Docco making resources required at DVinfo.net

Aaron Koolen · November 13th, 2002, 06:48 PM

I'm wanting to learn about documentary making and thought I might start making a few small items about people I know, just to learn with. Do any of you seasoned pro's have any "must read" books or sites that I should look at to learn about it all. I want to learn about all aspects of the process including interviewing, structure and editing if at all possible.

Cheers
Aaron

Jeff Donald · November 13th, 2002, 10:47 PM

This will get you started http://www.cinemaweb.com/silentfilm/...f/23_rf1_2.htm Nanook of the North was one of the first documentaries. Flaherty' first film caught fire (a years worth of work) and burned along with his editing facility. Undaunted he returned and reshot everything and more. Amazing story for the early 1900's.

You may want to search Read About It http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisp...?s=&forumid=36 for additional books and inspiration.

Jeff

Ken Tanaka · November 14th, 2002, 12:02 AM

Aaron,
I'm currently reading two very good books on making documentary films which you may also find useful. I've not (yet) reviewed them in the "Read About It" forum, but here are the amazon links to them.

Making Documentary Films and Reality Videos
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0805044515

Directing the Documentary
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0240802705

Aaron Koolen · November 14th, 2002, 05:41 AM

Thanks guys, I'll check those out.

Jeff Donald · November 14th, 2002, 06:10 AM

The cover of Directing the Documentary is a scene from Nanook of the North. I've read Directing the Documentary and it is a good book for beginners and pros alike.

Jeff

David Mintzer · November 14th, 2002, 07:31 AM

You might also look at Erik Barnows History of the Documentary----not a how to book but a scholarly look at the many different veins of documentary film making---gave me some great ideas.

Guy Pringle · November 16th, 2002, 03:19 PM

Writing, directing, and producing documentary films and videos by Alan Rosenthal.

Simon Plissi · November 17th, 2002, 11:25 AM

<<<-- Originally posted by africats : Writing, directing, and producing documentary films and videos by Alan Rosenthal. -->>>

Yes, the Alan Rosenthal book is good.
Also worth checking out is Paul Kriwaczek's Documentary for the Small Screen. The book also includes shot and audio advice.

November 13th, 2002, 06:48 PM	#1
Aaron Koolen Trustee Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 1,727	Docco making resources required I'm wanting to learn about documentary making and thought I might start making a few small items about people I know, just to learn with. Do any of you seasoned pro's have any "must read" books or sites that I should look at to learn about it all. I want to learn about all aspects of the process including interviewing, structure and editing if at all possible. Cheers Aaron

November 14th, 2002, 12:02 AM	#3
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Aaron, I'm currently reading two very good books on making documentary films which you may also find useful. I've not (yet) reviewed them in the "Read About It" forum, but here are the amazon links to them. Making Documentary Films and Reality Videos http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0805044515 Directing the Documentary http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0240802705 __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

November 16th, 2002, 03:19 PM	#7
Guy Pringle Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Cape Town, South Africa Posts: 82	Writing, directing, and producing documentary films and videos by Alan Rosenthal. __________________ Amacitia Reddit Honores (Friendship Brings Honour) Guy Pringle Silver Reflections guypringle@yahoo.com +27(0)83 256 8566

November 13th, 2002, 10:47 PM	#2
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	This will get you started http://www.cinemaweb.com/silentfilm/...f/23_rf1_2.htm Nanook of the North was one of the first documentaries. Flaherty' first film caught fire (a years worth of work) and burned along with his editing facility. Undaunted he returned and reshot everything and more. Amazing story for the early 1900's. You may want to search Read About It http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisp...?s=&forumid=36 for additional books and inspiration. Jeff

November 14th, 2002, 05:41 AM	#4
Aaron Koolen Trustee Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 1,727	Thanks guys, I'll check those out.

November 14th, 2002, 06:10 AM	#5
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	The cover of Directing the Documentary is a scene from Nanook of the North. I've read Directing the Documentary and it is a good book for beginners and pros alike. Jeff

November 14th, 2002, 07:31 AM	#6
David Mintzer Rextilleon Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Pleasantville, NY Posts: 520	You might also look at Erik Barnows History of the Documentary----not a how to book but a scholarly look at the many different veins of documentary film making---gave me some great ideas.

November 17th, 2002, 11:25 AM	#8
Simon Plissi Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London, UK Posts: 105	<<<-- Originally posted by africats : Writing, directing, and producing documentary films and videos by Alan Rosenthal. -->>> Yes, the Alan Rosenthal book is good. Also worth checking out is Paul Kriwaczek's Documentary for the Small Screen. The book also includes shot and audio advice.