Making Documentary Films and Reality Videos : A Practical Guide to Planning, Filming, and Editing Documentaries of Real Events

Rating:
Summary: If you only get one book on documentaries get this one
Review: This book deals in reality. No theory here. From top to bottom it tells you what to do, and how to do it. I love books like these, nuts and bolts written by the people who acquired their knowledge from experience and not theory. We who are really in the film business and work on the sets laugh at the new guy who talks a bunch of "film school" theory. We know that theory doesn't work and does more harm than good. I also liked the low price of the book.

Rating:
Summary: Awesome Advice
Review: This book has excellent philosophical advice about making documentaries. While not new and up-to-date with technology, I found it well written, engaging and encouraging. Barry Hampe is a great teacher. Don't buy this book if you're looking for specifics or technical advice. This covers general concepts and ideas and what to keep in mind while you bring your ideas and concepts into visual realities. Get it if your starting out. Get it if you are bogged down with a project that you can't finish. You won't regret it.

Rating:
Summary: A great book
Review: This book is a real page turner for those of us who are crazy enough to embarke on a documetary project:-). It guides us thru the, at times, overwhelming experience of film making.
Barry grabs your hand, pulls you in, and won't let go until you know enough to continue on your own.
Barry Hempe writes in a language that is not only clear and intellegent, but he makes it fun as well.
His book has been my guide as I embarke on making my first documetary project in Pakistan. Thank you Barry.

Rating:
Summary: The Documentary Makers Bible
Review: This book is essential reading for any person seriously interested in making documentaries. It is crammed full of useful information that is presented in an interesting and easy to read style. I have just made a documentary that will be broadcast on SBS in November and during the filming process I was constantly dipping into Barry Hampe's book for advice and solutions to problems. I avoided many pitfalls with the help of this book. It is the most valuable resource that I have come across. I highly recommend this book. It is a resource you will keep going back to time and again. If you want to make films and you don't invest in this 'goldmine' of information then you really are just shooting yourself in the foot. It really is a must have book.

Rating:
Summary: Insightful Book
Review: This book proved very insightful into the art of making documentary film. For a beginning filmmaker, I can think of no better way to introduce yourself to every aspect of documentary filmmaking. Mr. Hampe leaves no stone unturned; from the artistic to the technical to the ethical. This book covers it all in a very readable, almost conversational style. Two thumbs up.

Rating:
Summary: Insightful Book
Review: This book proved very insightful into the art of making documentary film. For a beginning filmmaker, I can think of no better way to introduce yourself to every aspect of documentary filmmaking. Mr. Hampe leaves no stone unturned; from the artistic to the technical to the ethical. This book covers it all in a very readable, almost conversational style. Two thumbs up.