Documentary 101: Make BETTER films

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

If you haven't taken at least 1AOD module and your watching this...then you are missing a tremendous opportunity. My initial course cost less than the textbooks for one class at University. Topic vs Story alone seems simple but can transform your films. The info is worth it but the actual community is borderline priceless.

[@NineTo5Golf]

I wouldn’t have taken you as seriously had I not seen your username. With that level of wisdom, you must be correct

[@florinungurianu]

Not even close to being affordable from somebody in a 3rd world country

[@markbone]

I’m off to the mountains this week in British Columbia. Gonna film some more videos there. Let me know if there are specific topics ya’ll want covered!

[@speliotis]

How to plan for your trip & keep yourself and the gear safe in nature..... Dealing with elements ( rain, heat, dirt etc... ) thank you Mark.. have a great time in the Mountains

[@the_dirtbags]

shooting mountain bikes! climbing, hiking, partying, mountains

[@speliotis]

@@the_dirtbags and how to build a campfire Canadian Style....

[@danorr83]

How and where to find stories? Do they need to be only interesting to me or the intended audience too? Keeping it local vs when to take a chance to travel with a story.

[@danorr83]

@@speliotis i was making suggestions for Mark just like yourself on what to shoot a video about. Im looking for more examples than homelessness and where to source. I understand story telling etc. Thanks for replying though

[@jiancarloulloaart]

Mark, I understand your point about the name and profession, and I mostly agree with your statement, but on many occasions, you have people with non Anglo-Saxon names and at least here in the US, many people neither try or know how to pronounce the name, and I think is relevant for the audience to know it.

[@deppover]

Thanks so much for these videos. Im based in Borneo and I don’t get to have these discussions here and having these kind of videos really help me stay motivated and helps me question my own decisions when trying to make a film. Also, I always asked interviewees name and job but because its become habit. Ive not put it in an for a while. Sometimes I feel like simple questions help ease the person into the interview. Like making a bed to accomplish something simple at the beginning of your day to get you started. But maybe its time to drop it.

[@OfficialKalartist]

5:56 is so true, In the first documentary that I am working on, I had someone from the community in mind to get the voice from, and when I shared with her what I was trying to achieve, she felt so comfortable and eventually shared her own personal story hoping it will help me say what I wanted to say better. Now she's such an important part of the project. THANKS, MARK, I watched so many of your videos repeatedly, and it helped and is still helping a lot going through this process.

[@markbone]

So glad the videos could help 🙏🏻🤍

[@chrisjonesfilm]

Holy moly, those opening shots. Thanks for sharing your work with us, Mark, it's a treat

[@markbone]

Thanks brother

[@van_ekron]

There is so much knowledge in your videos Mark (and the entire team behind AOD) I can't even deal! I am super excited about my filmmaking journey and it's all thanks to you and the incredible AOD team !!!!

[@oaktreesewede5152]

This giveaway is both crazy and amazing. And thank you for making videos. Im planning on making my first documentary about my mom and her hobby in Greyhound racing. Its a dying sport here in Sweden and it died off cos people stopped betting on it. And now its only really passionated people doing it, but at the same time the sport is dying. Racetracks are closing due to low founds. And this giveaway could help me start to film! Im saving up for a camera at the moment. My plan is to start shooting summer 2024.

[@studiosoul]

I just watched again the video you did around a year ago on a similar topic where you talked about the internal and physical journeys the protagonist walks in a story. I love learning about it then and lover hearing about it again now.

[@TheThinkersBible]

Great guidance. The difference between a topic and a story - great reminder. And using text and showing instead of people telling you what they do is simple but very insightful, will do that in my next video I'm working on now.

[@thefanclubreview]

These are the fundamentals that most inspiring filmmakers like myself miss, including myself thank you for this pal

[@yourlegacyfilmmaker]

I can’t wait for AOD. Definitely gonna bundle it all. I also wouldn’t mind jumping on a zoom call to get more clarity. And I submitted to winning that FX6 bundle. People have been telling me that it’s time I tell my story since I was telling other peoples.

[@burundipixelproduction3326]

And i hope that you'll let me learn from your bundle as i can't afford any AOD module

[@fremekwame]

I see a notification from Mark, I click. Simple as that really

[@markbone]

🤍

[@coucamaya]

Making my first documentary. Started on my birthday

[@wearetrackclub]

This video is gold! Your passion and skill as a storyteller is super inspiring. Great content 👏

[@van_ekron]

I definitely need to update my filmmaking skills and I think I just found the perfect place to do that! Thanks Mark!

[@natepotter6911]

So, so good. Your passion is addictive. Love you guys!

[@RogueWolfArtist]

Music is the seasoning to our visual medium. Without it, it risks being bland, but at times sound beds can be the salt while our story is the meat and that is more than enough along as that is a prime cut. (Like ‘No Country For Old Men’).

[@markbone]

That is one of my fav films

[@RogueWolfArtist]

A topic film can definitely transition into a story film if one desires. One can enlighten, but most likely will not move the audience; the story film can do both, preferably the former buried in the subtext and the latter only rearing in a crescendo pathway.

