A show about how to create a feature-length documentary. It is hosted by producer/director Maureen Lee Maloney, and follows the progress of the film Voice of Vanilla, as well as explaining how to become a documentary filmmaker.
Bettina Dalton is a documentary producer specializing in nature films. She's best known for the film Playing with Sharks, which you can watch on Disney Plus.Support the show
Today we talk about how to get great interviews from anyone.Support the show
Interview with Hsuan Yu Pan and Nancy Wolfe about their new documentary short, Alone/Together.Currently, Alone/Together is available to watch via https://www.panvideo.net/watch-a-filmAlso check out the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/alonetogethermovieFind out more about Hsuan Yu Pan at https://www.panvideo.net/Support the show
Today I'm going to Update you on what's happening in Madagascar and where we are with the filmUpdate you on what I've been doing over the past year while we've been unable to filmA lesson hard learned from this past yearLearn more about the film at VoiceofVanilla.comSupport the show
Visit Mydocjourney.comSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=cU8y8-ux7Oq5VdZhr2eo4G6hgqwY_oldIRT-5qWDcOTzbyRbrAJ08hL8mK4P1W0aH0UbKG&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Please support the Seed&Spark campaign for Voice of Vanilla at https://seedandspark.com/fund/voiceofvanillaSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=cU8y8-ux7Oq5VdZhr2eo4G6hgqwY_oldIRT-5qWDcOTzbyRbrAJ08hL8mK4P1W0aH0UbKG&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Find the core application at Documentary.orgArchival footage links:Archive.orgBritishpathe.comhttps://nofilmschool.com/2015/10/need-public-domain-footage-your-documentary-here-are-5-great-sourcesSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=cU8y8-ux7Oq5VdZhr2eo4G6hgqwY_oldIRT-5qWDcOTzbyRbrAJ08hL8mK4P1W0aH0UbKG&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Jessica Jones is an Emmy nominated documentary filmmaker. Her work focuses on community, cultural representation, and race with a specific focus on both Black and multiracial identity, often with a focus on women and the arts through character-driven narratives. Her work has appeared on Independent Lens, The New York Times, BBC, KQED, among others publications. She is a part of two-time Webby award winning If Cities Could Dance filmmaking team and in 2016, she received an Emmy nomination for “Women Dancers Redefine Oakland’s Street Dancing Scene”, published on KQED Arts. She is a part of the creative team behind Mixed People’s History, an online story archival project. She was the 2011 George Stoney Fellow at Working Films, and a 2013 BAVC Mediamaker Fellow. She is a graduate of Northwestern University, and George Washington University’s Institute for Documentary Filmmaking.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=cU8y8-ux7Oq5VdZhr2eo4G6hgqwY_oldIRT-5qWDcOTzbyRbrAJ08hL8mK4P1W0aH0UbKG&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
1) Don't solicit; Elicit.2) Keep contributors updated3) Think beyond money4) Techniques for facebook5) Techniques for Insta6) Clubhouse and TikTokSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=cU8y8-ux7Oq5VdZhr2eo4G6hgqwY_oldIRT-5qWDcOTzbyRbrAJ08hL8mK4P1W0aH0UbKG&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Seed & SparkCrowdfunding for Filmmakers1) Audience research2) Pitch video3) Determine how much you can raise4) Incentives5) Be ready for day 16) Make it your full time jobSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=cU8y8-ux7Oq5VdZhr2eo4G6hgqwY_oldIRT-5qWDcOTzbyRbrAJ08hL8mK4P1W0aH0UbKG&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Visit MyDocJourney.com for list of gearSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=cU8y8-ux7Oq5VdZhr2eo4G6hgqwY_oldIRT-5qWDcOTzbyRbrAJ08hL8mK4P1W0aH0UbKG&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
It's important to be able to articulate the importance of documentary filmmaking. There are many reasons, but here are a few of mine.Also, I watched the 3 hour long Stage 32 webinar about pitching Netflix, and here are my thoughts.