Introduce Yourself: Sign In Here First

Hi! My name is Christine and a friend of mine suggested that I get on here and see if anything clicks! I have been an actor for years and about two years ago I took off across the country and abroad volunteering at various not-for-profits. Changed my world. Now I'm looking to get involved in hosting, writing and creating work that's about real people. This is a link to my most recent hosting gig on solar energy. www.solargenerationusa.org If anyone has any leads, knowledge of where to look or projects, I'd greatly appreciate any advice!

Welcome to The D-Word, Christine. Glad that you found us. You can check the Public Classifieds topic here, as people occasionally post about projects they're looking for collaborators on. You might also try the NY section of Shooting People: www.shootingpeople.org.

Hello all! My name is Jen and I am from small town USA in Kansas. I am looking for some advice/help. I have an idea for a documentary but have no idea where to begin. I would like to make/produce this myself but cannot quit my job to take this on. After doing some research and many question and answer sessions with parents this is something that many, many parents are interested in. I have no doubt that it would be watched by many as it asks a question that most of us parents as ourselves when raising our kids. If anyone can give me some insight on where to begin, search for funding or pitch my idea it would be wonderful. Thanking you again! Maybe soon you just might see something on TV from this small town USA Mom. –Jen

Hi Everyone!

I was referred to this site by a new business partner who couldn't say enough about it and I can already see why. I'm looking forward to leveraging the community and sharing what I can with it too as I get to know it and everyone it it better.

To introduce myself, I'm an independent filmmaker and producer currently based in Washington, DC. After ten years in the media industry running a company I started in college that was acquired by National Geographic, I have turned my full-time attention to filmmaking––something I've always wanted to do. I have one completed project (though I'm still looking for domestic distribution for it) and a couple others in various stages of development/production. All docs thus far but I do aspire eventually to do narrative films along the lines of City of God (or that style).

Feel free to check out my work at redfitz.com and see you all around the topic boards!

Nick

In reply to Doug Block's post on Fri 18 Feb 2011 :

Thanks so much Doug – can't believe I took so long to get here! – This is an amazing resource.

I've been getting my lists together and my plan is forming. We will get to Texas by hook or by crook!

I'm going to write a blog for Filmmaker Magazine about my experiences as a virgin SXSW-er so will post a link here. So excited, not long now.

Well i must say that i am flattered being part of a world of experts. I can say that being part of this wonderful and exciting site, my dreams of becoming a professional documentary filmmaker apart from acting, is partly completed. Thanks so much for welcoming me. Please kindly advice and guide me so that i can be the best in Cameroon.As you people can realise, i am seemingly the only one from Cameroon, that is why i want to do my best to carry my country up thanks to D-World. I am so happy.

Hi Nick, You might check out Docs In Progress based in Silver Spring, MD. Erica Ginsberg, the Executive Director, is a regular on D-Word. Docs In Progress is a great meeting place for a variety of doc events and provides many resources for the doc filmmaker in the DC area.

http://www.docsinprogress.org/

A big welcome to Jennifer, Nick, and Jeanie, and a very special welcome to our first member in Cameroon, James!!!

So who else is lurking out there?

Hello,

My name is Joseph Chastain. I recently received fiscal sponsorship to create a documentary on Self-injury. I have a bachelor's of arts in film and television from Columbia College Hollywood in Tarzana, Ca.

Joseph, self-injury like cutting? Sounds interesting.

Welcome to The D-Word, Joseph. Interesting subject. Are we getting to witness......?

Hello everyone, I am a cameraman based in Los Angeles, but am trying to make the move into the documentary world. I am in the middle of working on my first documentary about my great grandfather. You can check it out at DustofEurope.com. I am very excited to be in a community with so many other enthusiastic film-makers.

Great to have you here, Michael. Welcome, as well, to Joseph, James, Nick and Jennifer. Always nice to have an influx of fresh blood ;-)

You don't want to talk of fresh blood when we're discussing self-injury...

Welcome Michael. Interesting story. Also good to see that Kickstarter seems to have kickstarted you well!

Hello everyone, my name is Mark Rattelle and I am a Documentary Theory and Production MFA student at Hofstra University and I am currently working on my thesis film called "The Indies." The film is about Independent Professional Wrestlers and the world of independent Wrestling.

I am based in NY and I am very excited to be a part of this community. I look forward to chatting with all of you about the film genre we love!

Hey folks. I am saying "hello", and on here looking for advice for fixers in DRC. I'm beginning a doc there in 4-6 weeks time. Thanks for any help...

What's the project, Liam? D-Worder Carlo Ontal is based in that part of the world.

