What are the benefits of doing a documentary?

[FilmBoy77]

interesting conversation i've been having with a relative this morning, someone asked them if i would be interested in doing a documentary for them. i asked about the budget - they said money was not an issue. ok, now i'm interested, lol.

most of my work is focused on narrative films and recently music videos so i'm new to the whole concept of documentaries. question to you guys is what are the benefits to someone doing a documentary?

i'd just be the one filming it, so i would be paid, but i'm interested in the person who owns it and people who do it for a living what's the overall goal(s) or payoffs to doing documentaries? possibility for television or network sales? film festivals? then what?

what are the typical things needed to do a documentary where travel is involved? pretty much the same as everything else i assume.

 

[Andy Olson]

I believe for most documentary filmmakers the goal is still the same as narrative filmmakers and that is to tell a story that they believe needs to be told. As far as directing, documentaries are going to be a different because you can't really direct your subjects but you can direct where your camera is pointed as well as where the story is going and what it's going to be about through editing.

Financially, docs aim mainly at getting a tv deal. Of course there are big docs in theaters like Michael Moore, but they have big studio support and that rarely happens with anyone but those big guys. I've known quite a few doc filmmakers that have sold their work to channels like PBS. There maybe even more potential to sell a decent doc than a narrative because there are more outlets for a doc.

Don't take that to mean that docs are where the money is at because most docs take many years to film and edit and you don't even know if you have anything until way into the process because sometimes the thing or people being documented don't turn out to be.
interesting. Also, most docs get grants to try to stay afloat while shooting so it's a good thing your producers have money.

As far as a setup, you need something light and agile that can literally not stop recording for hours if possible. Lights are good, but sometimes you don't get to use them unless you are interviewing. A good sound person at your side is also a plus.

Good luck. Hope this helps,
Andy