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=cU8y8-ux7Oq5VdZhr2eo4G6hgqwY_oldIRT-5qWDcOTzbyRbrAJ08hL8mK4P1W0aH0UbKG&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Tips: Getting out of the slump: LAUGHHold a pencil in your mouthMeditationCreate a sanctuaryBreak things down into small tasks20-30min work sprints5min activity break each hourDrink lots of water, eat hard candy Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=cU8y8-ux7Oq5VdZhr2eo4G6hgqwY_oldIRT-5qWDcOTzbyRbrAJ08hL8mK4P1W0aH0UbKG&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Watch Imitating Life online through Salem Film Fest https://salemfilmfest.com/2020/movies/imitating-life-the-audacity-of-suzanne-heintz/Find out about future screenings at https://www.journeyman.tv/film/7841/imitating-life-the-audacity-of-suzanne-heintzSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=cU8y8-ux7Oq5VdZhr2eo4G6hgqwY_oldIRT-5qWDcOTzbyRbrAJ08hL8mK4P1W0aH0UbKG&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Visit Mydocjourney.com to download the free ebook Roadmap to Becoming a Documentary FilmmakerWrite your mission statementsGet a fiscal sponsorCreate a trailerStart applying for grants- this is a long game, so if you think you’re going to film this next month and edit it the month after, forget about this for nowIt takes a lot of time, and you have to apply several times before you really have a chanceThere are benefits beyond money, like connections to distributors, film festivals, and labsBuild your communityCreate a spreadsheet of your entire circle of influence and start talking to peopleIn-person request for help is always going to be the best way to get support, and widen your sphereMake sure you keep notes on all your meetings and follow upCreate an “advisory board” of friends and mentorsCreate a social media plan (figure out best sites to post on) and post regularlyFind newspapers, magazine, website related to your topic- submit articles for publication (build awareness and credibility)Develop your pitchShort and sweet (20-30 sec) makes them ask, oh that’s interesting, tell me moreBe passionate Pitch 10 times a dayEvents - Build community, raise awareness2 ways to raise money here: get sponsors (put logos on stuff), have an auctionOnline events during covid- no overhead, people can attend from anywhere in the world8. INDIVIDUALSWhere to find them?In your headAddress bookFamilyLocal newspaper: look for ppl w/ interest in the topic area; business & society columnsBrainstorming partyNet: websites, blogs, social networksHow to approach?One-to-one direct, in-person askFundraising housepartyDirect mailPersonal letter from you to a few people you know, or by avid supporter who will write their friendsMass mail appeal sent to a list you've acquired EmailHow to approach them?one-on-oneFundraising House PartyCrowdfundingBefore you do this you must have already done the work of building your community and email list, so if you’re a first-time filmmaker…Go to seedandspark.com and watch their fundraising class!!!!9. OTHER NONPROFITSWhere to findProfessional journalsConferencesITVSVFW, Knights of Columbus, Lion’s Club, Rotary International10. GOVERNMENTNational sourcesNatl endowment for the artsNatl endowment for the humanitiesCorp for public broadcastingMisc (e..g. Forestry, IRS)StateState arts agenciesState humanities councilsState tourism boardLocallocal/regional arts councilCommerce & growth associationsSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=cU8y8-ux7Oq5VdZhr2eo4G6hgqwY_oldIRT-5qWDcOTzbyRbrAJ08hL8mK4P1W0aH0UbKG&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
Alana DeJoseph is the producer, director, and editor of the feature documentary film, A Towering Task, which explores the history and current relevancy of the US Peace Corps.Learn more about her film, and how to watch it at http://www.peacecorpsdocumentary.com/Learn more about my documentary, Voice of Vanilla, about Madagascar vanilla farmers at http://voiceofvanilla.com/Support the show (https://fromtheheartproductions.networkforgood.com/projects/51992-documentaries-voice-of-vanilla)
Get your guide to becoming a documentary filmmaker at MyDocJourney.comHotDocs 2018 Documentary Audience Research study https://telefilm.ca/wp-content/uploads/hotdocs2018-doc-audience-report-en.pdfPeter Broderick blog about Distribber http://peterbroderick.com/distributionbulletins/distributionbulletins.htmlHow to develop your audienceDON’T assume you know who your audience is. Do some research.Make a list of topics/keywords related to your filmResearch what existsOther films, news stories, books, blogs, reddit groups, twitter chats, businesses, influencersCreate a spreadsheet/ organize findingsMake list of types of content that gets shared, the way people communicate, what topics people are talking about or asking aboutMake list of conferences or other eventsBonus is that you learn even more about your topic!!!Here’s where you’ll find the groups/influencers who you will reach out to to spread the word about your filmFollow unexpected leads to find things you hadn’t thought of- add to list of keywordsCreate a composite sketch of your audience with 3-5 examplesBeliefs and mindset are most important aspect- not age or sexGo out and talk to people who match your sketched and make sure they really are interestedDevelop a relationship with your audienceShare your WHYEngage in-person