1 - Find a worthwhile idea 2 - Research 3 - Story Structure 4 - Filming / A - Roll 4.1 - A - Roll Lighting 4. 2 - Filming / B - Roll 5. Audio 6. Making your source comfortable 7. Editing
I’ve been contemplating my path and what really inspires me. I’ve been trying to make it in the business world but that’s always left me with a hollow feeling. I want to create films and documentaries to tell a story for myself and others to enjoy. It always brings me joy. My journey began here.
Really great summary of the entire end to end process of successfully shooting a documentary. Finding interesting things about any person, B-roll planning and watching short documentaries is gold.Talking to people ahead of time before interviewing them is very wise. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the video. I’m starting a documentary about the past 7 years of our journey to drive around the world. I hope your career has flourished over the past five years since making this video.
I love this Jesse. I have been struggling with ideas on how to conduct a documentary and here is what I have found from you. I will soon embark on a 5 minutes documentary journey and I will share it with you once I am done. kindly drop in more comments here about tips on conducting a documentary. thanks.
i have watched this video years before and now i am going back. this helped me started to shoot. i want to just add that it is more dramatic to shoot on the shadow side of the face. thanks btw.
this is very helpful for me, because my lecture doesnt teach this point about documentary film. I really upset to my lecture didnt give me any point of this, why do i pay a lot of money in college to learn about documentaries but get nothing, but i can get these lessons for free on youtube. thanks for the whole that u have give about fundamental.
We got the idea already 👏🏽 what we are doing atm is research and I’m studying techniques to improve and become a well know page in the groundhopping world.
I learned three things from your video. Thank you! I've already began my interviews. They have been halted by the state of our world, and so I'm going to try my best to stitch the a-roll (talking heads) I have...I only have half the interviews I planned so there is a lack of balance, and I hadn't gotten around to b-roll yet. But I have a deadline...
Thank you so much Jesse for sharing this awesome tips on how to make it possible. It's really helpful for me since I will be starting to make my own documentary channel 🎥
Thank you for sharing and creating this video for everyone to learn from. I created my first mini-doc last month and I'm always looking for ways to improve so thank you again for these tips.
@@jetfu400 Yeah man, I wish I could post more, but client work takes up just about all of my time now a days. Every time it slows down and I think I might have some time, everything picks back up! One day hopefully, I can start posting more content. I still make sure I write back to everyone who took the time to comment at the very minimum.
@@JesseCervantes i have a question man.can i interview 7 people and fit them into the documentary? the topic is about their company and how they cope up to Covid 19. no narration is allowed. only their voice overs
@@jetfu400 Of course. There is really no rule to how many people can be in a documentary. I think the biggest thing to keep in mind, is make sure there is a solid story, and it doesn't turn into a bunch of people saying different thing, which could get confusing for the audience.
to the point anad helpful. no unneccessary ramblings about the channel or whatever. might not directly apply to what i was looking for since i am going to be shooting some sort of ad/educational video for my work in the upcoming days with my boss but some of the things i can definitely use.
I'm almost embarrassed to admit it, but I didn't realize you could filter vimeo videos by video length. That was an awesome tip. Thanks so much for this video, Jesse.
Jesse this is extraordinary...thank you so much for the help...may god bless you always...please let me know the audio mic you have used...the sound quality is magnificent...
Good video. I think it would have been great if you showed one of your films in the beginning then break it down so we have a completed item to analyze.
👍🏾👍🏾 Thanks, Jesse, brother!! Currently just started filming a mini documentary, and your awesome information is very helpful. Best Wishes and a Great 2022 and beyond I wish you.
I have two projects in mind. One is a very big documentary, involving learning 2 different languages, and traveling to a different country, as well as loads of research, and the other I can film in my hometown, I have a lot of background knowledge on, no new language required. This would be my first documentary. Should I just continue to focus on the big project, or, since it's my first film, create the smaller project first while still working on the large project to get a hang of how filmmaking works?
I would just use your phone, and some type of good audio system. Possibly a small lavalier mic. Like a Tascam DR-10L to record audio. You can make some insane stuff with that combo. Gives you a chance to focus on telling a good story instead of gear. Let me know if you have any other questions!
I would go with Blackmagic Divinci Resolve. You can download it on Blackmagic's website for free. I use it over Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut. Hope that helps!
@@JesseCervantes please reply my one question To use a voice sample of some other person from a TH-cam video do I need to get his permission or crediting him and providing video link is enough?
