Make Your First Film: MUST WATCH for Documentary Filmmaking

[@supbrodude]

Notes: 1. Story (Conflict) > Topic (Aimless) 2. Main Character first 5-10% 3. Character's [clear] Desire 4. Show Journey (tension rise)

[@illius85]

If you WANT something, you implifie DEFICIENCY - there should be more movies about abundance, love and humane behavior. f#ck the system and create peace in this world

[@panorama_mastering]

Every time I start planning a new video; I revisit this video to find this comment and add it to my notes !

[@paultheaccidentalminimalis2731]

@@illius85 So you WANT peace in this world. You DESIRE movies about abundance etc. That is your CONFLICT. You have a story, you are the main character, you have a desire, you can go on a journey to achieve that desire and resolve that conflict.

[@Brandom]

Thank you! :D

[@HDBerlin]

@@paultheaccidentalminimalis2731 great response!

[@jimcoon]

I am so grateful that I found your KZbin Channel, Mr. Bone. I’m 70 yrs old and just retired after 20 years as a ranch & farm broker in Oregon. I have shot my own video/stills/aerial product for this entire time. I now use a Lumix GH5, G9II and DJI Mavic 2 Pro. I sold a 9,000 acre ranch to a woman from California and she rescues horses that are rounded-up by the Bureau of Land Management and also saves horses from the slaughter pipeline. She now has 300 horses on this ranch. Many films have been created about this particular woman. She has tens of thousands of social media followers so there is no new story there. What her followers don’t know is just how vast and diverse a ranch of this size is. How remote. Sometimes dangerous for the ranch hands. So - is creating a film just about the “Place” a topic? I have asked some of her followers and they admit they have no idea now big 9,000 acres is. And how cold - how hot - how muddy. I want to use my skills as a ranch broker and videographer to do something useful and creative. Thoughts from any of your followers would be hugely welcome. Thanks to all

[@mhikolee4359]

hello sir. any update on this interesting inquiry? how was it now?

[@Videofilealways]

You need a character and a question - Mark has a lot of videos on this - better story telling etc

[@matthewpaquette]

I feel like I owe you money for this video

[@markbone]

😅

[@pratikgoud1]

Same 😂

[@adinwalls]

Matthew Paquette well... the masterclass is coming. And I have a feeling we aren’t going to be disappointed as many were with other stuff dubbed “masterclasses”. Quite excited to get the full story.

[@smichael5547]

Agree!

[@smichael5547]

@@macruise Not agree!

[@outliersoverland]

Thanks for the video. I’m jumping into a documentary about our 7 year journey to drive around the world.

[@JaxDronePix]

Mind blowing info, why is no one else talking about this, you put out so much great info in a ten minute KZbin video than most people. ThAnk you

[@markbone]

Thanks mate!

[@EriveFilms]

Got my note pad out

[@Darcaster]

This is fabulous! I am just starting my journey in videography and learning as I go WHILE recording a "comercial"/documentary. Anything that helps me make it better is gold. This is gold.

[@kartikeykaushik]

Finally it feels so good to see someone getting filmmaking tutorials right into the core of it. Been watching different tutorials since so long, but this guy is making me pay attention to every alphabet of every word he's saying. Very informative. Gr8 job brother.!

[@joyoffilming9500]

Wow! One of the best instructory videos about film making on YT. A true MUST WATCH!

[@BaileyBrown]

Thank you so much Mark for sharing this!!! Totally changed my approach to my little youtube vids 👊👊👊

[@markbone]

Thank you Bailey!! You’re crushing it already! The channel you’ve built is amazing 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@nestorsup09]

While watching this video I felt a sudden urge to write the concept of my first film. Thank you so much Mark for the guidance and tips!

[@markbone]

yes!! Go crush it!

[@fermixx]

Its nice to start hearing new concepts rarely found here in youtube, specially regarding the language of filmmaking instead of the technicalities (camera, lenses, fps). Great video!

[@markbone]

🙏🏻 that’s what I’m here for!

[@ÁzsiábaSzakadtam]

Thanks. What if the documentary isn't about a character but a thing or something that happened in the past? How do you make a documentary about the pyramids or any event?

[@markbone]

Topic based documentaries should explore a central question

[@benhuff9592]

I have been binging your videos for the past week and you are my new favorite KZbinr. Your content is so so valuable and is helping me become a better filmmaker. THANK YOU!!

