Documentary filmmaking but it's just you, yourself and I

[@Desktop-Documentaries]

Terrific insights Bill! Refreshing take on the messiness of the documentary process. Looking forward to following your journey!

[@BillThisdell]

Desktop Documentaries thank you! Appreciate it!

[@maxwellgrimsley]

I am a sixteen year old girl who spent two years earning up my money to buy I good camera off of ebay. I plan to make a documentary on the life of my grandpa, who did so many amazing things. Your videos have helped me so much with learning and knowing what to do. Once I get down how to work the camera and lighting, I'll start filming. Hopefully in a month.

[@BillThisdell]

Hey Maxwell! Love to hear it. I filmed a lot of my grandpa's stories too and it was so worthwhile to capture those memories. Make sure to get some kind of microphone for good audio - you could even use your phone 🙂 wishing you all the best!

[@maxwellgrimsley]

@@BillThisdell Thank you so much! :)

[@alexwestgate8860]

@@maxwellgrimsley how did it go maxwell? I’d love to see the final vid, I’m gonna start filming a war vet soon too, day have any tips from ur experience? :)

[@Kirubel_Beyene]

I am from Ethiopia. I hope you will come again and try your project one more time. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@BillThisdell]

I'd love to go back - I really enjoyed Addis! It would be very interesting to see how the story has developed.

[@kathrynbrodie82]

I am a college student nearing the end of creating a documentary this summer about a community farm. I've been doing all the filming, researching, storyboarding, editing, etc on my own and one of the key things I've learned is the importance of building relationships along the way. In the past for my docs I would have an idea already planned out in my head and interview one to two people to push that narrative forward. After working on this film for months, it's been so eye opening and heartwarming to take my time with a story and let it naturally unfold. This way I've given more agency to my subjects, formed friendships with those around me, and kept the whole process very honest and open to change. Doing it on my own has been incredibly challenging, but will be so rewarding when I edit it all together and create something soon. When you have the chance to take your time with things do it! But I really agree with this video in terms of just going out and learning on the job, thanks for sharing your perspective, I enjoyed listening!

[@BillThisdell]

Beautifully put! Good luck with your film :)

[@RoyZakai]

Dear Bill, please continue nurturing this channel. The world is waiting for authentic voices like yours. I started doing music stories myself. All the best.

[@BillThisdell]

Thanks Roy, very kind 😊 I'm writing a new batch of videos and will release them in the next month or so. Cheers!

[@RoyZakai]

@@BillThisdell great!

[@abdelwadih7220]

I have learnt lot from your Ethiopian experience, thanks lot.

[@BillThisdell]

You're welcome!

[@YOUSUFKHAN221b]

Just amazing Bill! Your works need more recognition and I hope they will. Keep up your good work, we need more of you. Thanks for sharing!

[@Muneerism]

Thank you, Bill! Going to film a short documentary soon and your video really helped me!

[@BillThisdell]

That's great to hear! Film a lot, good luck and enjoy the process!

[@bespectacled]

This was amazing, Bill! I doubt you'll see this comment, as it's been a good two and a half years since this video was published. However, I wanted to address your question about documentaries your audience is making. I'm a seventeen-year-old high school junior, and throughout the entirety of this past year, I've been filming interviews and gathering footage about school in the midst of a pandemic, political chaos, and social unrest. I related so much to what you said about connecting with your characters and their stories - that's also been a challenge for me, as I cannot be in close proximity to the narratives or people I hope to illuminate. Your story deeply inspired me; thank you for this video :)

[@BillThisdell]

It's so hard to get intimate at a distance for sure! But I watched one of your vlogs and you come across great so I'm sure you've been able to gather all sorts of good stuff. It'll be a very worthwhile record for you and your school in the future. Thanks for your comment!

[@themartialmind4833]

I'm about to take this plunge, walking from UK to Ukraine, no idea where to start, this helped though, thanks Bill, and safe travels!

[@BillThisdell]

Thanks for stopping by! By far the best thing you can do is try and connect with locals on route or before you get to each stop. They'll give you insights and experiences that you won't find otherwise. Safe travels and best of luck!

[@DigitantMedia]

Great story man. Thank you for sharing, it's great to know what other people are going through when planning a docu film

[@BillThisdell]

Thank you, I hope it helps!

