How to Shoot a Documentary - Tips & Tricks for Emotional Storytelling

Summary

In this documentary filmmaking series, Kris Carr shares insights and challenges from creating his latest documentary, 'Sir Effects,' with minimal budget and gear. He discusses the importance of matching subject and environment, utilizing natural lighting, and capturing candid moments for authenticity. Carr also emphasizes the significance of good audio over perfect visuals and demonstrates how to achieve professional results with basic equipment, including using an LED panel and a smartphone for interviews. He concludes with tips on sound recording and the impact of post-production on the final documentary's quality.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The video discusses the process of creating a documentary, focusing on shooting, lighting, and working with limited resources.
• 🚀 The speaker shares personal experience from making a documentary called 'Sir Effects' with minimal budget and gear.
• 🔍 The importance of getting into the right headspace and being open to the unexpected is highlighted for documentary filmmaking.
• 🖼️ The speaker emphasizes matching the subject's vibe with their environment and the way they are shot and lit.
• 📐 The use of leading lines and practicals in the scene for effective subject placement, even when breaking traditional rules.
• 🌟 The necessity of utilizing available light and a single LED panel for lighting when working with no budget.
• 📹 A recommendation for starting with wide shots and then zooming in for more intimate shots as the interview progresses.
• 🎙️ The significance of capturing only the subject's audio during interviews to avoid overlap and ensure clarity.
• 🔊 The speaker's preference for using a Rode SmartLav+ mic and a TRS converter for high-quality audio in interviews.
• 🎨 The transformative power of color grading in post-production to enhance the visual appeal of the documentary.
• 🧳 A caution against overpacking gear, which can slow down the filmmaking process and potentially cause missed opportunities.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to share insights and tips on shooting a documentary, particularly with limited resources such as no budget, no crew, and minimal gear.

What is the documentary mentioned in the video called?

The documentary mentioned in the video is called 'Sir Effects'.

What tool does the speaker recommend for organizing projects and brainstorming?

The speaker recommends using Milano, which is also the sponsor of the video, for organizing projects and brainstorming.

How does the speaker approach the subject placement in documentary filming?

The speaker approaches subject placement by trying to match the subject's vibe with their environment and the way they are being filmed and lit, using elements like leading lines and practicals in the scene.

What is the significance of using leading lines in subject placement?

Leading lines are significant in subject placement as they help to guide the viewer's eye towards the subject, adding depth and interest to the shot.

What type of gear did the speaker primarily use for lighting in the documentary?

The speaker primarily used an iPhone 6 flashlight and a single LED panel for lighting in the documentary.

How does the speaker describe the process of interviewing subjects in a documentary?

The speaker describes the process as starting with a wide shot, then getting detail shots, and zooming in with a longer focal length as the conversation deepens, to create an intimate feel.

What is the importance of capturing audio clearly in documentary filmmaking?

Capturing clear audio is important because poor audio quality can detract from the viewer's experience, whereas good audio can compensate for less-than-perfect visuals.

What audio setup did the speaker use for the interviews in the documentary?

The speaker used a Rode Smartlav+ lapel microphone connected to a cell phone and a TRS converter, which was then attached to a Zoom H1n recorder.

How does the speaker approach sound design in post-production?

The speaker approaches sound design by reconstructing it entirely in post, using sounds from different libraries and capturing real sounds from the actual location when possible.

What advice does the speaker give regarding gear for documentary filmmaking?

The speaker advises against carrying too much gear as it can slow down the filmmaker and potentially cause the loss of key moments; instead, focus on mobility and capturing the moment.