Ah, registration for classes next semester. Columbia students’ experiences range from fun to stressful, and that’s when Oasis is up and working properly, which isn’t often. Here are what some docsters had to say about their experience this year: Viva Docster Mary H. said: “I think my registration process wentRead More →
Sometimes the best research comes not from a book or news article but instead from an off-camera background interview.Read More →
Are you a doc center alum or do you know one? Shoot us an email with what you’re up to these days (vivadocumentary@gmail.com) and we’ll post it the next time we do one of these posts…Read More →
In interview situations, don’t be afraid to ask your subject repetitive or overlapping questions, as having multiple choices can be helpful later on when you edit. Warn them that you’ll do so first though.Read More →
Recently, Juanita Brown, one of the filmmakers behind “Traces of the Trade” came into Columbia’s Documentary III class to talk about her film. With her, she brought Tom DeWolf, one of the subjects featured in the documentary.Read More →
Never seat a subject in an swivel chair during an interview. They’ll be moving around the whole time and you’ll never maintain their facial axis.Read More →
How do you promote a film that’s not finished yet? This example is instructional.Read More →
This tip was provided by a journalism student: when calling up subjects or potential interviewees, always assume that they won’t be available between the hours of 11AM and 2PM to account for differing lunch schedules.Read More →
Michael Rabiger is Professor Emeritus at Columbia College, the director of documentaries for the BBC and independently, and the author of the worldwide best-selling books, Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics, Directing the Documentary and Developing Story Ideas.Read More →