Documentary Pre-Production

Most of the documentary films do not have a directorial structure from the beginning to end because they usually do not have a scri pt. Instead the best documentary films we are looking at include a subject, a set of characters, and a collection of different pieces of media that all link together into one project. This can be a little overwhelming for a documentary film director as she/he begins to look at what she/he has and how it is going to create an actual film out of it. To do this effectively, you must put together an organizational strategy that takes you through pre-production, physical production, and post-production. In this article there are a few tips to help you to organize your documentary film in pre-production part.
The best instructions for a documentary film come in pre-production. To achieve the finest direction, you must want to set up as much as possible during pre-production. This does not mean just having significant content, finding sources, and working out a contract (which is well-known as a release form), but more than this, you should research the documentary subject and all associated subjects, as much as possible you can. This way you can find the source of your story and ideas. You may come into documentary pre-production with a general idea of the topic, but you are not sure exactly what you want to do with it. Here you need to look through the information, see what stands out as important and how it connects to your own ideas and things you would like to express. This will help you to organize your hard work and guide you during the production time. This does not have to be complete because you will find a lot of things during the production period. A good tip to follow is get an idea of who may be the main characters, what you are going to want to tell, what is your point of view, and how may people you will need as your production crew.
Equipment Needed for Documentary Filming
If you're just starting out on your filming, you'll need to know the basic equipment needed for documentary filming. Assuming your budget isn't unlimited, you'll need to know where you can cut corners and still get great results, and where you really can't sacrifice without giving up at least some degree of the documentary's quality. Borrow or rent if you can, but sometimes you have to make a few purchases.
Starting out, you will need:
Video camera
Microphone
Tripod
Lights
Editing software

With so many different cameras on the market, choosing the one that is right for you can seem confusing. Once you get past the first hurdle of deciding whether to go for a compact camera using 35mm or a digital camera, you will then need to decide which features, such as zoom lenses and autofocus system, will best suit your videographer’s needs. Packed with complete but available information, this will help you to make an informed choice so that you can get the most out of your camera.

Video Camera
You don't have to go out and spend exorbitant amounts of money on a video camera if you're just starting out. You'll be able to shoot great footage with a video camera for "regular people" rather than a heavy-duty one designed for filmmakers. The best camera you can have is HD camera with a shotgun microphone on the camera.

Microphone
Sound is one of the most important elements for a documentary filmmaker. NO SOUND, NO DOCUMENTARY. Might be that as a first time documentary filmmaker, you need to have two microphones: one shotgun microphone, and one Lavalier Microphone.

Tripod
When you purchase your video camera, take a look at the available tripods. You don't need anything wasteful starting out, though you can get models that allow you to control the camera with or without a remote control. But it is better to get one with a remote control because you can control the camera from several feet away, tilt, pan, and more. Decide what you're looking for and narrow down your options from there. You may be able to get away with spending less than twenty dollars on a tripod.

Lights
You'll want to make sure that all of your scenes are well lighted, so you'll need to purchase some lights, too. You can either get a professional lighting kit or choose a less expensive route by purchasing halogen lights and setting those up. Be creative here, you can create your own light. There's no right or wrong light as long as it keeps your interview subjects from getting lost in the shadows.

Editing Software
If you don't have access to any editing equipment, you'll need a program of your own. You can get editing software for MACs and PCs; it doesn’t matter which type of computer you have. Ask any filmmaker and you'll get a different answer as to what the best editing equipment needed for documentary filming. Personally, I like Final Cut Pro because it has more ability in editing. Also, there are some free programs out there, but they may not suit all of your needs for making a truly professional-looking documentary.

My best advice to you is, it doesn’t matter what equipment you have. It is important how you look at your story, how you want to tell your story, and how you can make it happen. Image is a key factor, and you can film with any 3-chip camera as much as it gives you the best images in video, audio, and lighting. Above all, go for it.
    Most of the documentary films do not have a directorial structure from the beginning to end because they usually do not have a scri pt. Instead the best documentary films we are looking at include a subject, a set of characters, and a collection of different pieces of media that all link together into one project. This can be a little overwhelming for a documentary film director as she/he begins to look at what she/he has and how it is going to create an actual film out of it. To do this effectively, you must put together an organizational strategy that takes you through pre-production, physical production, and post-production. In this article there are a few tips to help you to organize your documentary film in pre-production part.