as much as possibleStart building your email listMake sure you’re offering valueAsk audience for their feedback/ideassend your list a survey asking them about their lives and interests. Ask them what intrigues them about your documentary project and what topics they’d like to see covered.Bring them back to your site by giving them ways to participateBlog: about filmmaking process, about characters/themes; expand narrative beyond the film by working with/connecting to grassroots orgs that work on the social issues your doc covers; post content from filmWrite articles that can be shared by people/groups/orgsSupport the show (https://fromtheheartproductions.networkforgood.com/projects/51992-documentaries-voice-of-vanilla)
Intrinsic Motivation requires 3 elements- Autonomy- Mastery- PurposeGive yourself a FLOW test to help find purposeUse Deliberate Practice to achieve MasteryCreate your own Goals and give yourself monthly Performance ReviewsSupport the show (https://fromtheheartproductions.networkforgood.com/projects/51992-documentaries-voice-of-vanilla)
FREE E-booklet: How to Become a Documentary Filmmakeravailable at MyDocJourney.comMake a tax-deductible donation to Voice of Vanilla at www.tinyurl.com/vovdocSince many of you will be visiting family, I thought I’d talk about interviewing, so that some of you can practice on your family members. Consider this your winter break homework.This is an especially great exercise to do with older family members who may have great stories locked away that you never knew. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to preserve memories of loved ones. You can totally just use your phone if you don’t have a camera, and just have fun with this.So here are things to think about with interviews…Sound- be aware of your environment. Listen for heaters turning on and off or refrigerators. If you’re near a busy street, try to move to a room furthest away from the street. It’s best to always listen through headphones, because it’s easy to realize what is being picked up by the microphone.Lighting- have a light to the front, and slightly to the side, that way it lights up their eyes so you can see a little light reflecting from them- that’s called eyeshine and without it eyes can look dull and flat. It’s also nice to have a light above and behind the person to shine on their shoulders and hair. It adds depth to the shot. Composition- if you just have 1 camera I would frame the shot from just above the hips to just above the top of the head. Following the rule of thirds, their eyes should be off to one side of the frame, looking toward the other side of the frame. I’ll post an example on the blog and facebook page if you have absolutely no idea what I’m saying here. Also, if you can, make sure the subject is not backed up to a wall. Having depth behind the subject will make for a more interesting shot, especially if it is at an angle to the wall or facing the corner. Ideally the background is interesting, but not cluttered. If all you have is a plain wall, try shining a small light on it to give it a splash of brightness.Once your shot is ready, and your subject is comfortably seated, it’s good to have a little conversation with them to help them relax. Being in front of the camera is super scary for most people, so I like to let them know that they’re going to be looking at me (not the camera) and we’re just going to be having a conversation. They can pause and think, just like they would normally. I also let them know that I will not be responding to them verbally while they talk- do not make noises while your interviewee is talking. We’re used to saying “uh-huh, ok, hmmm” while people are talking, but you don’t want that recorded in your audio. Just nod your head and react with your eyes, ok? Also, DO NOT start talking as soon as they finish a thought. There are 2 reasons this is important. 1) it’s going to be difficult to edit if you start talking right after the person finishes and 2) they may have some great facial expressions or interesting insights that come to them if you just give them time to sit in the moment. Now, you may have prepared questions ahead of time, which is a really good idea, especially if there is some specific information you want to get because it is REALLY easy to forget things while your interviewing. So write down the important questions, and make sure you review them throughout the interview. HOWEVER, do not just focus on the questions, and jump to the next question as soon as the person finSupport the show (https://fromtheheartproductions.networkforgood.com/projects/51992-documentaries-voice-of-vanilla)