[@Maros_Mari]

Thank you man for your honesty. I found this video because I am working on a similar idea - to share what I learnt making my first short documentary in Kenya. I appreciate what you shared and wish you all the best with future projects. And I agree that the most I learnt so far was from past mistakes - similarly I went to Kenya in 2017 to document lives of former street children and brought back home some footage which was ill composed, with poor audio, it was shaky and with bad exposure at the time, however once back at home I had been working on it for several months. It did not turn out the way I would like but it gave me the opportunity to make other similar NGO projects in Bangladesh in 2018 and back in Kenya in 2019. So I learnt a lot from my own mistakes plus I started to invest into the education - books, audiobooks, online film courses and by watching other top docs / Grey gardens, spellbound, crumb, wasteland, etc./. ps. in case you would be interested there are great docs out there to learn from, also great books on making doc films and great online courses /Masterclass, creativelive, etc./ so plenty of resources to learn and also put into practise.

[@BillThisdell]

Hey Maros, thanks so much for sharing. I found it very disappointing that my skills didn't match my ambition but that is all part of the journey. I'd say now, 7 years after my time in Ethiopia, I'm getting pretty close to where my skills need to be (but there's always more to learn haha) - and yes, lots of practice, education and watching. films has helped. Good luck with all your filmmaking goals! It's been very worthwhile for me to break down my previous work, so I'm sure it will also be for you :)

[@ciparin9106]

I am a 15-year-old girl who is trying to make a documentary on Ethiopian orthodox for my personal project this has helped thank you

[@BillThisdell]

Good luck with it!

[@sarahdippity]

This is incredibly helpful and inspiring -- thank you so much for sharing your experience making a documentary, Bill!! I love it!

[@BillThisdell]

Thanks so much Sarah! It was a challenging experience but I'd do it all over and you should do it too! :D

[@sarahdippity]

@@BillThisdell - I love your quote: "One day is all you need to make a good film." ♡♡♡ (PS - I just rewatched this today and appreciate it even more. Thank you Bill.)

[@BillThisdell]

@@sarahdippity Thank youuu :) It's true! Often an intimate moment or a joke between two people is enough to capture us. Not every film needs to be an epic.

[@lisaartus5625]

Bill, this was SO incredibly helpful and motivational as well. I'm a recent architecture school graduate who switched to the world of construction. I will be working in field operations and want to make a micro docuseries on each trade/material/system that goes into the building (12 episodes, 1 - 3 minutes each, over the course of 1 year for the project duration). Excited to come to you with some questions and advice once I get going. Thanks again!

[@BillThisdell]

That sounds like a great topic! Would be very happy to answer your questions. Cheers!

[@Dominiccaseyphotos]

Thanks for sharing, great take on starting out.

[@BillThisdell]

Thanks Dominic!

[@crownedthequeenb]

Wow this was incredible insight. I am making a documentary about my journey using a product I created. I might borrow some editing ideas from this video.

[@roartollefsen656]

Inspiring. Thanks. It make me wanna go out and make a documentary asap:)

[@BillThisdell]

Go do it! It's so worth it :)

[@CandidClara]

Really enjoyed this Bill, so refreshing to hear how you learned along the way. Thank you!

[@BillThisdell]

Happy to hear that Clara. It was a formative experience that's for sure!

[@alejandraarango5397]

Thank you for sharing your story and inspiring the next creators . I am currently shooting a documentary in NYC and I was feeling a bit lost. Your video helped out.

[@BillThisdell]

I'm glad it could help. Any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Documentary is a great medium!

[@plaboo]

Great video, I am going to start filming my first documentary this sunday! Since you asked, Its about the life of "real bodybuilders" the ones without sponsors and that have to go to their 9-5 jobs while preparing for Mr. Olympia. I don't know how i am going to structure that yet... but you gave me some light!!

[@BillThisdell]

Good luck with your film - that's an interesting world to dive into! Do you have a connection with bodybuilders or it's just something you're interested in?

[@yaoyaowu7787]

really great looking back. appreaciate and congrats！

[@oykudikmen9633]

Very relatable! Happy to watch your video and learn from it! Thanks!!

[@BillThisdell]

Glad it was helpful 😊

[@shalpert1947]

Thank you. Helpful.

[@BillThisdell]

Glad to help!

[@MichaelTillett]

Well done! Love your filmmaking style!

[@BillThisdell]

Thanks Michael, means a lot!

[@lornastamat9231]

very helpful, thanks!

[@BillThisdell]

Glad to hear it 😊

[@HendrikusDeVaan]

Great insight and self assessment. I come primarily from a drama background looking to move into independent, solo shooting docs.