@@gauravnegi4312 Really it's appropriate and ethical to verbally/visually credit the footage/voice to the person so people don't assume it's you. While also providing video links as well so there is no confusion. That is only if you are using their voice/footage for fair use unless you have permission from the individual. Honestly, stuff like that is always fuzzy. Use your best judgment.
Honestly, that is better answered by yourself. I think everything can be cinematic, so maybe you are thinking about a documentary-style vs. montage for a location film?
I chose to make a documentary for a school assignment (yep). I procrastinated. Is it possible to make one in a single night? But this is actually really helpful! Thanks! :D now I feel less panicky
Thanks, I am on my way to shooting my 1st Doc. about warehouse workers what you touched on seems pretty obvious but now that I watched it I see I was going to botch this. Unfortunately I am a one man Band. I know it is possible (because greater filmmakers have done it) but I am a bit concerned because the shots I want to take will require set up and breakdown time in a number of locations. Hopefully, I will get most of this right .
The first time you are definitely not going to have everything work out seamlessly. That still happens to me now. Just write down any mistakes and learn from it and move on. I personally like to stay pretty nimble, and not breakdown anything, unless I am doing interviews. Most stuff is handheld, quick shots. Planning your shots out can help, if you know what you are getting into beforehand.
Hello Jesse ! Loved your video. I am planning to make my first documentary on my friend who is a physician and has gone out of his way risking his own life to seeve mankind when covid was at it's peak. What tips would you like to share which could help me in starting off with it without further delay as I am determined to complete it at any cost ?
Very insightful solid advice - very helpful and practical. I'm about to shoot my first short documentary and this has gone a long way to help me solidify my planning - thanks! Just sub'd. Looking forward to more on your channel. Cheers. With love from Atlanta.
Just thought abt making documentry film and all the points came into my mind which you talked/explained about and this video will help me...thnx much buddy👌👍👍
Go for it! I am sure you will do great. Just start developing a storyboard and filming chunks of it. Shoot me a message when you finish it. I would love to check it out.
Aloha Ponlets... I agree... I'm of the same intent... * * * As far as I know, National Monuments and Parks are public properties that belong to all citizens (in the USA, anyhow)... I've never been told NOT to capture any pictures wherever I've been... Mount Rushmore, SD; Four Corners, AZ (et al.); Garden of the Gods, CO; Smoky Mountains, NC; Key West, FL; Black Rapids, AL. AND many more in between... just in the last decade... (grin) * * * I've even been to the 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 of Mount Rushmore without a squabble... (wink) * * * I don't think being a registered landmark has any bearing on anyone capturing pictures of the monument, location, or supporting structures and personnel. * * * You need to let them know what you intend - especially if it is dangerous or involves drones (which are very dangerous to many) flying over people... You may fly overhead, just NOT directly overhead... just in the event it loses power and comes crashing to the ground... (sigh) Yes, I do know how unlikely that is... but for many in the government, idiocy runs rampant... LOL So, no flying overhead... (wink) * * * Until that time. . .
1 - Find a worthwhile idea
2 - Research
3 - Story Structure
4 - Filming / A - Roll
4.1 - A - Roll Lighting
4. 2 - Filming / B - Roll
5. Audio
6. Making your source comfortable
7. Editing
Sir what is the b roll mean?
@@ayeshatariq8828 B-roll is a set of supplemental footage that is used to support or add depth/context to your subject
Their was b roll footage in the beginning of this video when it showed some guy walking in the forest.
Dear, can u describe the structure story and editing by premium promo
THANK YOU SO MUCH, this helps a lot.
I’ve been contemplating my path and what really inspires me. I’ve been trying to make it in the business world but that’s always left me with a hollow feeling. I want to create films and documentaries to tell a story for myself and others to enjoy. It always brings me joy. My journey began here.
Wow you just spoke what I was thinking! Cheers for a great adventure!!!!!!
Brother you've really helped a lot of future content creator for short films including me. Thanks for your insights.
Thanks, Brother! Glad I could help.
Did you become one yet ?
@@chirayu5425 Very funny. . . you rascal...
* * *
Until that time. . .
@Mubdiur... I agree... Jesse DUN GUD...
* * *
Until that time. . .
@@JesseCervantes hi I am Ashok Nagar wala
Whenever you're out researching "Remember, you're here for inspiration and not to plagiarize other filmmakers"
- Jesse Cervantes
Dec 11 2017
Really great summary of the entire end to end process of successfully shooting a documentary. Finding interesting things about any person, B-roll planning and watching short documentaries is gold.Talking to people ahead of time before interviewing them is very wise. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the video.
