January 24, 2019
Raising money for a film often feels like a Sysyphean task, constantly pushing a boulder up a hill. But as documentaries have become more popular
Business
January 4, 2019
This is a fully revised look at documentary budgeting, and updates the 2006 Documentary article “Don’t Fudge on Your Budget: Toeing the Line Items.” At the center of the documentary "business" is the budget, which offers a map of the filmmaking process, expressing both the film you’re planning to make and how you plan to make it. Ideally, it is also a living document that can help get a film to completion.
September 25, 2018
One of the costs of living in the US is that you have to pay income tax to enjoy all the services of the government. This year, paying taxes just got
September 26, 2016
*/ Editor’s Note: The complete PDF of this Survey, conducted by the Center for Media & Social Impact in collaboration with IDA, is available at
January 20, 2015 @
Making a successful, long-term career in documentary filmmaking has never been more challenging than it is now. How can you generate the support you need and apply proven strategies in order to better position yourself for the long haul?
Join award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter...
May 19, 2014 @
In the ever-changing, fast-moving world of cable and internet distribution, the vast range of choices and models presents an intimidating challenge to documentary filmmakers.
Tune in for a discussion on cable and internet distribution with Peter Broderick of Paradigm...
April 21, 2014 @
With the recent explosion of different viewing platforms, Doc U turns its attention to the fundamental question: "What is the place of theatrical exhibition in a documentary's overall distribution plan?"
Join us for a curtain-raising primer on theatrical distribution with Peter...
February 25, 2014 @
You're proud of your film. But who will buy it? How will you sell it? What will you charge for it? And how in the world do you handle a negotiation over something like that?
We assemble a stellar panel of sales agents and producers, including Kevin Iwashina of Preferred...
August 25, 2014
Dear Readers: As we go to press, we are looking at an über-confluence of happenings in the digital space that could be quite consequential to the
DVD sales are setting records above and beyond any set by VHS sales or even rentals. How does this phenomenon affect documentary film? As of yet, it'