How to make a low-budget doc (guide)

C

custerc

Well-known member
Hi folks,

so, in my frustration that such a thing doesn't seem to exist already, I'm working on starting a blog for documentary filmmakers, especially low-budget/indie folks. I've written a bunch of guides already but the one I'm really looking for some feedback on is the how-to guide, which is way longer. What I've written so far is based on my own experience, what I've read on the internet and in books, etc. but I'd love some third-party opinions on what's good, what isn't, what's WRONG and what's missing especially.

If you're bored and want to check it out, the guide in its current form is here:
http://documentaryunderground.com/guides/how-to-make-a-low-budget-doc/

as you'll see it's not finished but based on what's there, I'd love to hear any and all thoughts! Thanks!

Also, please don't share the site with anyone yet as it's not finished either!
 
That's a really, really good primer, and highly useful for those starting out. Kudos to you! What a wonderful public service.

Here are a few things I noticed that are just suggestions you can choose to ignore if you like.

1. Gear: I might mention the use of a blimp, or at least a furry, for outdoor use. If you're shooting on a schedule and you have only one chance to get the shot, and wind noise doesn't figure into a gritty approach to the doc, then you'll really want a blimp and boom pole.

2. Camera: I agree that DSLRs outstrip most, and probably all, consumer-level camcorders in image quality and lens choice, but for my money, I'd rather shoot most things with a Canon HV20/30/40 than with a DSLR, and the Canon is cheaper. I'd do this because the Canon has much longer recording time, which as you've pointed out, is a pain when doing interviews. It also has a number of features that mimic those of much more expensive video cameras, and the image quality, in good light, is very good for its price range. I could go on, but I won't. I'm just throwing it out as a possibility to include in this section.

Note: Camera choice may be influenced by how you intend to distribute. If you have hopes that PBS might pick it up, for instance, you're going to need a higher bit rate, probably, than the cameras you list. You'll probably also need an editing program with waveform display so that you can apply a procamp to bring the footage within tolerances.

Note: You might want to mention that, if you're going to be shooting flashes, in high-vibration environments, or very fast motion, that the rolling shutter issue on most, if not all, of the cameras you listed could get in the way. For instance, police car flashing lights look terrible with a rolling shutter, though you might be able to get away with a brief shot of celebrities getting flashes from scores of photographers. So, a CCD camera might be the best option for some.

Sound: This is one place where used might be best, at least in my opinion. I once picked up a Senn G1 system, for instance, for $12.50. Still going strong, too. I recently got a G2 system for $200, and it does a great job. Same with shotguns. It can be tough to find good used ones for sale because they last for so long, but the occasional company will go out of business, or will be upgrading, and will have some pretty good deals. Another issue for sound is that you can find some very cheap, cabled lavs that do a decent job in some circumstances, like in very high-noise environments when you really want to exclude as much of the ambience as possible. Also, the DSLRs you recommend have only one sound input, I think (though I admit I haven't looked at all of them), so any time you need two lavs, you're going to need either a mixer or a splitter.

Transcription: Yeah. I always transcribe. But I've found that, in some cases, I can really save myself time by using the metadata function in APP and having it do speech to text for me. On occasion, the text is too garbled to be useful, but generally I can use it to both read what was said and go directly to that point in the interview on the clip. A real time saver.

Once again, GREAT job. Hope something I might have said is useful ;-).
 
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