Recommended Books and Literature for Documentary Filmmaking

If you are interested into documentary film making you may want to read through some literature before you start shooting your film.

Do not only spend money on soft- and hardware, consider also investing time and little money in some good books. It’s the man/woman, not the machine!

As usual there are plenty of books and guides that promise the ultimate experience and learning process.

This is a list of curated books we really can recommend to you.:

 

Directing the Documentary, Fifth Edition – Michael Rabiger
Directing the Documentary is a comprehensive manual that has inspired over 100,000 readers worldwide. If you are interested in making documentary films, everything you need technically and conceptually is here. Filled with practical advice on every stage of production, this is the book you will return to throughout your career.Directing the Documentary covers the methods, technologies, thought processes, and judgments that a director must use throughout the fascinating process of making a film. It emphasizes low-cost digital technology, which allows cutting-edge creativity and professionalism on shoestring budgets. And, recognizing that you learn best by doing, the book includes dozens of practical hands-on projects and activities to help you master technical and conceptual skills.Get it at Amazon.com
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The Shut Up and Shoot Documentary Guide: A Down & Dirty DV Production
So you want to make a documentary, but think you don’t have a lot of time, money, or experience? It’s time to get down and dirty! Down and dirty is a filmmaking mindset. It’s the mentality that forces you to be creative with your resources. It’s about doing more with less. Get started NOW with this book and DVD set, a one-stop shop written by a guerrilla filmmaker, for guerrilla filmmakers. You will learn how to make your project better, faster, and cheaper. The pages are crammed with 500 full-color pictures, tips from the pros, resources, checklists and charts, making it easy to find what you need fast.Get it at Amazon.com
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