Press. It's old school but very informative, especially for beginners.

Another good book is Barry Hampe's Making Documentary Films and Reality Videos. You can find it on amazon.com.

There is not a lot of technical production info in Hampe's book. The book's strength is in walking the reader through the conceptualization process, writing the documentary, using visual evidence, and managing the production process etc. It sets one to thinking in productive ways.

One comment about the copyright on the Vice President's Mansion. By law, the federal goverment cannot hold copyrights. Of course there are rules about filming federal installations (which may be stricter now more than just a little while ago).

That said, private buildings may be copyrighted as "architectural works" for some purposes. See the Federal copyright Web site at http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ41.html.

A handy resource on these issues is the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com. The U.S. government's site is also very good. For information on motion pictures (covered under performing arts) see: http://www.copyright.gov/register/performing.html.

<<<-- Also, after researching if the storyline had been covered before, I do not remeber such a piece, also a search of the related broadcast networks did not reveal any info in their database. I believe I am in the clear on prior projects. -->>>

One other point here. What copyright applies to in motion pictures is what's sometimes called the "manner of expression".

The Fed Web site points out:

"Copyright in a motion picture is automatically secured when the work is created and “fixed” in a copy. Only the expression (camera work, dialogue, sounds, etc.) fixed in a motion picture is protectible under copyright. Copyright does not cover the idea or concept behind the work or any characters portrayed in the work."

So, if you have been searching past stories because of copyright issues, know that there is no problem if you are simply exploring the same story idea as others have in the past.

To all who helped in the discussion of this project, thank you. While educating myself on ducumentaries I have learned alot. Admittedly I also learned that pollution has been filmed and; according to one source, "done to death" pg. 111 (Making Documentary Films), by Barry Hampe. I have also had a career change which has positioned me as a full time videographer (is videographer an actual word?). I have invisioned a short human interst story which I will attempt to sell to networks that occaisionally end there news broadcast with a human interst story. Although I mainly shoot news, my brief education has taught me many new things about Television and has given me more confidence about what I know. Most of all, it has proven to me that I could never be successful at such a project without the help and experience of other people.

Donny

Good to hear from you, Donny! Congratulations on your new job (yes, indeed, "videographer" is a valid word/vocation, similar to "cinematographer"). It sounds like you're making significant headway toward your dreams.

Bravo!

Hello. I had a similar desire to submit a documentary to a network. This project fell in my lap with only a few days notice. The Nature Conservany has a program called Alternative Spring Break where college kids from all over the country come together and help clean up nature preserves at various locations. These preserves were in NW Georgia. I had no crew to work with. I used an XL-1 EFP configuration and that's it. It was all on the fly with no script or outline. The whole time I was thinking this was never going to work. I managed to get several interviews in the field and just covered them with B-roll from the students. In the end it worked out very well. Next, I contacted OLN (Outdoor Life Network) to see if they might be interested in it for their program line up. This is where I got my first dose of the machine. You would not believe the amount of red tape and voicemail to sift through. It is a wonder that anything gets on the air. I was also surprised as to what networks own each other. That means more red tape. Anyway, I found that networks are VERY picky about their programming. They like to have a series rather than stand alone programs. I heard that sometimes they will use your stand alone as a component in a larger program. OLN sent me a submission package with all of these forms to sign. One form stated that if your material was similar to an idea that they or another person had submitted beforehand, that you could not say that they took your idea without compensation. Translation, it's time to get a good lawyer! This project has never gone anywhere but the net. So, if anyone wants to view it just click on the link below. Let me know what you think. Thanks.

Nature Conservancy - Alternative Spring Break 2001

http://community.webtv.net/JEFCom/NATURESTREAMING

Note: If in the future this link no longer works, just go to http://www.jefcommunications.com to find the video

It would be terrific if some of the more experienced producers were to put together seminars or video training programs to teach those who need broadcast basics. I am unable to find educational opportunities in the world of editing, creating, producing or promoting electronic media. I personally found that college level courses are not to the point, they seem to take a semester at what could be well learned in a week. I think the answer is to surround yourself with good people.

I am interested in what you would do different the next time. Was the criteria for submission straight forward or a little foreign to you?

thanks
Donny

One starting point is the book "This Business of Television" by Howard J. Blumenthal and Oliver R. Goodenough (really, that's his name) published by Billboard Books.

It goes into great and useful detail about the legal/business side of TV. This book is probably at you Local or local University Library.

BTW, I could not make Jef's streaming link work.

Peter, what kind of technical problem did you have with viewing the video?

It timed out. Clicked on the link and waited and waited and waited and nothing happened.

I hope I'll get a chance to see the vid.

So you went to the main page and clicked on one the links, high speed or dial up, and nothing happened? Do you have a PC or mac? Do you have windows media player installed?

The high speed doesn't play on my Mac, OS X 10.1.5 with Internet Explorer 5.2.1 and Windows Media Player. It waits and waits but nothing ever plays. Sorry.

Jeff

Okeedokee. I don't know why this is but there have only been a few Mac users that have been able to watch these or other files with windows media player so you're not alone. Do you have the latest windows media player. If not, go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download for a free player for OS X. I believe the first person I encountered with the same problem had to do restart for the new install to take effect. If you want to try this, let me know how it works out or you may just have to watch it in on a PC if you can. Thanks.

If it makes you feel any better, I have a lot of trouble watching Quicktime files on my PC.

I was able to watch it with no problem using a G4 and OSX on an ADSL connection. I also have the newest version of Windows media player. Look for the usual culprits:

1. connection speed
2. system version
3. Windows media version

One thing I noticed, though...unlike QuickTime that shows you the downloading process, with some Windows Media clips nothing shows at all until most or all of the file has downloaded. With big files, that can take a few minutes at times.

Just let the cursor spin, go eat lunch, and when you come back...voila! (maybe)

Hi John,
Did it play smoothly with that ADSL connection?

James,

Played very smoothly. Really, no problems at all.

Thank you sir.

Sir?!

Way too formal for me, James. My idea of a formal occasion is one that requires newly washed jeans. ;)

Call me John...puh-leez.