Case Study: "Cartel Land"

[@andreasbulowhansen9413]

Why on earth does this video and channel not have more views. So much more interesting than all the gear porn out there. Thanks for a great breakdown

[@QZ_AU]

I just watched Cartel Land right before this video. Stunning cinematography! I kept thinking of which gear to get next, but this video reminds me that lighter is better. Learned a lot from this video. Hope to see further breakdown of cartel land!

[@matt-porwoll]

Thank you! You can definitely do a lot with a little. Gear is just a tool, so it’s always about finding the right fit for the job.

[@kakegarcia8056]

I was already very interested on watching Cartel Land, now a little bit more. I found this channel thanks to Luc Forsyth’s channel and at last, besides Luc’ channel, I can watch serious content among so much garbage on this platform. Matt please keep on. Bests regards from a Venezuelan follower in Panama!

[@matt-porwoll]

Thank you so much! It means a lot.

[@blood399]

This is one of my favorite documentaries.

[@matt-porwoll]

That’s awesome!

[@KenFlanagan]

Fantastic.

[@DANAMIONLINE]

Embracing camera noise (without over doing it) was inspiring to me on a current doc I'm on.

[@matt-porwoll]

That’s awesome! Glad you were inspired!

[@itsmattchase]

My favorite doc ever, hands down. Thank you for the inside look!!

[@matt-porwoll]

Thank you so much!

[@thefilmpoets]

Cartel Land was gorgeous. The first doc that made love the genre. Wonderful storytelling and editing too. Thanks Matt!

[@matt-porwoll]

Thanks so much!!

[@AlexBloggFilm]

Big fan of observational style filmmaking, it's a testament to the small team, you couldn't capture this any other way. Love the keep it simple message Matt, very inspiring.

[@matt-porwoll]

Thank you! And be sure to keep a lookout for my next videos on Verite Documentaries and Build Trust with Your Subjects. These will tackle the observational approach you love!

[@AlexBloggFilm]

Sounds great! will do @@matt-porwoll

[@albertolema8583]

Thanks for sharing this case study! What a luxury, to have you explaining your process... Cartel Land is amazing! The shootout scene where you get out of the car and on the floor, while adjusting aperture is great! Looking forward to your next video. Keep it up!

[@matt-porwoll]

Thank you!

[@andreaceccarelli6674]

the most beautiful and sincere words on how a documentary should be made. Thank you for your precious testimony and sharing.

[@matt-porwoll]

That’s so wonderful to hear, thank you!

[@vladbobe26]

As a documentary operator myself, often times a single shooter, this is great information and it was such an amazing documentary! Also loved the discussion between Matt, the director, and Deakins after he shot Sicario.

[@matt-porwoll]

Thank you!

[@jonathanramos8414]

Easily one of the best documentaries of the last decade. Should have won the oscar. Sadly things in michoacan hasn't gotten any better. And the rest of Mexico. The last of the original self defense founders was recently murdered pretty much putting a nail in the coffin for the self defense groups.

[@justinuriahphoto]

Excellent presentation. My eyes were glued through the entire video. So many great tips. Thank you!

[@matt-porwoll]

Thanks so much!

[@Betweenlands]

Thanks, Matt, really good. I’d love to hear more about how you think in scenes when you looking at something unfold infront of you. How do you bring structure to it so that what you end up with is not just sequences but a scene?

[@matt-porwoll]

Thanks! I’ll be doing a scene breakdown in the near future where I’ll talk through some of that, so keep an eye out!

[@theDyingArts]

Amazing work my dude. We're not worthy of this free insight to your craft.

[@matt-porwoll]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@matteodelbo5255]

Thanks a lot, really thanks! this kind of case study are incredibly useful for filmmakers and also inspiring.

[@matt-porwoll]

Glad it was helpful! There will be more coming soon, so stay tuned!

[@BryceDocherty]

Love this so much Matt! It's hard to find good information about in-depth documentary filmmaking on KZbin and the internet in general. I would love if you talked about The Trade. Such an amazing series. Thanks for all you do truly. I appreciate it.

[@matt-porwoll]

Thank you so much! And yes, I have plans to do a case study on the Trade, so keep your eyes open!

[@BryceDocherty]

@@matt-porwoll Awesome!!! Thanks so much Matt!

[@V1ZNS.]

Loving the channel. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@matt-porwoll]

Thank you!

[@ManuelHernandezluengo]

Algien sabe donde puedo ver los vídeos completos

[@calebgrenier6197]

Wow! Incredible video!

[@matt-porwoll]

Thanks a lot!

[@chronoscopefilm5984]

this is such excellent content. you should have a great deal more subscribers than you do.

[@matt-porwoll]

Thanks :)

[@TreverSantora]

Loved these insights Matt. As a one-person doc filmmaker, I have to ask about consent. Were you able to get consent from the people shown on camera? And if yes, how so?

[@matt-porwoll]

Thanks for your comment. Consent is certainly an important aspect of the process. There are all kinds of factors to this - is what's happening occurring in a public space where it's fair game to document? Or are you focusing heavily on one person that goes beyond general documentation? Whenever possible, we get consent from anyone on camera. Ideally, this comes in the form of a signed document from the person. Sometimes, it can be an on-camera release, stating they give us permission to film them. Other times, it's a blanket location release, stating by entering the premises, you are consenting to be on camera. But you have to give it thought, consult with the team, know what the release requirements are from the production, the legal team, your E&O insurance, etc. While I'm not normally part of these conversations as the cinematographer, I will always let a producer know who I filmed (or focused on) and let them sort out the release needs as they see fit.

[@TreverSantora]

Thanks for taking the time and leaving a (not surprised) very thoughtful response, Matt. You've got a big fan over here. Looking forward to any future content you're generous enough to share.@@matt-porwoll

[@seansims2475]

“Gear doesn’t matter” “we shot Cartel Land on as 24-105 and 17-55.” It’s one thing to say it, it’s another thing to do it. Not to say those are bad lenses but they are very accessible.

[@matt-porwoll]

Thank you for noticing! You can do a lot with a little, as long as your priority is story.

[@andreaceccarelli6674]

fundamental 🤩@@matt-porwoll