On this episode I discuss why you shouldn't try to be a full-time freelancer, but instead develop a business structure.Find us online at MyDocJourney.comSupport the show (https://fromtheheartproductions.networkforgood.com/projects/51992-documentaries-voice-of-vanilla)
Just got back from Baltimore Next Media Web Fest where my web series Girl Aspiring won Best Documentary Web Series and I got a cool glowing trophy. I’m feeling inspired, and motivated, and generally pumped about filmmaking. So today we’re going to talk about film festivals.First- attend a film festival and see what’s out thereGo to smaller one where you can actually talk to the creatorsSo now you have some idea of what goes on at a festival. Now how do you submit yours…Filmfreeway.comLOTS of festivals, and you don’t want to waste money submitting to ones that just don’t match your projectUnfortunately search feature on film freeway isn’t awesome, so this will initially take some timeOrganize favorites w/ heart iconRead description; look at categories; double check rules (time limits)Email organizers if you still have questionsOther things to check: is it online or is there an actual event? Is it Oscar qualifying? Can you attend? I prefer events I can attend, because that’s the real benefitBenefits of attending film festsMeet other creators (can lead to future opportunities)Build community & credibility Build followingLEARN!Be inspiredForward momentum (get out of the vacuum)StrategyBring swag, or at least some marketing materials- definitely have a business cardGo to lots of screenings!Go to parties, mixers, GET TO KNOW PEOPLEConnect & follow upWarning: You will be rejected by many festivals. Lots of films/ limited spots.You can always reapply as long as you’re not a douchebagOrganizing festivals is a lot of work...be nice to organizersYOU DO NOT NEED EXPENSIVE EQUIPMENT TO HAVE GOOD PRODUCTION QUALITY!All you need to do is learn camera basics, lighting basics, and sound basics. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wqUWYx3UrYSupport the show (https://fromtheheartproductions.networkforgood.com/projects/51992-documentaries-voice-of-vanilla)
Don't feel bad if you're not making money from your art, but also don't feel bad to ask for money to make art. Also, I complain about gear (and rave about a some).Support the show (https://fromtheheartproductions.networkforgood.com/projects/51992-documentaries-voice-of-vanilla)
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Itty bitty episode before I leave for Madagascar!Check out the MDJ website! www.mydocjourney.comListen to my interview with Ian from How They Did It: FilmmakingIn case you missed it, I did a livestream on facebook discussing the gear I'll be bringing. And be sure to follow Voice of Vanilla on facebook, instagram, youtube, and twitter for videos during the trip.Support the show (https://fromtheheartproductions.networkforgood.com/projects/51992-documentaries-voice-of-vanilla)
If you're in Denver, check out the great new dating app Swoovy https://www.swoovy.com/denverHere are interviews I have coming up:How They Did It: Filmmaking podcast http://howtheydidit.buzzsprout.com/Cook True facebook liveSteps to develop a great story:- Determine what your goals are as a filmmaker. What impact do you want to have?- Determine what the goals of the specific film will be.- Find a story people can relate to.- Find a compelling character.- Identify the conflict or challenge.- Ask yourself "What is unique or surprising about this story?"What "The magical science of storytelling" at https://youtu.be/Nj-hdQMa3uARead about Joseph Campbell and the Hero's Journey at https://www.jcf.org/Support the show (https://fromtheheartproductions.networkforgood.com/projects/51992-documentaries-voice-of-vanilla)
Check out the event page for Voice of Vanilla's first event! https://www.facebook.com/events/385835305466061/Learn about Shayao Mcfarland's organization that helps nonprofits put on cool fundraising events, Project CareaokiHere are her points of advice:1) Talk to EVERYONE about your project. Don't worry about what their reaction will be- expect people to be supportive!!!2) Always have a donation package to handout at businesses.includes: donation letter, donation form, event flier3) Make a list of people/businesses who could benefit from your event, and make sure to have a good idea of HOW they can benefit.4) Have a sponsorship agreement for sponsors to sign.Managing social media: Create 5-10 social media posts, and rotate them- past events- current events- event updates- what your company does- upcoming projects - questions like "Are you interested in...?" "Do you want to check out..."Finding corporate sponsors: reach out to Marketing team; list benefits such as posting logos on all blog posts, marketing materials, email blasts, etc.Lynda.com is the cool tutorial site that will teach you anything. It's free through many libraries (with a library card).Check out the new website! http://mydocjourney.com/and Join the facebook group https://www.facebook.com/mydocjourneySupport the show (https://fromtheheartproductions.networkforgood.com/projects/51992-documentaries-voice-of-vanilla)