Welcome, Mark. I'll be out at Hofstra tomorrow night to show my film THE KIDS GROW UP and do a Q&A (well, technically tonight). Hope to see you there.

It will be a film on the upcoming election, John. Thanks for the referral!

Perhaps google Monique Mbeka Phoba- she is based in Brussels often, but has been mentoring film students in Kinshasa. She may help you. She directed the film Entre la coupe et l'élection.

Hi everyone, I'm a videographer entering the Documentary Film world. Currently working on a documentary about religion and atheism in Toronto. Looking for tips and tricks to become successful in this industry. :)

Prayer, Aaron. Prayer.

Hard work, Aaron. Hard work.

Hello all. I am very excited to be introducing myself to such a great group of filmmakers. I recently moved to New York and have been working freelance, camera and editing. Additionally, I am in pre-production on my first feature length film about an community of electronic musicians in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I am looking forward to gaining advice, interesting discussion, and collaboration through the d-word!

Welcome, Christa (Aaron, too). Nice to have you joining us here.

Hi, I last logged on a few years ago.... sorry for disappearing! I have managed to escape the clutches of the big city of London and escape to Africa where I plan to concentrate on making some documentaries..... so thought it was time I said hello again!
If anyone out there is based in West Africa or is interested in collaborating on a project in this part of the world... then I'd love to speak to you.

Hey Tara – I think we met at the Sheffield DocFest in 2007 – welcome back to The D-Word. Interesting time to be in North Africa...

Welcome back, Tara. Great to get an update and hope you'll come back often (virtually, at least).

Yes we did meet at Sheffield. Hello! It is an interesting time to be here.... not too much happening in Morocco though... although during a protest on Sunday the shop Zara got smashed up. However yesterday all the streets were lined with people welcoming the king back to the city.... so I think they like him. Although you never know for how long! Thanks for the welcome back.

In reply to Tom Dziedzic's post on Sat 19 Feb 2011 16:18 UTC :

Thanks for the tip, Tom! Am just looking through the site now and already agree with you.

Hello, my name is Rick Janzen and I've recently have started making Documentaries. I have two in the early stages of production at this time. I've been involved in the film business since 1987 as a scenic artist and sign painter, but decided to start shooting my own stuff two years ago. After spending countless hours learning to use my camera and editing system (not to mention spending a small fortune), I decided on a couple of projects. I have always thought the best way to learn a craft is to surround yourself with people who know what their doing. I know the road to discovery is going to have a lot of potholes and curves, but that's what makes it so interesting. I look forward to being part of the community and learning from your experience.

Great to have you here, Rick. Hope we can help support you in your career shift, it's an admirable thing to do.

Ahoy there! My name is Blaire Johnson. I'm co-producing a new documentary with my good friend, Linda Booker, to help bring Industrial Hemp farming back to the US. We are very proud that the nation's first hemp house was just built in the mountains of our home state- North Carolina. We are focusing on hemp's abilities to build the healthiest houses while taking a look at the toxic chemicals used in building materials and everyday products.

Through Linda, I have heard great things about the D-word from her good friend, Mark Barroso. I've just ventured into HD with Panasonic's AGAF100. It's great to be here!

Welcome to The D-Word, Blaire. Nice to have you joining us.

In reply to John Burgan's post on Thu 21 Jan 2010 :

I read the book of Glynne. I think also it is very good

Hello Everyone, I'm videmaker and web designer based in Sicily, I've produced 2 documentaries in Africa like in Uganda and Tanzania and of course also in Sicily. I used to work and collaborate with associations and other professionals.
Always I'm looking for new collaborations. Please contact me if you are interested in some co-production about some social or cultural issues regarding relation between different cultures.
I work with my Panasonic professional equipment.
Best wishes,
Franco
www.francoconsales.com

In reply to Blaire Johnson's post on Wed 2 Mar 2011 :

Hello Blaire your topic is very interesting, where could I find more informations? Would you be interested in some collaboration?

In reply to Caitlin Kelley's post on Thu 17 Feb 2011 :

Hello Caitlin I made in Tanzania a documentary about Maasai Tribe, I've shown I think a positive aspect of african culture. I would be glad if you can give a look to this documentary,
I'm also trying to create in Tanzania a school/workshop for young people that want to learn about video and storytelling

Let me know if you are interested,
Franco Consales
www.francoconsales.com

In reply to Tara Watney's post on Thu 24 Feb 2011 11:33 UTC :

Hey Tara please let me know more about this project in West Africa. I've been in Africa 4 times and I did there 2 documentaries, I always interested about this part of the world,
Thanks
Franco Consales
www.francoconsales.com

In reply to Franco Consales's post on Thu 3 Mar 2011 :

Hi Franco. Thanks for your interest in our project. We are hoping to launch it in the next few days, depending upon our collaboration with our web man. I'm very interested in hearing if they are building a lot of homes with industrial hemp in Italy. I'll send you our link as soon as it's up. I know we are probably going to be interested in some collaboration in Great Britain, France and Canada, though Italy isn't currently on our radar. I'm also trying to compile good looking photos of hemp houses and hemp buildings from around the world, so I'd greatly appreciate photos of anything you might come across.

