"Documentary Tips
That Work!"

Over 100 Great Documentary Tips like these are also included in the program. A Great Documentary Tip is a little lesson or reminder to help save you time, money or focus. Just one of them could save you the cost of the entire program!

Documentary Tip To Save You From Hiring the Wrong Person

Check Their Demo Reels

Always ask for them. Be wary if someone pushes a demo reel on you though. Remember one thing about demo reels - this is absolutely the person's best stuff. Their "average" footage may not look anything at all like the few lucky shots these chose for their demo reel. They could do stunning work but you need to see a whole production. Make sure you also see a finished production or two to judge their overall work. And make sure you see a complete version of something similar to what you want to film.

Documentary Tip to Match Sound

Note the Microphone Used on Each Shot

Make sure you note which microphone you have used on each person and the location where you filmed. this. In case you need to re-record just a portion of this interview, you can better match the sound.

Documentary Tip to Add Story Appeal

Find the Back Story

Use questions to find the back story. The back story is the story behind the story that people normally tell you about a person/topic or event. The back story has sex appeal, because it's where the story was birthed. If you can get to the back story, you've hit solid documentary gold.