[@BillThisdell]

Thank you! Your background should be a great help - docs need all the same ingredients as dramas.

[@bethanyrose2023]

I have ideas for docs and bought camera equipment etc but actually filming is out of my comfort zone and have no confidence whatsoever. This your video inspired me a bit.

[@BillThisdell]

Filmmaking is all about practice. Just go slow and don't try to do too much at once. Glad I can help à little! Good luck 😊

[@lanamercury710]

Hey Bill literally found your channel and absolutely love the content! Thinking of making a documentary (budget though I must say) myself and your videos help give an insight. Just subscribed man :)

[@BillThisdell]

Budget is how we all start! Good luck I hope it goes well :)

[@RufaroHaruperi]

Great insights, would you mind sharing the gear you use, im planning on taking this documentary journey

[@BillThisdell]

Rufaro Haruperi cheers man! This doc was shot on an old Sony eng camera (which I wouldn't recommend). Currently I use a Sony A6500 and a Sony fs100 which I've found can create some stunning images even though it's getting to be quite an old piece of gear. I am thinking of upgrading the fs100 but haven't decided what to go for. Best of luck for your docs!

[@RufaroHaruperi]

So what would you recommend, for documentary, a DSLR or a camcorder, i find that with DSLR you will also need a lot of equipment like for stabilisation and movement which you might not necessarily need on a camcorder i might be wrong but tell me your recommendation between the two especially if you are looking at a not so very big budget.... a beginners budget....if you have any specific brands that would help as well

[@BillThisdell]

Rufaro Haruperi DSLRs have a lot of benefits: size/price/picture quality etc but the thing they don't have that's crucial to a good film is professional XLR audio input. So I'd recommend a video camera that you can plug your mic directly into. If budget is really tight, from personal experience I'd recommend the Sony Fs100 - it's several years old so you could get one really cheap. A Canon c100 is also a quality camera that is probably a better all-round option but likely more expensive (although I haven't checked so don't know for sure).

[@FollowTheJohn]

Great content. I am a still photographer and I am trying to transition into filmmaking. It is VERY different and I find it difficult. I am documenting the human rights violations going on in the USA along the southern border.....I hope I can pull it off.

[@BillThisdell]

Thank you and good luck! Best advice I can give is to find a strong character (or two) that can dramatise the story you want to tell. My most recent video covers what happens when you don't do that haha

[@Diary_of_an_Artist]

amazing! what camera you used?

[@BillThisdell]

On this project it was an old Sony ENG 1, I think.

[@ChrisConner1]

My first film is on a similar track. Lots of characters, story about a place and a community, but difficult to follow one character. So I'm trying to show the journey of different groups with bits and pieces from a few individuals in each group.

[@BillThisdell]

I think that's a good approach. My main mistake on this doc - and what I'd advise doing - is not waiting for something to happen, but coordinate with the groups and create moments. So if they would normally do an activity etc plan/organise for a few of your characters to be there at the same time and capture it. It's totally ok to manufacture moments so that you can capture the action in a practical way.

[@ChrisConner1]

@@BillThisdell Thanks. I started doing that last night! You have a new subscriber. Excited to follow your journey.

[@NarutoUzumaki-ir9um]

Yo I live in Ethiopia so if u wanna remake it or make another documentary let me know

[@normietwiceremoved]

Love your video style. Stylish but not pretentious, lots of KZbinrs are like that.

[@BillThisdell]

Thank you! Kind of you to say

[@normietwiceremoved]

@@BillThisdell Also, you got to the point really quick but didn't sacrifice on making the video too short. Something about your editing felt very brisk without rushing. You also told it like a story and threw me right in instead of just rambling in an unstructured, but flashy way like other youtubers.

[@BillThisdell]

@@normietwiceremoved honestly that’s wonderful feedback! I do hope to make more videos in the future (when I have something to talk about) so this has given me reassurance, thank you

[@DayoSamuelMastery]

As simple as you seem in this video, this is the best of the videos I've been watching on how to create documentary today. A quick question: I'm making my documentary as an expansion of my forthcoming, what will you recommend? How can I approach the Project?

[@BillThisdell]

Thanks Dayo! I'd be happy to give some advice but can you flesh out your question please? An expansion of your forthcoming...?

