While many film programs prepare students for the realities of Hollywood, comparatively little guidance is provided for the aspiring documentary filmmaker. Alan Rosenthal fills this void with Succeeding as a Documentary Filmmaker: A Guide to the Professional World. Unlike traditional manuals on documentary filmmaking, which focus primarily on the creation of films, this user-friendly volume draws upon real-world examples and the advice of experienced filmmakers to provide essential information about the nonfiction movie business. 

From the basics of the current film business environment and how to navigate it, to tips on how to maximize distribution and sales for a finished film, Rosenthal leads novice filmmakers step-by-step through the professional arena of documentary moviemaking. Included here are recommendations for how to make the most of a film school education; the best ways to find financing for a film and the realities of working with a budget; how to develop a successful proposal for a project; the intricacies of working both as an independent filmmaker and for others; and insight into the often complicated arenas of contracts and markets. Throughout the volume, Rosenthal shares the expertise of actual filmmakers on such subjects as film school and starting a career; pitching and funding projects; contract negotiation; effective marketing; and commissioning editors and legal help. Not limiting himself to merely the documentary world, the author also offers valuable information and advice for filmmakers interested in other genres of nonfiction movies - such as industrial, public relations, travel, and educational films - to provide a truly comprehensive and one-of-a-kind guide for readers. 

Packed with useful tips for novices, film students, and practitioners alike, Succeeding as a Documentary Filmmaker is an indispensable addition to the library of anyone involved in the world of nonfiction filmmaking.

Alan Rosenthal has made more than fifty films, mainly in the United States, England, and Israel. He helped train Israel Television's film staff, and has written seven other books about documentary and drama. He has taught at Stanford and the Hebrew University, as well as in Britain, Australia, and Mexico. His recent film, Out of the Ashes, won a Christopher Award and a Peabody Award for Journalism. Rosenthal is currently working on a docudrama for ARTE/ZDF about the transportation of convicts to Australia in the nineteenth century.

"Great advice, wonderful information, and brilliant insights from an acclaimed documentary filmmaker. Written in a breezy personal style, it is a must for all new or aspiring film makers" -Donald E. Staples, professor emeritus of Film, University of North Texas

"Alan Rosenthal’s latest book, Succeeding as a Documentary Filmmaker: A Guide to the Profes­sional World, is one that will have a long shelf life in my home editing suite and my university office. It is a sensible contribution to media production education, easy to read and per­sonable, and one I will reference (and refer to others) again and again as a documentary filmmaker."—Jennifer A. Machiorlatti, Western Michigan University, from Journal of Film and Video 65:3 (Fall 2013)

"Succeeding as a Documentary Filmmaker summarizes just about everything one needs to know about producing documentary films in a professional, businesslike manner. As a film distributor, I enjoyed this book immensely and intend on offering a copy to all the producers bringing new projects to my desk. It is perfectly structured with a pleasant style and should be required reading for all documentary filmmakers."—J. Gary Gladman, President, Octapixx Worldwide

"Finally, a book that directly addresses issues of survival for students and professionals in the field. This valuable book fills an obvious void in the literature regarding the documentary and will be useful for both undergraduate and graduate courses."--Ben Levin, MFA Documentary Program Coordinator, University of North Texas

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