make documentary films

I made my first film. It is only 15 minutes long, but I did it! I am the Coordinator for a teen program and we have started our new recruiting season. Anywhoo…I have wanted to make a small film/video presentation that showcased the program for all to see for quite a while, but have not had the time. Well, our students recently finished a small film where they worked with a documentary filmmaker for a couple of months (I think I asked the most questions). I caught the bug and in two days, recorded 5 interviews, and put together a whole dvd package using my MacBook. Now that I have that experience, I feel confident that I can make a short film over the summer. Woo Hoo!

Now that I am switching my doctoral focus to American Studies, this goal really fits in more with my academic gaols. I will have my MA in 3 months (yeah!) and during the next year, as I study for the GRE and complete my PhD applications, I am going to map out and do a complete film. It may be short, but it will be my own documentary. I am thinking of taking a weekend-long documentary film course over the summer. This way, I will have the nuts and bolts of rights and permissions, festivals, etc. Whoo Hoo!

I have several ideas for documentaries and am working getting a plan in gear that will allow me to proceed. Hopefully, I will be able to take the documentary course at Film and Video Arts this summer.