Total newbie in need of help for first documentary

[black-scottish-fold]

Sorry in advance for the long post. I'll keep questions to basic (I think) filming stuff. I've never made a serious film (though I did do a lot of silly shorts in the 10th grade) and I really just need to know where to start, it'll be a very low budget film (unless I get a grant of some sort) I don't have any required materials yet i.e. camera, tripod, good quality mic or editing software. I'd like to have a very small crew (no larger than three others) hopefully consisting of my friends. I'm not trying to have it play at a festival or anything like that, so it'll be kinda low profile. That's all the background stuff I can really think of for now, here are my questions:
Are there any tips or warnings you guys have for a begginer? ( I can't spell today XP )
Where might I get a grant for my film?
I've heard of people using Canon and Nikon brand cameras, what camera would you recomend? (my only requierement is HD setting and price under $1,500)
Where could I find a quality boom mic?
What names of free movie editing softwares are there?

Thanks a lot!!!

 

[NickSoares]

Sorry in advance for the long post. I'll keep questions to basic (I think) filming stuff. I've never made a serious film (though I did do a lot of silly shorts in the 10th grade) and I really just need to know where to start, it'll be a very low budget film (unless I get a grant of some sort) I don't have any required materials yet i.e. camera, tripod, good quality mic or editing software. I'd like to have a very small crew (no larger than three others) hopefully consisting of my friends. I'm not trying to have it play at a festival or anything like that, so it'll be kinda low profile. That's all the background stuff I can really think of for now, here are my questions:
Are there any tips or warnings you guys have for a begginer? ( I can't spell today XP )
Where might I get a grant for my film?
I've heard of people using Canon and Nikon brand cameras, what camera would you recomend? (my only requierement is HD setting and price under $1,500)
Where could I find a quality boom mic?
What names of free movie editing softwares are there?

Thanks a lot!!!

Hey Black0scotteh-fold

I think its awesome to see you are getting into the film industry.

First Question - I will PM a grant location
Second- There is a canon camera out for under $300 that will suit your needs- i will edit this when i get the name
third (someone here can answer better then me)
fourth - what computer system do you have?

 

[Alcove Audio]

"Sound is half of the experience."

Your project will only look as good as it sounds.

"Sound is half of the experience."

Your project will only look as good as it sounds.

"Sound is half of the experience."

Your project will only look as good as it sounds.

"Sound is half of the experience."

Your project will only look as good as it sounds.

"Sound is half of the experience."

Your project will only look as good as it sounds.​

 

[black-scottish-fold]

eMachines desktop computer.

 

[GuerrillaAngel]

Get this book:

SHUT UP AND SHOOT DOCUMENTARY GUIDE by Anthony Q Artis

review: http://www.lexiecannes.com/id16.html

Good luck.

 

[directorik]

I've heard of people using Canon and Nikon brand cameras, what camera would you recomend? (my only requierement is HD setting and price under $1,500)

You have heard right. People use both Canon and Nikon cameras.
Panasonic and JVC and Sony also make excellent cameras. For a
documentary I would suggest a camcorder that has auto focus
and auto exposure. It sure makes things easier when shooting
things you have no control over.

Look at the Canon VIXIA HF G10, the Panasonic HC-X900M and
the Sony HXR-MC50U

Where could I find a quality boom mic?

Just to clarify: Some people are confused about a "boom mic".
The "boom" is a piece of equipment - most often a pole of some
kind - that the microphone is attached to.

A great place to find a quality shotgun mic is B&H Photo

What names of free movie editing softwares are there?

There is Windows Movie Maker and iMovie.

First Question - I will PM a grant location

Any way you could offer some grant info in public? I, too, am
interested in grants for documentaries.