I’m starting a documentary about the past 7 years of our journey to drive around the world.
I hope your career has flourished over the past five years since making this video.
I love this Jesse. I have been struggling with ideas on how to conduct a documentary and here is what I have found from you. I will soon embark on a 5 minutes documentary journey and I will share it with you once I am done. kindly drop in more comments here about tips on conducting a documentary. thanks.
i have watched this video years before and now i am going back. this helped me started to shoot. i want to just add that it is more dramatic to shoot on the shadow side of the face. thanks btw.
Very useful for all specially for the beginners. Thnaks for the effort.
this is very helpful for me, because my lecture doesnt teach this point about documentary film. I really upset to my lecture didnt give me any point of this, why do i pay a lot of money in college to learn about documentaries but get nothing, but i can get these lessons for free on youtube. thanks for the whole that u have give about fundamental.
Glad I could help!
this video was fire and made me more prepared for my documentary, thank you!
We got the idea already 👏🏽 what we are doing atm is research and I’m studying techniques to improve and become a well know page in the groundhopping world.
I learned three things from your video. Thank you! I've already began my interviews. They have been halted by the state of our world, and so I'm going to try my best to stitch the a-roll (talking heads) I have...I only have half the interviews I planned so there is a lack of balance, and I hadn't gotten around to b-roll yet. But I have a deadline...
Good luck!
This was great. I learned more from you in 6 minutes than I have in hours of other searches. Thank you.
Far Reach Engineering I’m glad to hear that! I appreciate the kind words! Thanks for watching.
You have an EXCELLENT style of clearly teaching / describing what you want the audience to know / learn. I've subscribed & will be tuning in!
This was so helpful, thank you so much! I’m going to follow your advice and shoot my first documentary ever about me and China
Glad I could help! Good luck with your documentary.
Thank you so much Jesse for sharing this awesome tips on how to make it possible. It's really helpful for me since I will be starting to make my own documentary channel 🎥
Thanks for creating this and providing so much value - I am embarking on my first documentary and the first thing I did was watch this video!
Awesome! Good luck. Documentary filmmaking can be very rewarding! Send me a link to the final video when you finish.
Jesse Cervantes will do!
Love how you laid it all out! Great advice thank you!
Thank you for sharing and creating this video for everyone to learn from. I created my first mini-doc last month and I'm always looking for ways to improve so thank you again for these tips.
That is awesome! Let me know when you release your mini-doc. I would love to see it. Glad I could help a bit.
Thanks so much for this EXTREMELY helpful. Exaxtly what I was searching for
Oh lalaa, this is the best I've ever seen so far... Greatings from the Philippines keep em coming bruh..
I love this. Thank you. Short.precise.informative. Perfect
this video is 2017 but it's still the best video about documentary tutorial out there. wow!
I appreciate that! Thank you! 🙌
@@JesseCervantes hey man, glad to know your still active on youtube. you don't upload much often though.
@@jetfu400 Yeah man, I wish I could post more, but client work takes up just about all of my time now a days. Every time it slows down and I think I might have some time, everything picks back up! One day hopefully, I can start posting more content. I still make sure I write back to everyone who took the time to comment at the very minimum.
@@JesseCervantes i have a question man.can i interview 7 people and fit them into the documentary? the topic is about their company and how they cope up to Covid 19. no narration is allowed. only their voice overs
@@jetfu400 Of course. There is really no rule to how many people can be in a documentary. I think the biggest thing to keep in mind, is make sure there is a solid story, and it doesn't turn into a bunch of people saying different thing, which could get confusing for the audience.
WOW. Straight to the point and extremely useful information. Thank you!
Glad I could help! Thanks for watching!
Excellent video. Very informative.
Thank you!
I appreciate it! 🙌
to the point anad helpful. no unneccessary ramblings about the channel or whatever. might not directly apply to what i was looking for since i am going to be shooting some sort of ad/educational video for my work in the upcoming days with my boss but some of the things i can definitely use.
Awesome! Thanks for watching
Thank you so much Jesse, this will come in handy for a sort documentary I'm shooting for a client
I am glad it's going to help you out!
Thanks for this video! I have a project in school and this video really helped me! 👊💯
I think this is great information. Love it. I too am a local SLC filmmaker.
Thanks man! SLC is a great place to be.
Absolutely brilliant and clearly depth of experience coming through in such a short video. I hope to make my own short film soon. Many thanks Jesse! 🙏
!hanks man! Appreciate it!
