The Documentary Filmmaking Master Class

"A realist with a sense of humor, Chasse is both stringent and encouraging as she covers every aspect of creating a successful production." —Booklist starred review

How to Make and Distribute a Documentary without Losing Your Mind or Going Broke

Documentary filmmaking requires more than just a passion for the subject, whether it be one’s personal story or that of someone else, a historical event or a startling discovery, a political movement or a heinous crime. Making a documentary and getting it in front of an audience requires determination, careful planning, money, and a strong production team. With over thirty years of experience in filmmaking, author Betsy Chasse mentors readers every step of the way with a down-to-earth approach and invaluable advice. Chapters cover topics such as:

• Choosing a Subject
• Developing a Business Plan
• Securing Financial Backing
• Assembling a Production Team
• Nailing Interviews and Shooting B-Roll
• Getting through Post-Production
• Distributing and Marketing the Film

Both novices and experienced filmmakers will benefit from this all-inclusive guide. With the right knowledge, persistence, and The Documentary Filmmaking Master Class in their camera bags, readers will not only turn their visions into reality, they’ll be able to share the results with others and navigate the process with confidence.

Betsy Chasse is an award-winning filmmaker, bestselling author, and educator. She is best known as the co-creator (writer, director, and producer) of the hit documentary What the Bleep Do We Know?! In her thirty-year career, she has produced, co-produced, or line-produced over forty feature films and documentaries, including Song of the New Earth, Pregnant in America, and The Empty Womb. Chasse has also been an instructor in documentary film at the New York Film Academy, as well as a guest lecturer at multiple universities and documentary programs around the world. She is a sought-after film and media consultant, specifically in the areas of fundraising, production, post-production, and distribution.