This week I was feeling burnt out from writing, so I decided to work on fun, creative stuff instead. I share some insights into how I organize my tasks so that I can be flexible and work on the right tasks at the right time. The big thing is that I use a bullet journal, and I do a weekly brain dump of all my tasks spread out so I can scan through them easily. I make sure to divide big tasks into small tasks that are easily manageable/not overwhelming and ideally take less than 30 minutes to accomplish.If you'd like to learn more about perfect timing and the brain, check out Daniel Pink's book When.Types of Documentary https://blog.nfb.ca/blog/2014/08/04/types-of-documentary-films/Yes, I realize many places list 6 types, but participatory is basically the same as reflexive, and experimental is basically the same as poetic. Keep it simple, know what I mean?Here is a very academic discussion of representation, but I think that Kirsten Johnson's film Cameraperson will help you understand the issue more closely.Questions or comments? Email me! Maureen@wildairfilms.comAnd follow the podcast on facebook @mydocjourneySupport the show (https://fromtheheartproductions.networkforgood.com/projects/51992-documentaries-voice-of-vanilla)
On this episode I discuss becoming a reality TV host worrying about someone stealing your idea. Also, I started a facebook page for the podcast www.facebook.com/mydocjourneyThis week's big accomplishment was that I created a pitch deck to send out to businesses for sponsorships. You can download it at https://www.voiceofvanilla.com/mediaNext I discuss a really fantastic podcast, Producing Unscripted with Joke and Biagio. If you're interested in reality TV, this is the podcast to listen to. Episode with detective Pat Postiglione https://producingunscripted.com/pat-postiglione/Pitch TV series, not profile pieces https://producingunscripted.com/pitch-tv-series/#more-1641Creating Reality TV worlds https://producingunscripted.com/reality-tv-worlds/Once you've created something, submit it to film festivals through Film FreewayAnd learn more about creating for Youtube through the Creator AcademyAnd as always, feel free to email me with comments or questions: Maureen at wildairfilms.comSupport the show (https://fromtheheartproductions.networkforgood.com/projects/51992-documentaries-voice-of-vanilla)
In this episode I give you 3 steps to start your own doc journey:1) Create your vision and write it down2) Find your community and network3) Learn the basicsHere are the links mentioned- Interview with Ava DuVernay and Justin Simien (you will have to sign up for Sundance Collab. It's free, just do it) https://collab.sundance.org/catalog/EVENTS/Online-Events/Art-as-Activism-with-Ava-DuVernay- Lynda.com (go to your library's website and look for it, or go to the library and ask if you can access it for free)- Film Riot https://www.filmriot.com/- Jesse Driftwood https://www.youtube.com/user/PMbasementshowIf you want to find out more about my documentary, Voice of Vanilla https://www.voiceofvanilla.com/Like the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/voiceofvanilla/Or donate https://fromtheheartproductions.networkforgood.com/projects/51992-documentaries-voice-of-vanillaSupport the show (https://fromtheheartproductions.networkforgood.com/projects/51992-documentaries-voice-of-vanilla)
Welcome to My Doc Journey! In this podcast I will take along every step of my process toward creating a feature-length documentary film. Yes, you will hear all my struggles, successes, and most importantly, my failures.Along the way I will tell you how I got to the point where I am even able to create a feature documentary. It has taken me 12 years to go from Biologist to Filmmaker. It doesn't need to take you that long. Whatever profession you're in, there is no need to go to film school. I will help guide you toward sharing your amazing knowledge with the world through film.If you'd like to know more about the doc I'm making just visit www.VoiceofVanilla.com or follow us on facebook/IG/twitter @VoiceofVanillaIn this episode I mention creating a proposal using the Sundance application or the IDA Core application. Here are those links:http://www.sundance.org/programs/documentary-filmhttps://www.documentary.org/core-applicationFeel free to email me Maureen@wildairfilms.comSupport the show (https://fromtheheartproductions.networkforgood.com/projects/51992-documentaries-voice-of-vanilla)
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