Moonshine Moonshot

Creating a documentary can be daunting process. But if you are tenacious, each week, you’ll get closer to seeing your ideas become a reality. To continue forward, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of pre-production. Which means working out exactly who is going to be working on your masterpiece. A production team is made up from a broad range of roles. From pre production to post, it’s best to know exactly who you're hiring to avoid any unwanted surprises down the lineFor MORE INFO check out my blog:https://www.moonshinecommunicationsac...You can also follow me on social via these links: FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/MoonshineCom...INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/moonshineco...TWITTER:https://twitter.com/MoonshineCommsLinkedIn Mike Hill https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikehillm...LinkedIn Sue Collins https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-colli...LinkedIn Company Page Moonshine Communications Academy  https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/moo...

As we enter this new year, take pride in how far you’ve come along and your persistence through the pre-production process. If everything falls into place in 2023, who knows, maybe this year is finally the year you see your film on the big screen. If you’ve been following our documentary series, you are well into your films pre-production and are ready to move forward to the next stage. Hopefully, as you were conceiving your film, developing your pitch and considering the final product, you would have been thinking carefully about graphics and its overall look. But not just within the documentary itself, but the film as a brand. It’s important to approach your graphics with an overall approach, as your graphic’s are in, out and around your film. Especially in documentary. You will need to consider not only your title card, but lower-third text for names and locations, trailer titles, logos and poster design. Listen now! Follow me on social via these links: Moonshine Communications Academy Facebook @MoonshineCommunicationsAcademy https://www.facebook.com/MoonshineCommunicationsAcademyInstagram @moonshinecommunicationsacademyhttps://www.instagram.com/moonshinecommunicationsacademy/Twitter @moonshinecommshttps://twitter.com/MoonshineComms

Welcome back fellow filmmakers! We’ve come along way but we still have some important work to do before we enter production. So, without further ado let’s get into the nitty gritty details that are going to make your documentary happen. The next vital step in your journey is scheduling. Yes, your read correctly: scheduling. Now, if you have all the time in the world, unlimited resources and all your subjects on standby, you may not need to worry about this next step. But in the likely scenario that this is not the case, I’ve put together the perfect cheat sheet to get you into pre-production asap. When you’re juggling clients, crew and deadlines, it may seem a weight off to throw caution to the wind and not create a detailed schedule. But I implore you to read on with curious optimism, as a schedule may be all that stands between you and a film ending disaster. Being a creative, you would be forgiven for thinking this part of the process is slightly mind numbing. But stick with me! By creating the perfect schedule not only will your production be a logical and organised one, it will also construct the perfect environment for you creatively thrive and produce the best documentary you possibly could. Listen now! Follow me on social via these links: Moonshine Communications Academy Facebook @MoonshineCommunicationsAcademy https://www.facebook.com/MoonshineCommunicationsAcademyInstagram @moonshinecommunicationsacademyhttps://www.instagram.com/moonshinecommunicationsacademy/Twitter @moonshinecommshttps://twitter.com/MoonshineComms

One of the first lessons I was ever taught as an early-career filmmaker was this: never use another artist’s work without seeking the proper approvals first. This goes for everything from stock imagery, to YouTube footage, archival material, animation, art, music – even a capella renditions of famous songs! In fact, many moons ago Mike and I were filming with a participant for one of our documentaries when the participant burst into a version of Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver. It was poignant and touching and, thankfully, we caught it on camera. We knew before we even watched the footage back that it would end up in the film. After the interview, we started thinking – maybe we could licence the original song and include that in the film as well. So we investigated …and thank goodness we did! It turns out we’d actually have to pay a license fee to use the participant’s take on the song too. Phew – close one! Why am I telling you this story? Because if we had bypassed that step and distributed the film without all the correct legal permissions, we could’ve been facing some serious copyright infringement penalties. We might even have had to can the documentary entirely. Yep – you read that correctly. All that work disintegrated over a little legal loophole … can you imagine! The thing is, many filmmakers spend months, even years, mapping out shoots, conducting interviews and piecing their documentary together. But they don’t know the ins and outs of the legal aspects of their production. Which is why I thought it was time to talk about it on the Moonshine Moonshot series. The last thing I want is for you to make an awesome moving picture, only to find out right at the end that you can’t distribute it because you didn’t secure the necessary rights and permissions. So let’s find out how to protect yourself and your film from any copyright infringement. Listen now! Follow me on social via these links: Moonshine Communications Academy Facebook @MoonshineCommunicationsAcademy https://www.facebook.com/MoonshineCommunicationsAcademyInstagram @moonshinecommunicationsacademyhttps://www.instagram.com/moonshinecommunicationsacademy/Twitter @moonshinecommshttps://twitter.com/MoonshineComms