Thanks I’m working on my documentary now
I'm almost embarrassed to admit it, but I didn't realize you could filter vimeo videos by video length. That was an awesome tip. Thanks so much for this video, Jesse.
Hahah with so many options, it can be easy to miss! Glad I could help. Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing idea. I'm planning to make a short film documentaries in the future and it's a big help for me ♥️
thank you so much. I learned much..
Thanks for watching!
Jesse this is extraordinary...thank you so much for the help...may god bless you always...please let me know the audio mic you have used...the sound quality is magnificent...
Thank you for the kind words! I used a Tascam DR-10L - www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y1RBX7F/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You helped me alot with our upcoming project thank you thank you thankyou
Amazing tips, from basic to advanced. Thanks 💐☺
Good video. I think it would have been great if you showed one of your films in the beginning then break it down so we have a completed item to analyze.
Thanks mate! I'm getting ready for my first documentary and your tutorial helped me a lot! THX
Awesome!!! I had never done a short documentary and this will help me a lot!
Perfect! Thumbs up for the clear guidance
👍🏾👍🏾 Thanks, Jesse, brother!! Currently just started filming a mini documentary, and your awesome information is very helpful. Best Wishes and a Great 2022 and beyond I wish you.
I have two projects in mind. One is a very big documentary, involving learning 2 different languages, and traveling to a different country, as well as loads of research, and the other I can film in my hometown, I have a lot of background knowledge on, no new language required. This would be my first documentary. Should I just continue to focus on the big project, or, since it's my first film, create the smaller project first while still working on the large project to get a hang of how filmmaking works?
Excellent video! There is a wealth of great info here. Thanks!
Thank you, this is very helpful. I am working on my first documentary.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. It's useful
Hey Jesse, thanks for these tips! what equipment would you recommend for a beginner wanting to make mini documentaries on their own?
I would just use your phone, and some type of good audio system. Possibly a small lavalier mic. Like a Tascam DR-10L to record audio. You can make some insane stuff with that combo. Gives you a chance to focus on telling a good story instead of gear. Let me know if you have any other questions!
I am a student, preparing for a History Fair to make a documentary.
*What free editing software is best for this?*
I would go with Blackmagic Divinci Resolve. You can download it on Blackmagic's website for free. I use it over Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut. Hope that helps!
Hitfilm express is a super good free video editing software too
this is literally me rn ITS DUE TMR AHAHHAB
@@JesseCervantes please reply my one question
To use a voice sample of some other person from a TH-cam video do I need to get his permission or crediting him and providing video link is enough?
@@gauravnegi4312 Really it's appropriate and ethical to verbally/visually credit the footage/voice to the person so people don't assume it's you. While also providing video links as well so there is no confusion. That is only if you are using their voice/footage for fair use unless you have permission from the individual. Honestly, stuff like that is always fuzzy. Use your best judgment.
Jesse! I found this video because I'm doing some research on this. Awesome tips homie!!
What if i am going to make video about a place then what type of video should i make like Cinematography type of Documentry still confused sir..
Honestly, that is better answered by yourself. I think everything can be cinematic, so maybe you are thinking about a documentary-style vs. montage for a location film?
@@JesseCervantes yes bro..
Very valuable tips and ideas.Thanks a lot Jesse.
Great point about b-roll. I've been making my fishing trips into small documentary films.
Awesome! I am about to post a fishing video here real soon. Stay tuned!
EXTREMELY USEFUL!!! needed to shout that
Thank you!! Glad I could help.
Thank you so much this helps me a lot i am also filming short documentary to a pottery for our group project
Glad I could help!
thanks a lot iam a Ugandan journalist in eastern region but today i woke up in mindset of doing documentary
Amazing , you have explained very well. Thanks
Short and super informative. Just how I like tuts to be! Thanks man!
Thanks for watching!
So helpful for someone just getting started! THANK YOU 🙏🏻
Thanks for watching!
Very helpful, thank you so much for this video
Glad I could help!
Thank you Jesse for the tips, I will be using some of them the next time I film!
Glad I can help!
My friend you are terrific! Thank you so much
Thanks for watching!
This video is very insightful. Thank you so much.
I appreciate all the knowledge. Well put together and like you said, “straight to the point” earned a sub
Hey man greetings from South Africa great video , very clear and straight to the point you most def got a new subscriber. Keep warm
Thank You! I would love to go to South Africa one day.
good to hear and watch it
I chose to make a documentary for a school assignment (yep). I procrastinated. Is it possible to make one in a single night?
