The changes I've seen in filmmaking over my lifetime are mind-blowing... and the latest shift with artificial intelligence (AI), well, it's opening doors for anyone who has a great story to tell - you no longer need to be a big production company or need to have access to expensive camera equipment to make a powerful film. I've been making films for over 20 years now, I remember the transition from those bulky film cameras to the pocket-sized gear we have today. Now AI is on the scene, and the transformation it's bringing is mind-boggling. Yes, new tech can feel scary and create unce ..read more

In this blog, I’m going to talk about documentary ethics and how to balance storytelling with truth. Let's dive in.   What Are Ethics In Documentary Storytelling? As documentary filmmakers, we are in a unique position. The filmmaker part of us means we are storytellers whose job is to use creativity to tell an engaging story. But the documentary-maker part of us means we have a lot in common with journalists, in that we are expected to tell the truth. As filmmaker Ken Burns says about documentary filmmaking, “There’s an additional nuance to our task: we have to balance our art with t ..read more

Every budding filmmaker knows the feeling: you’ve got a vision in your head, a story itching to be told. But when you play back your footage, something's amiss. The scenes don't flow as you imagined; they lack that cinematic touch that sets professional films apart from amateur ones. It's a common hurdle, but there's a solution that doesn't require a Hollywood budget. Enter the world of gimbals—a filmmaker's secret weapon. By mastering 8 key cinematic gimbal movements, you can transform your footage from simple shots to sweeping, captivating scenes.   Why Your Gimbal Footage is Shaky Bef ..read more

Imagine this: it's the day of your documentary shoot. Your equipment is ready, you've done your research, and you're buzzing with excitement. But as the day progresses, chaos ensues. Key crew members show up late or not at all, your interview subject is unsure about the timing, and you're struggling to coordinate scenes. The magic of the moment is fading fast. Sounds familiar? If you're nodding, it's likely you've skipped a crucial step - the Call Sheet.   What is a Call Sheet? A call sheet is essential for documentary filmmakers. It's a daily schedule that lists interview times, location ..read more

When I first started out making films this was something I really struggled with as no one else in my community were making films and all the professionals I found online were too busy to help out, so I just felt stuck. I then tried making films by myself and this was great for learning the basics of filmmaking but I quickly realised in order to move forwards in my filmmaking journey, I needed to collaborate with other filmmakers. So how do you find a crew when getting ready to shoot your documentary?    How To Find a Film Crew When putting together your team, work out what your stro ..read more

Have you ever marveled at a film's stunning visuals and wondered how to achieve that same cinematic look in your own projects? For many filmmakers, myself included, this can be a daunting task. But fear not! After years of trial and error, learning from industry legends, and developing my own toolkit, I've discovered the key to creating cinematic lighting in any situation, regardless of budget or equipment.   Cinematic Lighting: Step-by-step Today, I'm going to share this knowledge with you in four easy steps. At the end of the blog, I'll be sharing a bonus tip that can add even more ..read more

Have you ever watched a documentary that left you inspired, informed, and itching to tell your own story? Have you ever wondered, "How do I start making a documentary?" If so, you're in the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the seven key steps to start your documentary filmmaking journey:   Step 1: Find Your Story Every great documentary begins with a compelling story. It's the heart and soul of your film. Whether it's a personal experience, a social issue, or an intriguing character, the key is to find a story that you are passionate about and believe needs to b ..read more

Are you struggling to capture the incredible beauty of the underwater world? Does the footage from your underwater filming adventures seem to lack the vibrant colours, dynamic action, and subtle nuances that your naked eye experiences? Translating the mysterious, three-dimensional world of the oceans into a two-dimensional visual story can be quite challenging, even for seasoned filmmakers. Through making my short film One Breath, I learned about the challenges of filming underwater and discovered how to overcome some of these challenges. You can watch the film here:     Dr ..read more

Let's face it, shaping the narrative of a documentary is tough. You're swamped with a mountain of footage and it seems impossible to know where to begin. It feels like you're trying to solve a giant jigsaw puzzle with no picture to guide you. While there are a number of approaches to building the narrative structure of a documentary, I find the simplest and most effective method is the three-act structure. This approach divides your story into three distinct parts: Act 1, Act 2, and Act 3 – the beginning, the middle, and the end.   Why Use a Three-Act Structure? Using the three-act struc ..read more

Are you captivated by the beauty of the natural world and itching to share it with others through the magic of film? If so, you're in the right place! Wildlife filmmaking is an incredible career choice that offers adventure, excitement, and the chance to bring the wonders of nature to life on screen. But how do you break into this competitive field and become a successful wildlife filmmaker? In this blog, I'll dive into the different ways to enter the industry, essential skills and techniques to master, and insider tips for navigating the challenges of this exhilarating profession. But, let's ..read more