"Sadly...discrimination still exists in the marketplace towards documentaries" despite how well they are reviewed by critics in a variety of well-respected newspapers and websites. Why do you think docs don't do better at the box office? Read this great article by Anthony Kaufman from the Sundance Now blog and leave your comment below! Docutopia #10: Why Are the Best Reviewed Movies Still Seen As Second-Class?
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The new Drafthouse Films release The Ambassador tells the story of a foppish Danish gentleman who has quasi-legally purchased a diplomatic position to a barely-functioning central African country under the pretense of opening a match factory run by local Pygmies. But what he is really after is purchasing "blood diamonds," which he can smuggle thanks to his new diplomatic immunity. He pursues this goal while hoping he won't be found out as a fraud and quite possibly killed by either government officials, thieves or his business partners. While this sounds like the plot of a Hollywood thriller
It might be tempting to think that if you write a check to a grant writer you can check out of the process and focus on making your film while the funds pour in. The reality is that when you're selling your own creative vision, ceding all of the grant writing responsibility isn’t necessarily possible or advisable. Hiring outside help may be the right choice for your project but there are a few things to consider before handing over the fundraising reigns: The argument for DIY There are a few strong arguments in favor or writing your own grant proposals whenever possible. First, when it’s your
In the opening montage of Side by Side, a new documentary directed by Chris Kenneally, co-producer/narrator/interviewer Keanu Reeves explains to several high-profile Hollywood directors what the film's thesis is: "It's a documentary about the science, art and impact of digital cinema...In this conversation, in this kind of intersection of time, it's historic...We've kind of come to this place where... 'Is this the end of film?'" An IMAX film negative. © 2012 Company Films LLC. All rights reserved And for the next 95 minutes, Reeves interviews just under 70 Hollywood directors, cinematographers
Thank you to everyone who has already submitted a mid-year report!
It is truly amazing the lengths to which documentary filmmakers will go to 'get the shot.' At times they put their lives at risk to give depth and meaning to stories that otherwise would remain untold. During a recent Doc U, filmmakers Till Schauder, Katherine Fairfax Wright and Laura Nix speak about their experiences working in Iran, Uganda and Syria. They share the complexities of filmmaking in countries with strict gender codes and even stricter journalism laws, as well as their strategies for hiding sound equipment at border crossings. Underwear never seemed so useful! Watch now>>
Over the next month, we at IDA will be introducing our community to the filmmakers whose work is represented in the DocuWeeks™ Theatrical Documentary Showcase, which runs from August 3 through August 30 in New York City and Los Angeles. We asked the filmmakers to share the stories behind their films—the inspirations, the challenges and obstacles, the goals and objectives, the reactions to their films so far. So, to continue this series of conversations, here is Jane Weiner, director/producer/writer of RICKY on LEACOCK. Synopsis: The work (on- and off-screen) of legendary filmmaker Richard
Over the next month, we at IDA will be introducing our community to the filmmakers whose work is represented in the DocuWeeks™ Theatrical Documentary Showcase, which runs from August 3 through August 30 in New York City and Los Angeles. We asked the filmmakers to share the stories behind their films—the inspirations, the challenges and obstacles, the goals and objectives, the reactions to their films so far. So, to continue this series of conversations, here is Danielle Gardner, director/producer/writer of Out of the Clear Blue Sky. Synopsis: On September 11, 2001, the Wall Street bond trader
Over the next month, we at IDA will be introducing our community to the filmmakers whose work is represented in the DocuWeeks™ Theatrical Documentary Showcase, which runs from August 3 through August 30 in New York City and Los Angeles. We asked the filmmakers to share the stories behind their films—the inspirations, the challenges and obstacles, the goals and objectives, the reactions to their films so far. So, to continue this series of conversations, here is Megan Smith-Harris, director/producer/writer of TRIAL BY FIRE: Lives Re-Forged. Synopsis: Scars are like tattoos-but with better
Over the next month, we at IDA will be introducing our community to the filmmakers whose work is represented in the DocuWeeks™ Theatrical Documentary Showcase, which runs from August 3 through August 30 in New York City and Los Angeles. We asked the filmmakers to share the stories behind their films—the inspirations, the challenges and obstacles, the goals and objectives, the reactions to their films so far. So, to continue this series of conversations, here is Jonathan Kalafer, director/producer of Once in a Lullaby. Synopsis: The PS22 Chorus from Staten Island became a YouTube sensation when