It's a big challenge to actually find and finish a nonfiction film. But once you crest that mountain, another lies just beyond: distribution. Documentary films circulate in what is called the "AV" [audio-visual] market, which means rentals to schools, church groups and advocacy organizations, typically by giving your film to one of the many indie distributors. Recently, filmmakers have taken to the web, both to promote their film, but also to provide additional resources, stimulate discussion and exchange, and encourage active viewership. Our own projects for the United Way are part of this movement of engaged civic media. Below are some exemplary sites that look to extend documentary onto the web:
:: PBS' long-running documentary series, POV, has been a pioneer in creating media-rich websites that have explored a wide range of "outreach" techniques. Be sure to explore several individual film sites at POV.
:: POV has also undertaken several "web documentary" projects under the rubric of Borders. These are multi-media, web-based documentaries--a new, emerging genre of nonfiction interactive storytelling.
:: Picture Projects has done a number of award-winning projects that often combine web-based projects with still photography and indie audio.
:: The Independent Television Service [ITVS, of which I was the first Executive Director] has a series of made-for-the-web documentaries in the Electronic Shadows initiative.
:: PBS' Independent Lens is a series of indie documentaries, something like POV. You'll find sites for many projects there, too.
Recent Comments