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Enroll for Intentional Filmmaking Class
December 22, 2018
I’m happy to announce that Carole Dean’s popular class Intentional Filmmaking is beginning again in early 2019! Now in its 6th year, this class is aimed at helping indie filmmakers raise funds. Carole helped me raise $110K for my own documentary. As a story consultant, I’ve also worked with many of her student filmmakers. They are highly motivated and inspiring directors! Register here and use the discount code NEWDOC35 which will take $35 off the class price.
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Panasonic Video Camera for Sale
December 15, 2018
Happy holidays! I’m selling a used Panasonic AGHPX170P video camera for $850 or best offer. Excellent condition. Includes film making gear. Please email me if you’re interested. Details below: Lightly used for 4 months to shoot a documentary. Originally bought for $4000. Great for students or independent filmmakers. Includes AC charger, wide-angle lens, three Panasonic batteries, 3 P2 cards (for recording) and P2 reader (for getting footage into your computer). Quality wireless microphone, headphone, and XLR audio cables for superior sound. Tripod, lighting equipment, two large camera bags, and miscellaneous gear. Email for appointment to test/purchase. In person local sale…
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Uplifting Documentaries Rule 2018
November 28, 2018
I’ve been saying it for years. We need more uplifting documentaries, films that take on difficult social issues with hope. This year delivered! My two favorite documentaries of 2018 rang up impressive numbers at the box office. RGB, about Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, grossed $14 million. And Won’t You Be My Neighbor, about Mr. Rogers, is approaching $23 million, ranking #12 in all-time theatrical receipts, according to Box Office Mojo. “I think that maybe it’s a filmmaker’s job to look for hope, look for good behavior, to find examples of when people do things right rather than when…
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Documentary Seminar Sale
November 26, 2018
I’m calling it a White Sunday sale! Get 50-70% off our two popular documentary storytelling courses. Check out The Ultimate Guide to Structuring Your Documentary (normally $297) Also, check out Editing The Character-Driven Documentary (normally $197) Finally…if you or someone in your life is interested in the movement for conscious evolution, my latest documentary American Visionary: The Story Of Barbara Marx Hubbard makes a great DVD gift.
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Integral Filmmaking Trend, Part 2
October 28, 2018
News flash: I have a brilliant editor coming available in November, so let me know if you’re entering post! Big thanks to the many filmmakers who responded to my blog about the trend in integral documentaries. As I described in Integral Filmmaking Trend, Part 1, this emerging movement calls for directors to recognize stages of human development and think from multiple worldviews. For example, an integrally-minded director might try to understand the level of moral development of a dictator, as in The Act of Killing, directed by Joshua Oppenheimer. Another great example is At the Dragon’s Gate, a yet unreleased…
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Brilliant Editor Available Soon
October 11, 2018
We’re finishing up a PBS series, and I’ll have a brilliant editor available mid-November. In our Accelerated Post program, we can edit your documentary quickly, saving you thousands of dollars in the edit. Check out the attached FAQ to see if this ten-week timeline is right for a rich collaboration on your vision. Accelerated Post FAQ
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Documentary Editing Radio Show Now Available
August 21, 2018
I had a blast last week talking with film guru Carole Dean about documentary storytelling. Tune in to New Doc Storytelling: The Ultimate Guide to Editing. You can also download this Blog Talk Radio episode to listen to later. Highlights include how documentaries are scripted in the edit room, why character-driven docs are so popular, and how to avoid the biggest mistake filmmakers make.
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Radio Show Today on Documentary Editing
August 16, 2018
Interested in short cuts to editing great docs? Tune in live today to New Doc Storytelling: The Ultimate Guide to Editing. As a guest on Carole Dean’s Blog Talk Radio show, I’ll be teaching the art of cutting inspiring films. We’ll start at 10 a.m. Pacific time sharp! The episode will be available immediately after the show airs for those who missed hearing the live broadcast.
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Radio Show on Documentary Editing
August 13, 2018
I’m delighted to be joining my beloved colleague Carole Dean on her Blog Talk Radio Show this Wednesday. Please join us live to discuss Short Cuts to Editing: How to Accelerate Post Production. Carole and I share a passion for helping filmmakers create inspiring documentaries. So in addition to the nuts and bolts of efficient editing, we’ll also dive into broader topics, such as the art of making transformational films. Join us here on Wednesday, August 15th, at 10 a.m. PST!
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Integral Filmmaking Trend Part 1
July 10, 2018
There’s a new trend emerging on the horizon of documentary filmmaking. First, a look back. Four years ago, I sent out a call for more solution-oriented, transformational documentaries. That trend is now visible! And a newer movement is nascent. In 2017, the NEA’s report from the Documentary Sustainability Summit called for a more “open and solution-oriented” approach to filmmaking. Elevating the conversation, said IDA director Simon Kilmurry, would “build a stronger documentary field that not only survives but thrives”. Films like Godwatch, Searching for Sugarman, and An Inconvenient Sequel are solution-oriented, social issue documentaries that leave viewers feeling inspired rather…
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