Don't Make a Documentary Without Reading This Article!

That's exactly what I told a friend of mine. He was about to make his first doc and I wanted to send him a list of thoughts and links before he jumped into the rewarding - and intense - endeavor. I've produced/directed/edited two documentaries. Both were highly impactful. And both can be seen on Amazon Prime. HECKLER features Jamie Kennedy confronting his critics and includes 100 of the best comedians working. Every stand-up comedian I've met since has told me they've seen and loved that doc. Another doc I made, DEATH BY CHINA was embraced by a President and changed US Policy!

But most of this list isn't about listening to me. It's about, how to get your inspiration and motivation. You will need it! Enjoy!

1. Read from the most popular documentarian of all time an article, titled 13 RULES FOR MAKING DOCUMENTARY FILMS 
2. Watch the 100 best rated docs as determined by the good folks at ROTTEN TOMATOES.
3. And the 20 best music documentaries as judged by THE GUARDIAN. 
4. Animation is becoming increasingly popular in documentaries. Many have used this to great effect, but my favorite is one you MUST watch: WALTZ WITH BASHIR.
5. Have a schedule for completion and which festivals to hit. This is a list of 11 DOCS TO PLAN FOR.
6. Titles, Graphic Design and Animation requires a good deal of planning and collaboration. Get an idea of what look you want by working with a creative graphic designer. Here is a good article on USING GRAPHICS IN YOUR DOCUMENTARY
7. Have a very organized archival footage process. Here are some good TIPS FOR USING ARCHIVAL FOOTAGE
8. Decide if you prefer to use Google Docs, Trello or Evernote to compile info. I use a combination of Google Docs and Evernote. My rule is, try to use programs that have a small barrier to entry. Are they free? Perfect. Are they easy to learn, even more perfect. That way, as your crew/collaborators expands, you can get them on software which will help everyone stay organized, and not put a drain on the budget.  
9. Consider a social media team. Who will be establishing a community on-line and prepping your “tribe?” 
10. Plan to make a video pitch or trailer to entice interesting interviewees. Sending a pitch email to big music celebs will be much more effective if it includes a sense of the filmmakers passion, the tone, style and other interviews!  I made a video trailer for HECKLER early in the process and sent that to interview subjects I was trying to entice. That video pitch evolved and ultimately became the final trailer.
11. There are now free transcription services! Transcribing interviews is a lifesaver! I'm going to stop using exclamation points now, but you get the idea. It's important! Sorry. I like TEMI.  

For more info, reach out to me directly at [email protected] and visit my site, michaeladdis.com.