About the Book
"A realist with a senseof humor, Chasse is both stringent and encouraging as she covers every aspect of creating a successfulproduction." -Booklist starred review
How to Make and Distribute a Documentary without Losing Your Mind or Going Broke
Documentary filmmaking requires more than just a passion for the subjectwhether it be one's personal story or that of someone else, a historical event or a startling discovery, a political movement or a heinous crime. Making a documentary and getting it in front of an audience requires determination, careful planning, money, and a strong production team. With over thirty years of experience in filmmaking, author Betsy Chasse mentors readers every step of the way with a down-to-earth approach and invaluable advice. Chapters cover topics such as:
- Choosing a Subject
- Developing a Business Plan
- Securing Financial Backing
- Assembling a Production Team
- Nailing Interviews and Shooting B-Roll
- Getting through Post-Production
- Distributing and Marketing the Film
The new edition enhances the well-regarded original title to adapt to the quick-changing media landscape, with all-new sections on updating revenue models for streaming, making the most of self-distribution and festivals, creating an algorithm-friendly marketing strategy, building your personal brand, and using AI tools thoughtfully. Both novices and experienced filmmakers will benefit from this all-inclusive guide. With the right knowledge, persistence, and The Documentary Filmmaking Master Class in their camera bags, readers will not only turn their visions into reality, they'll be able to share the results with others and navigate the process with confidence.
About the Author :
Betsy Chasse is an award-winning filmmaker, bestselling author, changemaker, and mom. Best known as the co-writer, co-director, and producer of the hit film What the Bleep Do We Know?!, she has continued to push the boundaries of conscious storytelling through films like Song of the New Earth, Pregnant in America, Radical Dating (docuseries), The Empty Womb (short doc), and her latest feature documentaries The Galileo Project and Bliss Up: Energy the Ultimate Healer.
She's also the author of several books, including Tipping Sacred Cows, What the Bleep Do We Know?!: Discovering the Endless Possibilities to Altering Your Everyday Reality, and The Writer's Room, along with multiple bestselling compilation titles.
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Review :
“Seasoned filmmaker, producer, and educator Chasse wants aspiring documentarians to know exactly how demanding documentary filmmaking truly is. A realist with a sense of humor, she is both stringent and encouraging as she covers every aspect of creating a successful production in The Documentary Filmmaking Master Class, beginning with the crucial questions of why the reader wants to make a nonfiction film. [. . .] This bracing guide will inspire new respect for the challenges and complexity of an often underestimated genre.”
––Booklist starred review
“Betsy Chasse knows her stuff. This book is infused with the kind of experience, wisdom, and hands-on expertise that only comes from being deeply immersed in the world of documentary filmmaking. Betsy stands at the center of the industry and shares the tools and insights needed for creators willing to go the extra mile. By updating this edition, she directly addresses the unique challenges facing a post-pandemic media landscape. As a result, The Documentary Filmmaking Master Class is essential reading for anyone producing film, TV, shorts, or even vertical content in today’s evolving media world.”
––David Michael Latt, co-founder of the Asylum, producer of over 350 films (including Sharknado, Z Nation, and Black Summer) and president of the Asylum Movie Channel across more than 15 FAST channels.
“What Betsy Chasse doesn’t know about documentary filmmaking can fit in a thimble. She understands that a film must be compelling, enlightening, and visually stunning. In our current day, when everyone with an iPhone and a drone thinks they’re a filmmaker, Betsy will teach you how to actually be one.”
––Howard Cohen, co-president, Roadside Attractions
“Betsy is in a filmmaking class all of her own. Not only will her methodical yet straightforward instruction establish the foundational knowledge necessary to succeed, but her wisdom and wit make every page a real treat. This is a book to read and reference again and again.”
––Trina Wyatt, founder and CEO of Conscious Good and founding director of the Tribeca Film Festival
“Rarely do you find a book with just about everything you need to become knowledgeable about making a documentary film. Betsy Chasse is an expert in this field and has put together a book that is truly the master class you need if you’re going to make a film.”
––Jonathan Blank, producer and director, Sex, Drugs & Democracy
“This book is a must-have for anyone considering making a documentary. The information provided is almost impossible to find in one place, if anywhere, and from someone whose experience and wisdom is invaluable.”
––Straw Weisman, producer, Pregnant in America
“Betsy’s depth of knowledge, expertise and insights helped our film reach audiences and marketplaces I never knew possible.”
––Ward Serrill, filmmaker, Song of the New Earth