[@TheThinkersBible]

This is outstanding. It’s the first explanation I’ve seen that discusses more than the standard story arc and story elements. How to understand if you even have a story and how to think through the big picture before you start is critical. Thank you for sharing this.

[@markbone]

✌️✌️✌️

[@hartegane7202]

Thanks!...some questions for you please? 1) Does a topic always have to be aimless? Must it always be a story? 2) Would you consider this video a Topic or a Story? 3) Must there always be a standalone character, i.e., can the character simply be a voice over who is going on a journey of discovery?

[@timely383]

It is so helpful to see this video. I just finished filming and trying to figure out how to edit, seeing these questions really helped me organize my thought.

[@camiloeimbcke987]

Finally someone makes a distinction between story and topic. So many people are like: "my story is about iceland" and just shoot pretty landscapes

[@ryankanefitzgerald]

This might be the most valuable KZbin video for budding filmmakers that I've ever seen. Don't sleep on Mark's advice here. This is the truth about great films, documentary or narrative. I'll probably watch this vid anytime that I feel stuck or like I need a good reminder of what to focus on.

[@anishfolorunsho]

Mark, I must say that you have really changed my journey as a filmmaker in such a short period of time that I have been watching your videos. I usually hit the like button before even watching the video at all. I cannot wait for the theartofdocumentary. Thank you, Mark you are the best

[@markbone]

Wow! Thank you Anish, appreciate you sharing this

[@chaunceemotivate4250]

I'm about to start directing my first project and this has helped alot

[@DanielDring]

These last 2 videos have been extremely helpful to me.

[@markbone]

Yes! Glad to hear!

[@newjam9110]

@@markbone pls keep uploading in youtube it really helps alot to me.thank you.

[@DanIliev]

love this! took a lot of weight off my shoulders! i was questioning myself if i was doing things right and I heard your words like I was explaining it, i check 4/4! Thanks, mate! Gonna look deeper into your channel after this

[@naomihannah6294]

This was incredibly beneficial. Thank you!

[@storypoint5653]

So beautifully you teach lot of things And now I am going to follow you and your page mr marak I want to lrean you . I am a cameraman I am make lot of different stories documentaries and other now I find you and I well learn to you thanks a lot for making this page

[@eifionjones8513]

Great content Mark. It's a shame that people like you and Johnny from Creative North don't have a bigger subscriber base because you actually know what you're talking about and you can back it up with great examples from your own work and experiences. I guess some of the youtubers out there with bigger followings can only dream of producing the body of genuine work you've already created. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@adventureStaley]

Solid. I've been making docs for 2 decades. This is key info.

[@Streetchem333]

So much valuable information in all of your videos Mark! I've noticed that I watch each video at least 2-3 times to let it all sink in. 👍

[@Videofilealways]

me too!

[@soc9894]

I have to write down every single word that you said in this video. Amazing knowledge!! thank you so much!

[@likeyoumeanit5425]

Bro this content is GOLD!! These are the biggest and most important questions to ask 100%, thanks for creating this video!

[@raendp]

You're my go-to mentor on KZbin when it comes to documentary.

[@bodhi_satfa]

This was spot-on tremendous and accurate. Thanks a lot, professor! Bravissimo👏👏👏

[@David2222]

Mark!...I was sold, when at the end of this tube you said "you should be taking notes"....I didn't write that down...but everything else up 'til that moment. Yes, I'm in Toronto. Let the COVID be gone...and keep up the great stuff.

[@RiseHigh]

You know how i watch your videos now ? I watch it full once, then a take my field note Book and pause the video to take notes and draw sketches of what you say or show or how i imagine i could compose it with my skills. Thank you so much, can't wait for the course !

[@jacksp8de]

I struggle with thinking about the logistics of going on a journey with a person. Can you do a video about how to get to know the key moments to shoot?

[@markbone]

time time time. You need to be willing to spend time with your character and stay in communication with them as their life develops

[@jacksp8de]

Mark Bone So it’s basically a roll of the dice if their life events will be interesting enough. Well I guess that is the challenge. Thanks for the reply, looking forward to your course

[@wisecomvidevide4874]

East Africa Uganda we love you. I really really appreciate everything you do Sir. Blessings.🌟🌟💐✊👑

[@TrevorGay]

Much appreciated! Looking forward to more videos and courses.

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

Need to watch again because so many ideas kept flying through my head.

[@MoosieTheMaestro]

Topic vs Story, wow I can say almost every time I make a video I encounter that 👍🏼 awesome video mark!