But this is actually really helpful! Thanks! :D now I feel less panicky
this was really helpful thanks.. now to go look for someone or something interesting
Did you ever find a subject to make a doc on?
Its worth to watch your video , I may have things to ask in the future.....
Thank you! This was so informative
This is really helpful. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much for sharing sir
Really helpful
Good video and good advice I really needed this video I want to shoot a Documentary but I don't know where to start.
Glad I could help!
A lot of great information, I will have to rewatch this a few dozen times
I appreciate it! Thanks for watching.
Brilliantly explained! thank you for sharing your time and talent...
Thank you!
Definitely deserve a thumbs up keep on it man !
Thanks, I am on my way to shooting my 1st Doc. about warehouse workers what you touched on seems pretty obvious but now that I watched it I see I was going to botch this.
Unfortunately I am a one man Band. I know it is possible (because greater filmmakers have done it) but I am a bit concerned because the shots I want to take will require set up and breakdown time in a number of locations. Hopefully, I will get most of this right .
The first time you are definitely not going to have everything work out seamlessly. That still happens to me now. Just write down any mistakes and learn from it and move on. I personally like to stay pretty nimble, and not breakdown anything, unless I am doing interviews. Most stuff is handheld, quick shots. Planning your shots out can help, if you know what you are getting into beforehand.
Thanks for sharing! Very helpful.
Glad I could help!
Hello Jesse ! Loved your video. I am planning to make my first documentary on my friend who is a physician and has gone out of his way risking his own life to seeve mankind when covid was at it's peak. What tips would you like to share which could help me in starting off with it without further delay as I am determined to complete it at any cost ?
Very insightful solid advice - very helpful and practical. I'm about to shoot my first short documentary and this has gone a long way to help me solidify my planning - thanks! Just sub'd. Looking forward to more on your channel. Cheers. With love from Atlanta.
Great tips in there, thanks for the video!
Thank you! Great Advice!
Amazing video. Thank you
Just thought abt making documentry film and all the points came into my mind which you talked/explained about and this video will help me...thnx much buddy👌👍👍
Thanks, man!
Great tips that I will use in an upcoming project. Thanks! Subscribed!
Thank you!
This was a phenomenally helpful video. Thank you so much!
Thanks for watching and the kind words!
Thanks for some great tips Jesse.
Thanks for watching!
Man thank you a lot, it’s a really right to the point video🤝
Thanks!
thank you so much, im leaving with a bunch of great advice!
Thanks for all the tips very helpful and well produced
Great work bro. You are wonderful and inspiring keep up good work
Very helpful for a student like me! Thanks!
Glad I could help!
Great tips brother. Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
very informative! thank you so much this helped a ton!
Glad to help!
Which program to use to process the video? Freeware for Windows. I'm beginner. Thanks for your video. The best!
I use Adobe Premiere Pro to edit this video, but have recently switched to Divinci Resolve. They have a free version that is pretty great.
@@JesseCervantes thanks
Very useful indeed. Thank you.
thanks I've been planning to do one based around my self development over the year and i dont know anything for its my first time
Go for it! I am sure you will do great. Just start developing a storyboard and filming chunks of it. Shoot me a message when you finish it. I would love to check it out.
what if the idea is a location and not a person like i wanna document a location that is a registered landmark and has been recently refurbished
Aloha Ponlets... I agree... I'm of the same intent...
* * *
As far as I know, National Monuments and Parks are public properties that belong to all citizens (in the USA, anyhow)...
I've never been told NOT to capture any pictures wherever I've been...
Mount Rushmore, SD; Four Corners, AZ (et al.); Garden of the Gods, CO; Smoky Mountains, NC; Key West, FL; Black Rapids, AL.
AND many more in between... just in the last decade... (grin)
* * *
I've even been to the 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 of Mount Rushmore without a squabble... (wink)
* * *
I don't think being a registered landmark has any bearing on anyone capturing pictures of the monument, location, or supporting structures and personnel.
* * *
You need to let them know what you intend - especially if it is dangerous or involves drones (which are very dangerous to many)
flying over people... You may fly overhead, just NOT directly overhead... just in the event it loses power and comes crashing to the ground... (sigh)
Yes, I do know how unlikely that is... but for many in the government, idiocy runs rampant... LOL
So, no flying overhead... (wink)
* * *
Until that time. . .
Nicely done. Very well explained.
Thanks man!
Thanks a lot, just what I need for my next project
Glad I could help! Let me know when you finish your next project. Would love to see it.