[@DayoSamuelMastery]

@@BillThisdell oh my! Sorry I didn't type that in full. I meant I'm working on creating a documentary for my forthcoming book. It's a book about self-development and mastery, but from an angle that's unique. And I have realized a documentary will help drive home the ideas more than just the book. So I was asking for ideas on how I can approach it

[@BillThisdell]

@@DayoSamuelMastery My first thought would be try to bring to life an aspect of your book that is very visual, very emotional -- something that translates well to screen. I probably wouldn't "read" the book out chapter by chapter on film - think of how aspects of the book can be complimented by a film rather than duplicated. Are there people you can interview who can provide another insight? Are there places you can visit that have significance? Do you want to present the film yourself or have another person approach the story to provide a fresh perspective? These are the kinds of questions I would start with. Best of luck!

[@DayoSamuelMastery]

@@BillThisdell totally awemazing. Thank youuuuuuuuuuuu

[@lzluna6802]

Your videos are very cinematic ,what camera you use?

[@BillThisdell]

The camera I used in Ethiopia was an old ENG camera. Since then I have used a Sony FS100, Sony A6500 and now I use a GH5. Getting some good lenses - vintage or new - will help achieve a cinematic look. All the best!

[@joshuar1ley]

I’m planning to make documentaries with my grandparents

[@BillThisdell]

Very worthwhile. I recorded some of my grandpa's stories and I'm very happy to have them

[@PeteWoronowski]

Bill this is excellent info and so very appreciated. I am going to start a new playlist on my channel called Living With Cancer which I hope will others cope and deal with everything I have been gong through. I am giving myself a year to accomplish this and am lining up interviews with Nurses, Doctors, nutristionists,family and friends and other people who are dealing with the same form of cancer I am.. So glad I subscribed to your channel! Cheers, Pete

[@BillThisdell]

Cheers, Pete! Appreciate you! Best of luck to you and your filming :) I've had cancers in my family so understand how devastating it can be. Looking forward to watching your videos!

[@PeteWoronowski]

Thank you so much Bill, appreciate your advice and support. Very best to you on your video journey! Cheers, Pete

[@misscee6629]

Are you available to chat to. I'm new to documentary filmmaking

[@JuliaBergdoll]

how did you achieve the transition at 1:19? making I assume but I don't know how to mask something that is moving.

[@BillThisdell]

It's quite simple! You just need to keyframe/animate the mask so that it moves with the moving object :)

[@cdpr99]

Hi what gear do you use?

[@BillThisdell]

When I was in Ethiopia I was shooting on an old Sony ENG camera (EX1 I wanna say but don't remember..). Now I shoot on a GH5

[@helinadaniel7768]

i am from ethiopia bill

[@BillThisdell]

I had such a good time in Addis. All the best friend!

[@camillescottxenoenthusiast7929]

I’m planning a documentary about Santa Cruz Island in California

[@BillThisdell]

I’ve been to Santa Cruz! What is the documentary subject

[@camillescottxenoenthusiast7929]

@@BillThisdell I just have done some historical research and have a handful of stories to tell, starting with some native lore, then the Spanish era, and Nidever, who saved the lone woman on San Nicholas, there’s some early Hollywood history, bootlegging, some dynasty feuds…and recent stories about sea urchin divers, Jacques Cousteau, and island packers. It all wraps back around to the Chumash still performing channel crossings in their traditional vessels and creating a new preserve. I’m really just a mom with an iPhone but have a tiny little KZbin channel, so I’m planning to post it there. It has no budget. I’m planning on interviewing a handful of people. It seems to be shaping up.

[@AntCension9]

I know I'm late to the party however I think your vids are dope. I'm new to docs . Are you still making them if so I would like to run something by you to your email.

[@BillThisdell]

The party never stops! DM me on instagram and we can go from there

[@jaytilyawatkins3536]

What if the place I want to do a documentary about is dangerous? The people I want to interview live in this dangerous neighborhood.

[@BillThisdell]

In that situation it's critical you have local help and people with detailed knowledge/experience of that environment who can keep you as safe as possible

[@ThumbWarFilms]

Dude I had to subscribe 666 subscribers isn't a good number. But I do like what you're doing.

[@BillThisdell]

hahah appreciate you man, thanks for looking out for me! Stay blessed!

[@yamlakmesfin4428]

Hallo bill its Yamlak from Ethiopia i was inspired by your work am trying to film my first video Really means a lot if you could comment i will send you when am done Thank you..!!

[@BillThisdell]

Hey Yamlak! Good luck with your film I can't wait to see it!