[@piart8207]

Hi Mark. Thank you soo much for all the awesome and helpful tips you've been sharing with us here. I missed the previous opening of the AOD classes and I mentioned that in one of your videos. But that won't be happening this time 💪🏾. Don't want to miss the opportunity AOD is giving with the early access. But I went to the website and there was no payment option. Wanted to ask if that will be open in September as well? Thank you.

[@piart8207]

Lol. Confession😅. I typed in this comment before watching this vid and I'm sure I've got the answer 😂

[@deadtothewxrld]

Mark, I really appreciate your videos, they're always super helpful and concise. If you've done this then I must have missed it, but do you think you'd be willing to make a video on your methods/tips to keeping a whole project organized? Not just video material, but people, locations, schedules, deadlines, etc. Cheers!

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

The mention of not needing to state your name really is eye opening to spotting other elements which are not needed. ....but still.....temptation gets me. I'm Dan...and I make boring disasterpieces that I upload to KZbin. ....I couldn't help it.

[@markbone]

😂

[@RKive-Media]

Starting out on a journey in cinematography/documentary and this is the gold content.. Nicely done

[@kyohei_west]

Watching your videos from Japan. Thank you so much for your work!!!

[@ChrisKluepfel]

your basically describing things from "save the cat". Pretty cool! Dou you have a "dark night of the soul" - moment too?

[@LaNaMaFilms]

Mark, I don't know exactly why but this video really spoke to me and put some clarity to a project I'm currently working on. Keep the content coming!

[@markbone]

Glad it’s helped! I’m here for it!

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

I had that same feeling too. (Only in my case I can't go from understanding to actually making it happen.....but still...Great video!)

[@drmatthewhorkey]

I have a big project coming up and these are all great lessons and reminders!! Thanks

[@markbone]

Wonderful!

[@sinjhonad]

I'm in

[@JakubChlouba]

Always good to remind the basics Mark, thanks for the great video as always! :)

[@markbone]

Thanks brother! I need to read your pitch you sent through. Excited to hear more about the film

[@JakubChlouba]

@@markbone stoked to hear what you think man and happy to answer any questions! :)

[@sergorlov82]

Thank You, Mark. That was really helpfull, interesting and inspiring for my thinking about my next documentury right now.

[@markbone]

Go crush it Serg!

[@paulgero]

Thanks Mark. You’re energy and insights are so very valuable.

[@studiosoul]

Brilliant as always!

[@warrioryt7037]

Can’t wait to watch this video!

[@markbone]

Nothing like the present

[@seanlefloch]

Love this!!!

[@Adriannakas]

Would love to hear what you think about action cameras! I bought one the other day and honestly enjoy filming with it so much.

[@siddheshberde4606]

I LOVE YOU MAN. LOTS OF LOVE FROM MUMBAI 🙏🏼

[@RogueWolfArtist]

Thanks for this one, Mark, and all else you do. See’ya soon, man.

[@markbone]

🤘 where am I seeing you?

[@RogueWolfArtist]

@@markbone - In good time 😎. I’m certain my films or other video obligations may have our paths cross in the near-future, whether online or in-person. Enjoy Colombia!

[@ILLATIT]

Good stuff💪

[@chrisabruce]

What is the best way to make a documentary about a person that is no longer alive--trying to think how you make it into an emotional story and not a topic? Any suggestions?

[@tobidavidstudios362]

Well done and thank you for all you do Mark

[@randyscottslavin]

I’m gonna have to challenge the name/job note. First, it’s no big deal to record it. You don’t have to use it. 2nd, I used it recently at the end of a doc series I did and it really punctuated the pieces in a powerful way. I hear the point your Re making though. That being said, anything used in a corny and boring way can be just that.

[@edouhoekie]

Curious how you were able to avoid interlacing from the rolling shutter on the FX6 while shooting lightning. I've tried many different things but it never worked out perfectly.

[@mizpar]

Hi Mark, ref to music bed 8:40 can't find it anywhere, "down below"

[@johnclay7644]

informative video.

[@TrueLegacyStudio]

That jiu jitsu scene at 3:55 where can I watch that at? I looked up the text on the bottom left and it didn’t pop up anywhere :/

[@gabrielchavez7474]

Still pumped that Eric won this FX6!

[@philipptatai]

I really love your output Mark. Devouring every new video that you‘re posting. As well as the AOD content (Get in there guys!) but this time it‘s way too promo biased in my opinion 🙁

[@Videofilealways]

It’s always like this the month before AOD launch :)

[@MrIanWebb]

I'd love to know what typeface is being used for your Lower 3rds, thanks, great vid as usual!

[@markbone]

Bebas! Usually

[@hotfootrabbit]

I always make the interviewee say their name and profession before I start but I never put it in the edit of course. It's just for reference later because I may not be the one editing.

[@blood399]

Great 👍

[@1CONOCLA5T]

Im having trouble finding information on the cost of the AOD course. Im interested in possibly taking the course but i have no idea what it will cost.