In this episode of Moonshine Moonshot, I dig into the pre-production phase of documentary filmmaking. If you're about to start pre-production, you're pretty clear on your documentary idea and finally edging closer and closer to actually making your film. During pre production, you’ll map out the flow of your film, lock in your on screen talent, scout locations, finalise your budget, think about the type of equipment you’ll need and build a comprehensive shooting schedule. Essentially, you’ll do all the stuff that needs to be ticked off before you get your gear out. I know it sounds like a whole lot of planning and not so much doing – but I promise this part of the documentary making journey can be creative and visual. And if you cast your mind way back to part 2 of the How to make a documentary series, you’ll remember that I showed you how fun and rewarding planning can be. If you’ve got a solid plan in place already then we're confident that you’ll find pre-production a total breeze. Follow me on social via these links: Moonshine Communications Academy Facebook @MoonshineCommunicationsAcademy https://www.facebook.com/MoonshineCommunicationsAcademyInstagram @moonshinecommunicationsacademyhttps://www.instagram.com/moonshinecommunicationsacademy/Twitter @moonshinecommshttps://twitter.com/MoonshineComms

This week, I show you how to create a pitch video and sell your film to potential funders. If you’re an aspiring documentary filmmaker with an important story to share, there’s one thing you need to get straight  how to pitch your film to potential funders.Ah yes, the dreaded ‘p” word. If you’ve been keeping across the How to make a documentary series, I'm sure you knew this one was coming up. Last week, I looked closely at crafting a compelling proposal. And the week before that I zoned in on pre-interviews, which are often used as part of pitching  your film idea. Now the time has come to really dig into it. The thought of pitching leaves most filmmakers with an icky pang in the pit of their stomachs. Maybe it’s because it implies a certain level of salesmanship and we’re “creatives”. Maybe it’s because the idea of “pitching”  and what it means is still a bit blurry or perhaps it’s because pitching can be connected to public speaking and public speaking is rated as a greater fear than death.  Maybe your worried about  all of the above.   And quite possibly it’s also because your film really matters to you and you want to get the green light to make it.  So the answer to your pitch is very important to you.  No one wants to get a no.  Not from a potential funder.  But, if you want to make a film – a really, really good film – you do need to learn to embrace the concept of pitching and raise some finance. Pitches put you front and centre with decision makers who can finance and champion your film. In short: if you want to bring your vision to life, you need to master the process. Listen now and I'll show you how! Want to learn more from me?   Head to www.MoonshineCommunicationsAcademy.com to find more great content and resources including my free ebook that will help you craft a compelling video storyConnect on social:YouTube: @moonshinecommunicationsacademyInstagram @moonshinecommunicationsacademyFacebook: @moonshinecommunicationsacademyLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/moonshine-communications-academy/

Filmmaking is a time consuming endeavour. While it might take someone less than 90 minutes to consume and fall in love with your film, it takes you and your team countless hours, many sleepless nights and endless shots of espresso to pull it all together. From storyboarding your narrative to perfecting your script, securing talent and selecting locations and lets not to forget the actual filming and editing part! – let’s face it, a lot of blood, sweat and tears goes into making a movie. However there is one part of the filmmaking process that can feel like it takes an eternity to create and get right. And it actually has very little to do with the overall look of your documentary feature film…but oh boy, can it make or break your production! I’m talking about your proposal. AKA your ticket to funding your project. Because while documentary filmmaking will give you a great sense of accomplishment it also carries more than a few challenges. And writing a great proposal is one of them.  A great proposal is directly related to the single biggest factor in determining if your film will be made.  Finance! And securing enough finance or funding to make what you envisioned in your mind is probably one of the biggest challenges a filmmaker faces. Which is why in this episode I wanted to take a close look at crafting a proposal that’s so convincing, it’ll have potential funders begging to get behind you and your documentary. Writing proposals is something I do regularly and I’ve learned a lot of tips and tricks that help to get the structure and tone right.  What to include and what to leave out. And sometimes it’s what you leave out that makes it more successful!Listen now. Want to learn more from me?   Head to www.MoonshineCommunicationsAcademy.com to find more great content and resources including my free ebook that will help you craft a compelling video storyConnect on social:YouTube: @moonshinecommunicationsacademyInstagram @moonshinecommunicationsacademyFacebook: @moonshinecommunicationsacademyLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/moonshine-communications-academy/