[@cloudiow]

I cannot wait for your Documentary masterclass! But what I would love even more and I think it is quite far fetched is to meet up with you like some meet & greet. You have such a immense impact on my film making career it is so crazy. So yet again thank you for this video and more work you are going to put out.

[@markbone]

There will be group coaching calls in the course! That might be the closest we can get during Covid :)

[@cloudiow]

@@markbone yeah love it! But I was more like a friendly meet and greet non film making related just to say thanks and have a chat :)

[@farddinahussain1267]

Great content Mark( if I may)..I'm beginning very late in this area but determined to do something. So your lessons mean a lot

[@markbone]

🤍

[@MattAitia]

Dude this was such helpful info. This made me realized a project I filmed was more a topic than a story. We've filmed everything already but hopefully I can craft something in post. I'll definitely keep this in my mind at the start of projects. Cheers Mark

[@TimothyBennett]

Your channel is my film school, thank you so much.

[@roydenny1076]

In a sea of gear reviews, comparison videos, and "tips" for getting "banger" footage, your channel is refreshing. Thanks for the focus on actual useful information.

[@markbone]

Thanks Roy. I do concur there is loads of hyped up misinformation in the KZbin space

[@Sangnam]

Thank you for sharing the basics of Documentary Filmmaking! I learned a lot today... I'm from Korea learning how to film by myself!

[@sukasayasuka]

This is the 2nd time I rewatch it. Thank you!

[@shahinrahmanuk]

Loving the b-roll of Muslims praying in the mosque! 🙌🏼❤ I want to make positive documentaries about Islam, Muslims and religious scholarship. Really pleased to see you’ve shot something (assuming the footage is yours). Keep up the great work, and thank you for this video!

[@pitcops]

Can't wait to take the classes ! Cheers man, for everything you teach us! Very helping and great content on and on!

[@markbone]

💯💯💯💯

[@CadeBergmann]

as a beginner, this is so helpful. Keep doing what you're doing Mark!

[@RaphaConrad]

Thank you for sharing this! I am about to start filming my first documentary/short film in a weeks, and these tips will be very handy for the process of my film 🤩

[@amandapoore9481]

Hello, I would love to talk to you. I am a victim of very bad harassment 8 years. violent stalking vicious, and the people doing it, NO ONE WOULD BELIEVE i have 8 years of proof, of felonies. stealing, threats and vicious hacking and non stop threats. they are still today at my 4 th house since this all started everyday. they get the ruthless violent people involved to help them. NO one deserves , to be put through what I'm being put through, PLEASE please help me. i guarantee people will love this information, YOU WONT BELIEVE ME AT FIRST EITHER. but i have proof, even police reports,that the officers purposely left off all the assaults, and the fact the a 50 guage loaded hand gun was brought to me , they were hoping I would take it from a stranger after creating what they thought was a scary situation and that i would be so stupid to accept a gun from a deranged neighbor of mine, they tried to place this gun in my hand , hoping i would take ti, and only after convincing everyone that I was mental so they could shoot me. I know this is very hard to believe , but it is true, please god help me. I want so badly to share my story. I know others are going through this. They are logged into all my emails and changing address delivery places for orders for food, vandalizing, you name it it is vicious illegal and never ending, please help me . I do not drink I do not do drugs i do not steal or violate the law in any way, after i picked up a copy of my police reports at the 3rd home, i had to move to i realized the officers left everything off that mattered. on purpose making me look stupid, so I called the sheriiff's department, to try to get them fixed, and immediately after contacting them i began getting phone calls telling me to prepare for FINAL EXPENSE< in other words shut up.. so i left there and and now living at my fourth home, and they just pick up where they left off at the other house, I have a neck and lumbar fusion, and am threatened that i will be assaulted over and over , please help, I've been saving photos films and proof for 8 years, i have loads of it, they log into my face book and emails trying to delete all my proofs, please help everyone i have reached out to for help they contact and tell them something , must be bad, because no one will help me. and i wold love to hear that conversation, so i'm sure they will reach out to you as well. this involved intimidation illegal activity by the people that are suppose to be serving the public, not using their positions to terrorize people and intimidate them they steal rob. vandalize, and constant threats and intimidation they don't want people toknow who they relaly are and what they do to people, i want to share what i've went through and I want to find out who else they are doing this too, i need help please 806 553 8152

[@thehumanchris]

I love your niche into this topic! Keep it up Mark love it!

[@ryanangelstudio]

Your videos always gets me excited for what’s to come!!!

