how do you find a camera man

i want to make a documentary on a pretty modest budget pretty mch just enough to get me where i need to be and survive but i was wondering if anyone else has done something similar and how u found your camera guy or guys and crew? do you have to just hire people or is it just finding like minded people who like your idea and want to be a part of it?
 
I put adds on sites and places around town, with permission from whoever will let you put one up. You might be able to hire someone for very low pay, and it's mostly a matter of the camerman believing in the project. Will this documentary require a sound specialist or anything, or is it just point and shoot interviews mostly?
 
I put adds on sites and places around town, with permission from whoever will let you put one up. You might be able to hire someone for very low pay, and it's mostly a matter of the camerman believing in the project. Will this documentary require a sound specialist or anything, or is it just point and shoot interviews mostly?

naw none of that just a general question because iwas watching a documentary called 10 mph and i was just curious as to how they got people onto there project and whatnot, thanx tho.
 
That project was made by a couple of friends. They shot everything.

Finding a camera guy and crew for a documentary can be difficult
because the time frame can be restrictive. Some documentaries
(Like 10 mph) can take months to make so you are asking for a
long term commitment. In general I would say you need to shoot
it yourself or team up with a couple of close friends who have the
same passion you do for the subject.
 
Do you already have a camera, and if so, are you a good cameraman?
Because if you are, you can just hire your friends if they're interested, and give them a crash course on the camera usage and good camera techniques, like simplicity, rule of thirds, all that good stuff.
But if you do that, make sure you stress how important good shots are to them, and train their eye to see like you envision it; you don't want it to look shoddy.
 
Put an ad under crew call on Mandy.com. Write it in English. When I was looking for a DP for my last production, Mandy.com was my best place to post. You have to recognize the DPs style to see if their work is best for your production.

I had DPs as far as the UAB, yes, the United Arab Republic and Saudi Arabia trying out for my production, showing me links to their demo reels.

I specific local crew people only too.

There were several good candidates. But somme were suited for specialized work only. Example, I work for a global corporattion and have seen many in house industrial videos they have made to show their help. I recognize the style because of this. One local DP who tried out would be perfect for any industrial video. But, he has no experience shooting dialogue and action like in the movies or television. The style is different. He really wanted to work for me. I had to point out to him his style is not what I'm looking for. If I were shooting an industrial video, he'd be a shoe-in.

So, try Mandy.com. Someone from the UAB or Saudi Arabis is much closer to you. You may even find someone in your own country willing to work with you.

View their demo reels. You need to know the style you are looking for to know if someone is right for you. Make sure they have experience shooting everything you need for your production.

Good luck. Let us know how it goes.
 
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