This episode is all about pre interviews – Mike and Sue break down what they are, how to conduct one and why they think they’re so helpful for developing your documentary film. A pre-interview is an essential step towards crafting a well-told, engaging film story.  And it’s exactly what it sounds like, it’s an interview you do with someone before you ‘officially’ interview them. They’re beneficial because it allows you to familiarise yourself with the interviewee’s story – and it also helps them become more comfortable with you (and your crew if you invite them along). Which will will make for a far better interview when it’s time to roll camera for your actual film. In part 6 of the 'How to make a documentary' series, you'll learn how to conduct an amazing pre-interview. Want to learn more from me?   Head to www.MoonshineCommunicationsAcademy.com to find more great content and resources including my free ebook that will help you craft a compelling video storyConnect on social:YouTube: @moonshinecommunicationsacademyInstagram @moonshinecommunicationsacademyFacebook: @moonshinecommunicationsacademyLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/moonshine-communications-academy/

Hello listeners! This week I want to help you find the perfect title for your movie. That's right – you’ve made it to an exciting part of the ‘How to make a documentary film’ series which is all about having fun and maximising your creativity. Yes, you read that correctly– fun. I promise, this week there’s nothing about ‘finance’ or ‘budget’ or even ‘planning’. I won’t be chatting to you about your production schedule, your shot list or your release date. And while I may reference the term ‘legal’ and ‘copyright’ once or twice,  it’s purely for a bit of background insight. There’s nothing you need to think too seriously about. Because today, I want to help you get into the creative zone and ensure your film gets the attention it deserves – instantly. Yes, fellow filmmakers it’s finally time to lock in your film’s title. So switch the right side of your brain on, grab your script or screenplay, fire up the thesaurus and let’s name your movie! Want to learn more from me?   Head to www.MoonshineCommunicationsAcademy.com to find more great content and resources including my free ebook that will help you craft a compelling video storyConnect on social:YouTube: @moonshinecommunicationsacademyInstagram @moonshinecommunicationsacademyFacebook: @moonshinecommunicationsacademyLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/moonshine-communications-academy/

Hello listeners! This week I'm sharing an overview of the 'How to develop your documentary or narrative film series' – why I made it, how it will help you and your filmmaking and what topics I'll be covering over the next several weeks (and months!).  I recognise that learning how to craft films is a challenging process.  When I was just starting out it was really hard to find information and learn about filmmaking without formal study or without being under the wing of a mentor.  Avoiding the pitfalls, being pigeon holed, running out of funding or simply not understanding the business side of the Industry has meant that over the years I've seen many people, with a lot of talent, give up or simply move onto more stable work.  My hope is to see the industry thrive in Australia and beyond and I recognise that to do that, I have to be more open with skills sharing.So I've decided to share more of what I've learned through many years of filmmaking through the Moonshine Moonshot series and with online courses at the Moonshine Communications Academy.So just like your high school teacher or uni lecturer would provide you with a syllabus at the start of each term or semester, I'm sharing everything that's coming up in the 'How to develop your documentary or narrative film series'.Listen now!  Want to learn more from me?   Head to www.MoonshineCommunicationsAcademy.com to find more great content and resources including my free ebook that will help you craft a compelling video storyConnect on social:YouTube: @moonshinecommunicationsacademy Instagram @moonshinecommunicationsacademyFacebook: @moonshinecommunicationsacademy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/moonshine-communications-academy/