Business Resources for Documentary Creators

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So You Want to Work in Documentary…Tips on Getting Started Read More
Primer on Documentaries Businesses Models Read More
Watch IDA seminar "The Business Side of Documentary Filmmaking"

Producing

Watch IDA seminar "Producing for Docs"
Watch IDA panel on "Shooting Overseas - Making Your Doc on Foreign Soil"
Watch IDA panel "Leveraging the Expanding Black Media Market"
Watch IDA panel "Leveraging the Expanding Latino Market"
Watch IDA "Extended Reality (XR) Master Class" where VR editor and producer Jennifer Tiexiera explains how to produce non-traditional documentaries and developing effective strategies for funding and distribution.
How to Stop Worrying and Love Producing Read More
Crediting Guidelines from Documentary Producers Alliance Read More
Guidelines for the Documentary Waterfall from Documentary Producers Alliance Read More
Consider the Nonprofit Model Read More

Taxes

Watch IDA Panel on "Tax Incentives for Doc Makers 101"
US and International Entertainment Partners Tax Incentives Map Read More
Media Services Film Map for Tax Incentives (USA) Read More
The Doc Film Money Map 2.0: A US State-by-State Guide to Tax Incentives Read More
The 2018 US Tax Code Changes: What's In It for Filmmakers? Read More

Legal Issues

Documentary magazine's Legal FAQ and Observe & Report columns provide, respectively, advice on legal matters in documentary making and a framework for protections you have and precautions you need to take as documentary journalists.

Legal Basics for the Sustainable Documentary-making Read More
Primer on Documentary and the US Law Read More
Watch IDA "Fair Use Master Class with Entertainment Attorney Lisa Callif"
Documentary Filmmakers' Statement of Best Practices in Fair Use read more
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) Exemption for Filmmakers READ MORE
Copyright and Public Domain: An Updated Primer Read More
Solidifying Legal Relationships at the Early Stage of Production Pays Off Later Read More
What is the significance of a “work for hire” clause in a contract? Read more
A Practical Discussion of Appearance Releases Read More
Legal Considerations When Using Music in Your Film Read More
Understanding and Negotiating Archive Agreements Read More
Caveats for Using Amateur Footage Read More
If a nonfiction story inspires me to do a documentary on the same subject, do I have to ask the author or publisher for permission? Read More
When Filming Abroad, Consider the Laws Read more
Negotiating Copyright Exceptions across Borders Read More
The Risks of Lawsuits-and How to Minimize Them Read More
Beyond Vetting – Common Legal Issues for Documentary Filmmakers Read More
A Basic Primer on Music Clearance read more
Flexibility and Adaptability Are the Keys to Clearing the Music for Your Film Read More
Understanding the Different Types of Licenses Read More
How to Survive the Deposition Hot Seat Read More
When You Get SLAPP'd: Protections for Docmakers Read More

Insurance

Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance Primer Read More
Guide to Obtaining E&O Insurance as a Filmmaker from an Insurance Broker Read More
Don't Shoot Away from Home without Documentary Production Insurance Read More
Be aware of the “voluntary parting” insurance clause when renting out your equipment Read More

Marketing

Design Your Film's Website with Accessibility in Mind Read More
Getting Your Film Ready for School: It's Academic DIY Read More
A Quick Guide to Social Media Marketing for Filmmakers from Lights Film School Read More
Press Kit Essentials from Film Festival Secrets read more

Distribution

Distribution Terminology Guide Read More
A Cheat Sheet for Approaching Distribution from Distribution Advocates Read More
Digital Distribution Platforms Guide from the Film Collaborative Read More
Independent Documentary Distribution in Turbulent Times Read more
Watch IDA seminar on "Stayin' Alive - Monetizing the Doc Career" where panelist address how to create multiple revenue streams from different modes of distribution, including self-distribution
Watch IDA seminar on "Distributing Your Doc - Cable and Internet Movers and Shakers"
5 Digital Distribution Tips for Filmmakers Read More
10 Tips for Signing a Distribution Deal Read More
Locating the Sweet Spot: What Will TV Channels Pay for Your Doc? Read More
Watch IDA seminar on "Distributing Your Doc - Theatrical Distributors & The Big Picture"
10 Keys to Successful Theatrical Distribution for Your Doc Read More
Watch IDA seminar on "Selling Your Doc - Sales Agents' Tips and Tales"
Watch IDA seminar on "Working With Publicists"
Watch IDA seminar on "Managing Your Doc's Debut - Film Festival Strategy"
The Ins and Outs of Educational Distribution Read More

The Risks and Rewards of International Pitch Forums READ MORE
Three Angles on VOD: Geoblocking; Finding a Distributor; The DIY Route Read More
Case study of Note by Note: The Making of Steinway LI037's alternative distribution journey read more
Alternative Theatrical Screenings Distribution read more
Ammunition for Targeting Your Audience Read More
Hybrid Distribution for Getting Your Film Seen Read More

Impact Strategy

"Movies & Grassroots Community Engagement: Documentary Films & State and Local Public Policy in the United States" report from The Center for Media & Social Impact (CMSI) Read More
"When Movies Go to Washington: Documentary Films & Public Policy in the United States" report from The Center for Media & Social Impact (CMSI) Read More
A Filmmakers' Guide to Capitol Hill Read More
Watch IDA seminar "Global Impact - Docs as Tools of Change"
"Assessing the Social Impact of Issues-Focused Documentaries: Research Methods & Future Considerations" report from The Center for Media & Social Impact (CMSI) Read More
The Impact Field Guide & Toolkit Read More