[@bisimwamedia]

I love the color grading on 7:55

[@AlexSheviakov]

Simply the best insight I have seen so far on KZbin re this topic! Thank you. Subscribed.

[@ienpassi]

It is so good see your contant every week... Looking forward for the course 🙂😃😌

[@Arcvde]

This is the best video I’ve seen surrounding this on KZbin. Thank you for sharing this!

[@TylerCampbell2]

diggin these past 2 videos! really great information! thank you!

[@olakunlesmith1092]

Amazing EXPOSURE to the real things that matter in documentary filmmaking. A big thank you for pushing out this kind of instructional information for filmmakers out there. Please can we have more of this kind of video, maybe a series; from where you stopped in this video to actual documentary production and on to exposing the finished work? I hope am not asking for too much, just a thought.

[@markbone]

I’ll be doing all of this that you asked for in my documentary course! 🙌🏼

[@olakunlesmith1092]

I just signed up for that and i am really looking forward to the release date. Can't wait, cheers.

[@van_creative]

One of the best videos on this subject I've ever seen

[@markbone]

:)

[@GoodBaleadaMusic]

Every single one of those is a strong yes for mine. You've never seen characters that want it more. Or a broader audience.

[@mateenmakesfilms]

I literally pulled out my journal and took notes - this was an amazing video!!

[@markbone]

yeasss! Love it!

[@cydneywaynedavis]

THANK YOU. Great information and very helpful. I will check out your site. BRAVO.

[@twilahlewis7004]

Thank you, I'm about to approach my first of 2 documentaries. Writing up the story with a main Character. This video was very helpful letting me know I'm the right track. I'm planning on following you.

[@multiversescriptutes8400]

Great video mark. It's funny how your content is so apt and on point while being stylistic.

[@markbone]

I appreciate that! thanks mate!!

[@thetruthseeker23]

Thanks Mark

[@topicruben]

Priceless ideas Mark! Thank you so much for this video. So important all these details! Loving your channel

[@peterfritzphoto]

This is brilliant, powerful, and very valuable to me. Thank you!

[@brittacurkovic]

Thanks Mark! This was really helpful, I've got a session booked with you for Monday, to pick your brain... looking forward to it!

[@PureEstrogen]

This is so helpful. Thank you!

[@markbone]

Thank you 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@shakeerahjohnson3306]

​@@markbone How does sync licensing work?

[@JayneNicoletti]

My last low budget short got accepted to 2 festivals. I was surprised as we hit so many bumps (that day was construction...it was hot and the AC was super loud etc) but watching this I realized I followed every step here and the story was more important. It was almost like a documentary because it was about my Dad a Holocaust survivor. Now I want to re shoot it tho lol. Thanks for a great video.

[@markbone]

Thanks for sharing Jayne! your film sounds very powerful

[@amandapoore9481]

Hello, I would love to talk to you. I am a victim of very bad harassment 8 years. violent stalking vicious, and the people doing it, NO ONE WOULD BELIEVE i have 8 years of proof, of felonies. stealing, threats and vicious hacking and non stop threats. they are still today at my 4 th house since this all started everyday. they get the ruthless violent people involved to help them. NO one deserves , to be put through what I'm being put through, PLEASE please help me. i guarantee people will love this information, YOU WONT BELIEVE ME AT FIRST EITHER. but i have proof, even police reports,that the officers purposely left off all the assaults, and the fact the a 50 guage loaded hand gun was brought to me , they were hoping I would take it from a stranger after creating what they thought was a scary situation and that i would be so stupid to accept a gun from a deranged neighbor of mine, they tried to place this gun in my hand , hoping i would take ti, and only after convincing everyone that I was mental so they could shoot me. I know this is very hard to believe , but it is true, please god help me. I want so badly to share my story. I know others are going through this. They are logged into all my emails and changing address delivery places for orders for food, vandalizing, you name it it is vicious illegal and never ending, please help me . I do not drink I do not do drugs i do not steal or violate the law in any way, after i picked up a copy of my police reports at the 3rd home, i had to move to i realized the officers left everything off that mattered. on purpose making me look stupid, so I called the sheriiff's department, to try to get them fixed, and immediately after contacting them i began getting phone calls telling me to prepare for FINAL EXPENSE< in other words shut up.. so i left there and and now living at my fourth home, and they just pick up where they left off at the other house, I have a neck and lumbar fusion, and am threatened that i will be assaulted over and over , please help, I've been saving photos films and proof for 8 years, i have loads of it, they log into my face book and emails trying to delete all my proofs, please help everyone i have reached out to for help they contact and tell them something , must be bad, because no one will help me. and i wold love to hear that conversation, so i'm sure they will reach out to you as well. this involved intimidation illegal activity by the people that are suppose to be serving the public, not using their positions to terrorize people and intimidate them they steal rob. vandalize, and constant threats and intimidation they don't want people toknow who they relaly are and what they do to people, i want to share what i've went through and I want to find out who else they are doing this too, i need help please 806 553 8152