All the best~
Blaire

www.greenhopeproductions.com

Welcome to The D-Word, everyone!

By the way, there is no need to sign your posts with names or URLs. We enjoy an ongoing conversation here. Cheers!

Hello and welcome Blaire – my first degree is in Animal Science, which is an agriculture degree. It was my understanding growing hemp in the U.S. was illegal but I've only returned since 2009; I was living in Asia since 2003. Did the law change? or what? if so this is absolutely GREAT news because many farmers here are more than aware of the incredible fantastic versatility of hemp (yes, more than just rope!) and have wanted to grow it for years but couldn't because of the drug enforcement bureacracy.

Please share more or if you want email me off list. I'm totally psyched about your project!

Hey all. I'm a long-time video editor (Avid & FCP) making the transition to producing and directing documentaries. My first project is well under way – a presentation can be viewed at: http://vimeo.com/13873491 password: 123MOVE

I'd love to hear folks' thoughts on the project and the presentation.

Hi, I direct docu films... some commissioned work, and some independent. My most recent film is "Water and a City". The website of the film is http://waterandacity.wordpress.com

I am new here and still trying to get a hang of what this forum is all about. Look forward to finding out!

Great to have you here, Swati and Jeremy. Welcome.

Hi everyone, I am a public historian new to docs. In April I will be defending my master’s thesis – a study of the experiences of women in the Women’s Army Corps as they made the transition into the all-male Army of the 1970s. As part of my research, I conducted oral history interviews of women who enlisted during this transition period and will use them as part of a documentary called Transforming Athena. These women responded, in part, to Army recruiting ads of the 1970s which promised them travel, education, and most importantly, equal opportunity. But could equal opportunity truly exist in “this man’s Army?”

As part of my thesis project, I had to learn a great deal about the non-camera work that goes into a doc: treatments, budgets, funding, rights, etc. That was a huge learning curve (and still is!) My next mission is to create a budget (and could use some input if anyone would like to put in their two cents off board). What I did take away from this is that I love doing creative work. I have enough footage for my trailer (which is all I need for my thesis), but I want to do more interviews to get a wider demographic of women. Hopefully I can make this into a proper doc in the future. I look forward to hearing about all of your projects!

Hello all,
My name is Keith O'Shea, I'm originally from Cork, Ireland but I've been based in Afghanistan since 2009 having completing a B.A. in doc film at the IFSW. I'm currently in production on my first feature length doc 'Sparlo' on the master riders of the sport of Buzkashi. I hope to have the project completed around June or July this year.
The site looks like it will be a great resource. Looking forward to getting into it.
Best Regards
Keith

In reply to Linda Wasson's post on Fri 4 Mar 2011 :

It is indeed, still illegal to grow industrial hemp here in the US. We are currently the only industrial nation where it remains illegal to grow it, though it is completely legal to import all aspects of the plant, except for the 'live' seeds. You can import hemp's nutritious 'edible' seeds, but we can't import seeds that we can grow. So we are out to change that. Recent developments in Europe, Canada, etc have changed the technology of processing industrial hemp. That, combined with hemp's ability to build the healthiest, most energy efficient houses are creating a real boom abroad. We hope to get America behind hemp, thanks in large part to hemp's ability to build the healthiest houses. Hemp houses could very well be the next trend in green building in the US. Once we are able to grow it here, hemp's healthy houses should be affordable for us all.

Good to see you all here. Keith, Buzkashi has got to be one high-octane bonkers sport – basically Australian Rules Football on horses with a dead goat's head. BTW the IFSW is not an obscure faction but the International Film School Wales aka the Newport Film School where, I, er, know some of the people.

Hi everyone,

I am Eugene Martin, a filmmaker from Philly now based in the Dallas area. My new film is a feature length doc titled The Anderson Monarchs. It is about an all girls soccer club from Philadelphia who are the only African American competitive club pretty much anywhere on earth. I am in post production on the film, having shot 500 hours or so. I've got a trailer up on my website here:

http://theandersonmonarchs.com/

Glad to know about this site!

Eugene