More filmmakers are employed in making documentary films than any other genre. Thanks to the user-friendly equipment available today, it is no longer an area that requires a film-school background to get started. This book shows how you can begin making your first documentary movies - from researching and defining your theme, style, and the treatment that will drive your film, to organising the production and, ultimately, getting it seen by a wider audience. Following the simple practical advice, tips and easy steps in this book will get you started today. * Learn how to choose your subject and decide on your storytelling style * Create an outline/structure for your documentary and research and plan your material * Find out the essential equipment you will need to buy or rent in order to shoot and edit * Discover cinematic and editing skills to pull all your material together. * Understand how to budget and finance your project * Find out the logistics of shooting interviews, footage and other source materials * Create a trailer and get your work seen through festivals and publicity * Learn about the wider world of distribution