How do I connect with a documentary filmmaker?

[RU Rah Rah]

As I've indicated here previously, I'm an historian. I'm also a low-grade documentary film buff. It has dawned on me recently that I might be able to combine these two interests and develop a documentary project. (I have an idea that I think is pretty viable.) The trouble is, I don't really know any filmmakers; the whole world seems pretty alien to me.

 

Any ideas/suggestions on how to approach people?

[JimH5]

Perhaps a film school might be interested in handling your project as a course assignment. Or at least you might find some students who could work on it as a separate project.

 

Just a guess. . . .

[burniebrewer]

Don't we have a member here who is an independent filmmaker? I seem to recall a poster talking about a film he was making. What was his name...?

[RyDogg66]

Since you are working at the "Zero" this year, or Harvard on the Fox as we Oshkonians like to call it, I would go to someone in the Radio/TV/Film department. I know Oshkosh has a VERY good Radio/TV/Film reputation and I know a lot of my wife's former students who were R/T/V majors have gone on to some pretty sweet gigs in LA/Hollywood. I am sure someone there can help you either directly or put you in touch with someone who can. My wife might be able to get you some names so shoot her an email (I told her about your idea this morning). Good luck.

[RayKingsForemanGrill]

Burnie - that would be me, I think...

 

Ru Rah Rah - the suggestion of getting in touch with a film school student isn't a bad one. They're often young and hungry to work on projects and usually have classmates willing to work along with them.

 

The only downside then is that you don't know what you're getting with a film student. My experience with film students has been that some are spectacularly good, and others are highly unorganized and unreliable.

 

There are also film message boards throughout the internet (filmmaking.net) that could help connect you with filmmakers.

 

Having said that, my brother-in-law is a filmmaker in Chicago and he does have an interest in documentaries. He does good work. Let me know and I could put you in touch. PM me with details (I'm trustworthy - won't steal your idea).

 

Katuluu may also have some suggestions or contacts for you - he runs a really well put together film review site and I believe he's made some contacts over the years.

 

BTW, The Beloit International Film Festival is in a few weeks (http://www.beloitfilmfest.com/) - my film (www.thewintress.com) will be playing there, along with a pretty good selection of indie films new and old... I believe they are going to post the full schedule next week... not sure on the Documentary docket, but I'll keep you posted - may be something interesting there to check out and a chance to talk with some filmmakers...

[burniebrewer]

Burnie - that would be me, I think...

 

Yep, I could not remember your screen name at the time.

[RU Rah Rah]

Having said that, my brother-in-law is a filmmaker in Chicago and he does have an interest in documentaries. He does good work. Let me know and I could put you in touch. PM me with details (I'm trustworthy - won't steal your idea).

You're awesome. (I just sent a PM to you.)

[Katuluu]

The best documentary filmmaker I know works in Toronto, so he probably wouldn't be much help.

 

Where exactly are you located? Like Bill said Film Festivals are a great way to meet filmmakers and network, which is really what you want to do in this situation. Any Film Societies of Film Clubs in your area would be a good place to inquire about local film festivals and filmmakers that might be interested in your idea. If there is a repatoryor arthouse theatre near you they might be able to help you locate someone in the area as well.

[RU Rah Rah]

Since you are working at the "Zero" this year, or Harvard on the Fox as we Oshkonians like to call it, I would go to someone in the Radio/TV/Film department. I know Oshkosh has a VERY good Radio/TV/Film reputation and I know a lot of my wife's former students who were R/T/V majors have gone on to some pretty sweet gigs in LA/Hollywood. I am sure someone there can help you either directly or put you in touch with someone who can. My wife might be able to get you some names so shoot her an email (I told her about your idea this morning). Good luck.

Thanks, man. I will follow up with her, too.

[gypcasino]

I graduated from Oshkosh with an RTF degree from UWO in '94. Unfortunately I was drunk & lazy & ended up working somewhere unrelated to my major.