ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

10 years ago - kelly wenham

thanks everyone. thats really helpful

10 years ago - Simon Antoine

Kelly,

It just depends on what you're trying to achieve. If the story / subject matter is good enough you might be able to find someone for free, if it's a non-commercial production. I don't mean to do anyone out of a job but making a documentary is an expensive business, and maybe the money could go on screen or towards other expenses like travel costs. Is the idea confidential or could you shoot me a couple of lines outlining what it is about? Factual TV is my area and I might be able to point you in the right direction. santoine@btinternet.com

10 years ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Hi Kelly,

There are many types of producer (there's a thread on these boards about it, worth a read), so first narrow down what you actually want, that'll help. Then you can advertise in the 'production' part of this site so your job spec will go to all members - paying even a small amount shows people you're serious so may get attention.

Before all that though, you can do a lot to help yourself. As a new director, do not make a feature, I suggest. 90 minutes is a heck of a lot of screen time to fill with interesting content. Many dramas struggle and they get to make stuff up. It'll also be at least a year of your life, and has a high risk of being abandoned, out if completed, only a marginal shot at getting distributed. Instead, book the idea down to a short, or take a sub topic that stands alone (you can always weave it into your feature later). Aim for no more than 10 minutes, shorts need to be short! That'll be much easier to scope, easier to budget, have more chance of festival play, and get you more exposure than a documentary feature. My 2p, anyway ;-)

10 years ago - Lee 'Wozy' Warren

Maybe look to use the Documentary or Filmmakers bulletin and layout who, what, where and when... oh and how much.

Check credentials though as you'd be better off with an experienced documentary producer and not just a generalist producer. Drama and doco's need a different mindset, in my opinion.

Wozy