Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Making Documentary Films and Reality Videos is the perfect text for students of filmmaking who would like to make a documentary. Barry Hampe, who has made more than 150 documentary films and videos, traces the two main approaches to documentary--recording behavior and re-creating past events--and shows students how to do both effectively. Covering all the steps, from conceptualization to completion, the book includes chapters on visual evidence; documentary ethics; why reality is not enough; budgeting; and casting, crew, and equipment selection.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

An experienced filmmaker, writer, and teacher, Hampe hopes to guide the inexperienced through the process of making a documentary, or "reality video," in 25 steps, from idea to post-production. He is meticulous, even including a chapter on informed consent called "Ethics in Making a Documentary," and a most helpful index that provides information on professional associations. Still, despite his use of sound bites and personal anecdotes, one senses that he should have produced a series of videos on the subject instead of writing it all down for its specialized audience of film students, film professionals, and large companies that make informational films. Recommended for specialized collections in communications or film studies.‘Lisa N. Johnston, Sweet Briar Coll. Lib., Va. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal Review

YA‘A comprehensive and well-written introduction for aspiring filmmakers. Every aspect of production is covered, from conceptualizing an idea to seeking distributors for the final product. Technical aspects of video and film equipment are touched upon, but are not covered to such a degree that they become laborious. For instance, the subject of lighting, which could easily be a book unto itself, is addressed in a few pages. A filmography of classic documentaries and an appendix describing how to join the International Documentary Association are included. An invaluable tool for future producers and an excellent title to supplement videography and film-production classes.‘John Kiefman, Fairfax County Public Library, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist Review

Hampe has indeed written a practical guide to filming real events, but, as with many such books with "user-friendly" titles, the user should have some background in filmmaking to appreciate and incorporate the documentary film techniques Hampe advocates. Hampe introduces the core of the book with a section, integral to the rest of the text, that includes an insightful discussion of verisimilitude in the documentary. The section launches the discussions of the preproduction (developing ideas, writing at various stages, scheduling, etc.), production (recording picture and sound, directing, interviewing, etc.), and postproduction (preparation, editing, and the wrap) phases of filmmaking. As in most expository works, the author uses examples throughout; Hampe increases their effect by having them illustrate multiple principles. His use of examples defines his taste as well: An American Family (the television "drama" about the Loud family) interestingly exemplifies ineffective documentary filmmaking. Knowing his preferences is extremely useful to a filmmaker in formulating his or her own values. A good book for professional filmmakers and film students. --Bonnie Smothers