Interviewing
How to Approach Interviewees for a Documentary
How to approach interviewees for a documentary: finding contributors, the first message, what to tell them, consent forms and what to do when someone says no.
Read The StorySklair Films · London
The Documentary Journal
Field notes on filming real people, finding the story in the edit and making documentary work that earns an audience's attention.
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Practical guidance for commissioners, producers and anyone responsible for telling a real story on screen.
Production
Self-Shooting Director vs Camera Operator: Which Do You Need?
Self-shooting director vs camera operator, DoP and videographer: what each role does, who makes the creative decisions, and which one your London film needs.
Interviewing
Documentary Interview Questions: What to Ask
Documentary interview questions that get real answers: openers, memory and turning-point questions, how to phrase them, and what never to ask on camera.
Production
Hiring a Self-Shooting Director in London: A Practical Guide
What a self-shooting director in London does, when one person behind the camera is the right choice, when it is not, and what to ask before you book.
Editing
Hiring a Documentary Editor in London: What to Expect
What a documentary editor in London does, when to hire one, what to prepare before the edit, how long it takes and what to ask before you book.
Interviewing
Filmed Expert Interviews in London: A Practical Guide
How to plan filmed expert interviews in London: choosing the speaker, preparing questions, location, crew, sound and the edit that keeps viewers watching.
Commissioning
Documentary Production Company or Independent Filmmaker? A London Guide
Comparing documentary production companies in London with independent filmmakers: cost, crew, access, editorial control and which model suits your film.
Documentary Filmmaking
How to Choose a Documentary Filmmaker in London
A practical guide to choosing a London documentary filmmaker, from editorial judgement and interviewing skills to crew size, post-production and delivery.
Planning & Budget
How Much Does It Cost to Make a Documentary in London?
How much does it cost to make a documentary in London? What shapes the budget, from development and filming days to crew, editing, archive and delivery.
Interviewing
Documentary Interview Techniques for Authentic Stories
How preparation, listening and a calm filming environment help documentary contributors speak naturally and reveal what matters.
Production
When a Small Documentary Crew Is the Right Choice
Why a compact documentary crew can create better access, calmer interviews and a more responsive production without compromising the story.
Editing
How Documentary Editing Shapes a Story
A practical look at how documentary editors turn interviews, observed moments, archive and sound into a clear and emotionally honest film.