[@markbone]

An email will be going out very soon with all the costs :) if you’re on our waitlist you’ll receive it!

[@1CONOCLA5T]

​@@markbone ok sounds good. I've got some documentary ideas that have been collecting dust in my brain for awhile now and it's time to dust them off. I'm hoping I don't have to rob a bank or something to afford it. LOL

[@jasontaycs7195]

Is AOD limited only to people in the US? I'm keen to learn and get into the industry, but I barely know anyone or where to start.

[@markbone]

Nope. We are represented in 70+ countries

[@domenicmoen4854]

So when you, “JOIN THE WAITLIST,” you are entered to win the FX6? Says, “FULL CONTEST DETAILS IN THE LINK BELOW,” but I’m not seeing any details on the contest. Any help here?

[@markbone]

see the description, let me know if you have any questions

[@domenicmoen4854]

Thanks for updating the description 🤙🏼

[@TheMrKonov]

Omg so good footage and so good tips

[@markbone]

Thanks brother

[@WhySteve]

Speaking of the "tone" of the film, how do you get all the footage to look like it's in the same "universe"? Intercutting a scene from a hot sunny day with a contrasting cold and gloomy day, they're naturally going to look completely different, but how do you get them to look they fit into the same world. If you know what I mean. lol

[@AkaBull]

😊

[@markbone]

🤘

[@AkaBull]

@@markbone I appreciate you Mark. I'm not a documentary film maker, but I employ many of your techniques into my KZbin videos, which I do call my films 🎥 or home movies.

[@AndrewMcGuireFilms]

You're making me sad. A client literally requested a revision to make them say their name & profession. I liked my version better lol

[@markbone]

😂😂😂😂 send them this video PLEASE

[@AndrewMcGuireFilms]

@@markbone genius is usually missed the first time around - I'll just cry into the pile of money they paid for revisions😂

[@RealityyPro]

Honestly love the channel but this video IDK... There were a couple of good tips but then it felt like I was watching an Ad for MusicBed, AOD Academy, Your Tornado Doc, and your other youtube Videos. Trying my best not to be a hater lol just idk, hope the channel grows and just sharing how I felt (about this video)

[@markbone]

You felt like you were watching an ad because you were 😂

[@vikingpizza455]

Yeah, it's a shame.

[@Videofilealways]

I am always amazed at comments like this - how does anyone think that someone makes a living ? Of course there are products and services that this guy is offering - and apparently they give access to AOD only twice a year so what do you expect?

[@abelmuhangi7696]

💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@markbone]

200 200 200 200 200

[@jz.2]

Hey, Mark! My question is how do you actually find such characters - willing to make a documentary with you. For me it's a big problem, because I often have a topic I'd like to make a film about, but can't find a person that I could make the film about. (Sorry if this question was asked already)

[@markbone]

Hey brother ! We give away a whole free teaching video about this on theartofdocumentary.com scroll down on the main page to find it. It’ll answer everything for you!

[@jz.2]

@@markbone Thank you so much, man! Your such an inspiration!

[@TheBigBlueMarble]

ISometimes you have them say their name and profession to capture it and it is an easy, comfortable way to start an interview. Not a bad idea. But it should be edited out.

[@johnnyweissmuller5838]

Whats the problem with introducing yourself on camera? I actually like that, i dont want to read a lower third and miss what they are talking about

[@markbone]

It’s corny

[@Bas20hz]

Makes a point of saying nuclear but at the end says it’s the “nuculus” of the story. 😂

[@markbone]

New-cue-loss

[@Mordecai478]

Is the poop deck really what I think it is

[@markbone]

😂😂😂😂

[@RogueWolfArtist]

Stating your name and profession is the film equivalent to performers slating their auditions. It’s redundant and unnatural that pulls me out of the story which is, of course, paramount to why we’re here.

[@markbone]

Lol right??

[@SegnoongeS]

Great video, thank You. I also find waste of viewer time when someone is correcting them selfs non knowing how to pronounce a word. ( nuclear ) 🤣

[@markbone]

haha

[@joachimlucious]

I strongly disagree with the first point where you regard the verbal introduction of doc participants by their names and Professions as a waste of time. I do believe that it depends on the type, style, subject, mood and feel you are going for with the documentary. Personally, I do like this style and it goes back to the old saying of “art is subjective” I agree with most of your other points.

[@markbone]

Yes. The type of project will dictate this. But if you’re making a traditional documentary it doesn’t work imo

[@AndrewDasilvaPLT]

I'm sorry you drive a Mitsubishi. 😅

[@markbone]

Do I?

[@smilingfacerecordsrhimyboy]

I dont own any Camera or Gadgets but still Doing a feature film using Infinix hot 20i android...camera. I hope it will gat a lime light into the Industry i highly believe that even without gadgets we can still make cinematic films....if u can Help out dont hesitate i will share my info profile

[@wilmircabreja777]

[@markbone]

🙏🏻

[@sijilo]

😊