1. Tim’s 30 minute film school: Documentaries
Tim Mikkelsen
Updated 2017

2. Getting Started
The most important part is figuring out what you are trying to achieve.
Figure out the message but keep it simple. (think in terms of a 1 minute ‘elevator’ pitch)
What do you intend to have when you’re done? (presentation, DVD, YouTube, website)
Who’s the target audience?

3. Talking to a broad audience
A model for reaching different sorts of audiences is to appeal to:
head (logic, rationality)
heart (emotion, religion)
gut (intuition, humor)
lower organs (action, romance)
Business, Engineering, Science types often make ‘head’ sorts of documentaries
For documentary impact, my opinion is that you should orient more to ‘heart’ (with sincerity) and maybe with some humor.
In terms of accuracy versus making an impact – it’s a tough trade off, but “Would you rather be right or effective?”
For additional information see “Don’t Be Such A Scientist” by Randy Olsen.

4. Pre-production It’s not about the camcorder, but what to look for:
Ease of use (can YOU use it???)
Probably High Definition (most are 1980x1020, 4K delivery is tough)
Solid state storage (SD) (hard drive is good, but is it off-loadable?)
Small and inconspicuous (not ‘professional’, less worries/hassle)
Low light capable (you can’t always get good light)
External audio input (an external microphone is better)
Consider buying used if you are tight on money.
Play with the camera before you intend to use it - use the camcorder and make a short video to get familiar.
Have lots of spare media/SD cards – much cheaper than missing a shot.
Get extra batteries
If you are going out of country, make sure that you have power adapters/converters.

5. Production Bring media (SD cards) and batteries when you go.
Be careful with dirt, dust, and humidity.
Hold your camcorder using 2 hands (i.e make a tripod).
Unless you know what you’re doing, use AUTO modes
Cultural
Don’t be disrespectful to the people or places
When in doubt, check with your host(s) before starting about what is or isn’t appropriate with camcorders
If possible, while filming ask permission (i.e. ask the people while you are recording them – getting a video record of permission).

6. Style suggestions (production)
How to shoot and frame the shot)
Don’t do a lot of zooming in and out
Generally get close (but not via zoom)
Law of thirds
Face space
Record at least a 10 seconds before and after the shot
What to shoot
Context shots
People
Action
The ‘situation’
Local events 

7. Other suggestions (production)
If possible, keep the camera running
Lighting makes a big difference
more light is generally better
avoid backlighting
If you can, use an external microphone or an add on microphone
If at all possible, don’t try to be doing other tasks and filming.
Take still pictures in addition to the video, they can add a lot of value in the final production.

8. Editing (post production)
Unless you are really into this, use simple editing tools
Simple tools:
Apple iMovie (free, Mac only)
Microsoft Movie Maker (free, PC only, still works)
Next step up tools:
Cyberlink PowerDirector ($60, PC only)
Corel Video Studio ($55, PC only)
Adobe Premiere Elements ($99, PC and Mac)
Professional tools:
Apple Final Cut Pro X ($249, Mac only)
Adobe Premier (subscription, PC and Mac)
Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve (free, PC, Mac, Linux)
For more info:
Editing can take time, a lot of time
Use music, but be careful of copyrights

9. Questions?
Contact information: Tim Mikkelsen