Newbie Documentary Questions

[vitomacdoc]

I am not a filmmaker (yet), but I have started a charity project that I want to document and eventually release to the world. I am so new, I don't even have a camera or equipment or skills, will borrow from friend or local cable station.
Not looking for Sundance entry, just simple documentary to inform and entertain.

First Question:
I have already started my project, then decided I would like to document on film.
What are the rules for recreating or shooting events as if they are happening real time, is this acceptable or is this lying? Example, shooting an interview with a person as if the first time, but have already talked with this person?

Second:
What are the legal aspects of shooting a documentary?
When interviewing subjects for a documentary, do they need to sign legal forms? If so, where do I get these forms? I live in Boston, do I need permits if shooting quick scenes outdoors? Most scenes will be indoors or at a business.

Third:
I would like to score with music, what are the legalities on using music snippets in my documentary?

Last:
Any good documentaries I can view to get ideas? Saw parts of King Of Kong and liked it, what else can anyone recommend?

Thank you in advance for any help.

 

[iwasthere]

I need to know about release forms as well for people I interview for my documentary.

 

[Paracat]

I would say...watch a hell of allot of documentaries. I mean everything from Micheal Moore to the stuff you see on National Geographic.

As for the music, if you are using a pre-recorded song or another pre-recorded piece of music in your film, there are two rights you need to clear; that is to say, you need to get two different licenses to use the music.

Synchronization License: This is the right to synchronize a song or a piece of music with your visual image. It must be obtained from the copyright owner of the music, which is usually the publisher. You can find out who the publisher is by using ASCAP's Clearance Express (ACE) at www.ascap.com/ace. Songs that are not represented by ASCAP might be found at the National Music Publishers' Association "Songfile" website (www.nmpa.org).You will be provided with a contact at the publisher's Business Affairs or Licensing Department.

Master Use License: This is the right to reproduce a specific recording of a song in your film. You clear this right with the record label who owns the specific recording you would like to use; see the liner notes of the recording to find out which company this is. Alternatively, you can get contact information for record labels by calling ASCAP's Film/TV Department. You will be provided with a contact at the record label's Business Affairs Department.
(Stolen from http://www.ascap.com/filmtv/faq.html )

I would try to use royalty free music, even though they usually sound like crap. Or get a neighborhood band to write you songs (they should be excited).

I make my own music, so I rarely need to do this, but every once in a while I check out MySpace. There's tons of good music there from bands who aren't signed or anything. Try that out. You can even send out a message in which you can ask for permission.


As for the subject of "lying"...well...that depends on what you want to shoot, and what your filosophy behind film is.

Hope this helps!

 

[spinner]

First Question:
I have already started my project, then decided I would like to document on film.
What are the rules for recreating or shooting events as if they are happening real time, is this acceptable or is this lying? Example, shooting an interview with a person as if the first time, but have already talked with this person?

If you are 're-creating' a scene, it would be a good idea to say so. Meaning at the bottom of this section, on screen say: 'dramatization' or 're-enactment'. Otherwise what you are doing sounds like someone is just telling you what happened. I don't see that as lying.

Last:
Any good documentaries I can view to get ideas? Saw parts of King Of Kong and liked it, what else can anyone recommend?

Thank you in advance for any help.

One of the suggestions I would make is to keep an eye on Sundance Channel. They have something they call 'Doc Day', which is on Monday they a number of good documentaries. I agree with Paracat. Watch documentaries wherever they are. National Geographic Channel, the History Channel, PBS shows like Frontline or Nova. Go to the documentary section of your video store. There are lots of places you can find good docs to watch...

Look here for some ideas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_documentaries

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