Writing, Directing, and Producing Documentary Films and Digital Videos

By: Alan Rosenthal, Ned Eckhardt

Narrated by: 5395 MEDIA LLC

Length: 16 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's Summary

In a new edition of this popular guidebook, filmmakers Alan Rosenthal and Ned Eckhardt show listeners how to utilize the latest innovations in equipment, technologies, and production techniques for success in the digital, web-based world of documentary film.

All 24 chapters of the volume have been revised to reflect the latest advances in documentary filmmaking. Rosenthal and Eckhardt discuss the myriad ways in which technological changes have impacted the creation process of documentary films, including how these evolving technologies both complicate and enrich filmmaking today. The book provides crucial insights for the filmmaker from the film's conception to distribution of the finished film. Topics include creating dynamic proposals, writing narration, and navigating the murky world of contracts. Also included are many practical tips for first-time filmmakers. To provide context and to illustrate techniques, Rosenthal and Eckhardt reference more than 100 documentaries in detail.

A day-to-day field manual packed with invaluable lessons, this volume is essential listening for both novice and experienced documentary filmmakers.

©2016 Alan Rosenthal (P)2016 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic Reviews

"I can hardly praise this book enough. Should every documentary student read it? Certainly. Should every documentary filmmaker, no matter how experienced they are, read it? Certainly." ( Film Quarterly)

Not the best for beginners, and a tough listen

This review will be short and too the point. As a book for beginners, this is not the best choice. As an audiobook, it was really tough to listen to. The narration was very dry and monotone and a real struggle to listen to, even at times where the content was interesting. In paper, or digital form, for someone with an intermediate level of knowledge in film making, this would an okay choice. In this form, I would pass.

2 people found this helpful

Must-listen to all the documentary filmmakers

If you're looking for how to make a documentary film, this book has all the knowledge you need. It's narrated by it's author Alan Rosenthal and is the 5th edition already, which includes the necessary part on how to not only become a director, but also a producer to create your first trailer and pitch it to get the funds necessary for production. “AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY”

2 people found this helpful

Good coverage of the subject, TERRIBLE narrator!

I've enjoyed listening so far and would recommend this book as good coverage of the subject at hand - but who on earth selected that narrator? Awful accent, but much worse is the delivery: like an 8 year old reading to the class. Why would you select this narrator and direct them in this style. Bad mistake. Good book, awful delivery.

Avoid while driving as it may cause drowsiness

The soporiphic delivery by a circa 2002 Tom Tom is absolutely abysmal. I have no idea how it managed to get the gig frankly.
Really struggled getting to the content past the narration - perhaps stick the print version on this one. The overall information seems good and in depth so probably worth the effort.