[@matewka]

Thank you so much for this video! Sadly, this is probably one of the first videos on YT I watched that touches the workshop of actual documentary making. So far, I've spent time watching technical vids about lighting, cameras, audio etc. I just ordered my first camera - BMPCC 4k - and I'm very excited about it but I was afraid how I'm gonna start producing content. Thanks to this short yet valuable guide of yours I feel much much eager to dive into film making.

[@shawnedwards4236]

This rocked man I've been watching your videos for at least a year now. I started a TikTok channel to practice how to tell a story in under a min. In a way I was already doing this, but now I've a direction to build on for documentary filming. I've been looking forward to more information on your classes!

[@nuiyoubysusanametzger3759]

I have a story I want to work on and these latest videos of yours are really on point right now for me. Thanks MB!

[@dougstevenson5743]

Appreciate your extremely useful content - wow that point about Story v Topic has been a huge light bulb moment

[@markbone]

Thanks brother

[@m1zhab]

Cool little insight on HOW TO do filmmaking was something I definitely missed on. Thanks mate, for keeping us in the loop. :”))

[@markbone]

You're welcome brother :)

[@jonathanprimer5931]

Impressive, informative, and entertaining overview. I look forward to the release of your future work and receiving the details regarding your documentary course.

[@markbone]

thank you!!

[@tazistarfire]

So excited for the course!!! I just got green lit for my first doc so it’ll be super helpful to stay on track

[@macordie]

1st video I actually took notes, This is Super Dope .. Definitely needed

[@solomoncolmenero2747]

Yeah Yeah Yeah! Love the value on this!

[@vanceuribe295]

Take my money already dude! haha stoked on this course. If the list fills too quickly I hope you release another but I'm on it.

[@caseybryantjones]

Mark, I love your content truly has me inspired to find the story I’d like to tell.

[@markbone]

❤️ yes!! Go crush it

[@TinLeadHammer]

One might say that this is a typical American approach both to docos and to feature films: a journey, an ark. Without it an American viewer will not watch the film. But a European viewer might :) Although you may argue that it would be a topic-based movie.

[@jeffreyfleming4016]

Excellent information Mark. Thanks very much.😊👍

[@Leprutz]

These advices are crucial and they do apply to everything. I am making a comic with a friend. First page the Character gets introduced. Third Page the Character learns something and wants it. Fifth Page the character goes on a journey to get what he wants. The journey is clearly shown. We also have an ending, therefore we have a story, which I believe you missed to explain. You need an ending at all cost.

[@lovemycity420]

Great video

[@oltmansfamily5530]

So helpful, love your videos! Thanks Mark

[@PaulRichards78]

This is great thanks Mark In your last Assertive vid I actually asked in comments what questions could we ask ourselves !!!!! So this hits the nail on the head, cheers

[@markbone]

Thanks Paul!!

[@carriomediaproductions896]

Brilliant info

[@MilesLangley]

This is genuinely useful info/tips, thanks

[@CharlonSerrano]

Battleground edit at the background! :) love the film!!!

[@schoeferfilm]

Really good Mark 👏 storrytelling is 👍🏻 😉 best cinematic greetings from a small & old german filmmaker

[@DavidSkok1]

Super useful for those of us trying to learn more about filmmaking! Thank you! I look forward to your course.

[@alexnovicov]

Thank you very much for this. It's very useful. I'm planning to do my first short film

[@stevemurch3245]

This is so insightful and correct. Thank you.

[@josephrego3811]

Loved ! I’m trying to do an educational documentary for work related.and I need help. I love the fact you learn every day. I have a Storie and not a topic.

[@6574256]

Excellent video! Thank you so much for the inspiring content!

[@jshanbal]

This is really really great tips👍

[@TheMozimo1]

I know this video is over a year old but you just earned a fan lol

[@saajeeb]

Wonderful video, thanks!

[@bindu996]

this is really amazing, priceless help, thank you so much!

[@DigitalGenki]

Amazing video. Really appreciate the usefulness of what you've said