The Documentary Life9 Helmi 2018

‘Directing the Documentary’ with Michael Rabiger

If there ever was a Bible for documentary filmmaking, for my money, it would have to be Michael Rabiger‘s Directing the Documentary. The shear volume of books, online courses, podcasts, and How-to Youtube videos that are out there for the indie filmmaker who producers narrative film is probably in the cajillions. However, the amount of material available for the indie filmmaker who is producing documentary work, pales in comparison. Which is what makes Rabiger’s Directing the Documentary all the more important and impressive.

This book literally has everything you could ever want in a book about documentary filmmaking: all phases of documentary filmmaking, the history of the documentary cinema, vocations associated with documentary, the various ways of storytelling, fundraising… you name it, it’s there. And it’s all delivered in a fun, practical, at-times philosophical approach that is quite unique to Rabiger’s vision. We were honoured to have a discussion with Michael Rabiger on this weeks podcast.

Topics Discussed

His early career in documentary with the BBC
How he ended up relocating to America in order to continue working in the industry
Tips and suggestions for documentary filmmakers on story ideas
What’s new in the 6th edition of Directing the Documentary

5 Essential Books for the Documentary Filmmaker

In this episode I provide you will a list of documentary film books that I believe to be essential, or certainly potentially highly beneficial.

Directing the Documentary

by Michael Rabiger

What more can I say about this book? It is THE BIBLE OF DOC FILMMAKERS. Do not wait. Do not pass go. Do not collect your $200. Instead use a part of what would have been your $200 and BUY THIS BOOK NOW. You’ll be able to make your money back… and hopefully more than $200 later on! (Okay, I know, I’m going a bit overboard here, but seriously, this book..!)

In the Blink of an Eye by Walter Murch

This is kind of The Bible of film editing. Am I using the phrase ‘The Bible’ maybe a little too much? Okay, how about The Koran? Or how about the Bhagavad Gita?? Seriously, this straight-forward, no nonsense approach to film editing is the best. Walter Murch IS THE BEST.

The Conversations: Walter Murch and the Art of Editing by Michael Ondaatje

Expand upon your In the Blink of an Eye love but moving to this beautiful work of art. Lots of photos, diagrams, philosophical ramblings a la The Murch, etc. I give this one away as gifts to colleagues. Oh, and Walter Murch IS THE BEST.

Shaking the Money Tree by Morrie Warshawski

We had Morrie on the programme way back in episode #15 . Morrie is the guru of documentary film funding. His foundations-based approach to getting your mission statement, your core values, and your vision statement are the keys to your film funding success. It’s all broken down nicely in Morrie’s book.

The Total Money Makeover

by Dave Ramsey

I know, I know. I’m praising the likes of the D.R. I get it, I’d probably be turned off to this suggestion as well. Like, why on earth would a podcast about doc filmmaking and doc living be talking about the D.R.? Well, finances, that is why. And you need to get right with it. Especially if you’re going to be living a doc life and especially since you’re going to be asking people for money!

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