Documentary in practice: filmmakers and production choices

Abstract

Documentary in Practice provides a unique approach to practical documentary making. Through fascinating analysis of real life production experiences, Jane Chapman shows the challenges and issues faced by documentary makers and brings her own personal experience as both documentary producer and teacher to advise on how students can gain invaluable insight from these projects. Throughout this compelling text, ‘work-a-day’ producers provide their inside story and production records, including scripts, fund raising proposals, budgets, diagrams, post-production records and reviews. Across continents every project and its makers are different – whether they be seasoned television freelancers, an art house director, documentary maker activists, or first time film makers. They all face similar challenges, however, including budgetary factors influencing quality, how to connect visual approach to content, the morality of camera presence, conflict with commissioning editors, complaints and ethical challenges, and legal issues and censorship