Documentary and Nonfiction Film Production Companies Basics

Tap into expertise from documentary and non fiction production companies
By Christine Pollock Knowing documentary and nonfiction film production companies basics offers a filmmaker many advantages. High-quality cinematography helps filmmakers make a big impact. Many filmmakers want their films to go beyond the initial story. When you use film production companies, you don't need to purchase equipment, and the companies use their expertise to avoid production snags, which might hold back a novice.

No matter what your non-fiction or documentary project entails, you will most likely find documentary film companies willing to work with you. When looking for documentaries companies, you might want to:

1. Analyze the project you want to produce and determine the documentary and nonfiction film production companies basics for companies that have expertise in this area.

2. Find a documentary production company that specializes in non-profit work.

3. Look for non fiction production companies that offer training through workshops and seminars.

Match your message with your specialized documentary and non fiction production companies

Many documentary production companies specialize in certain fields. This gives them familiarity with issues that might arise and expertise in handling the issues.
Try:  Bullfrog Films works with filmmakers to produce films with a focus on environmental issues, social sciences, economics, genetics and marine biology. Fanlight Productions works closely with filmmakers to produce educational films and documentaries focusing on mental health, aging, general health care, women's health issues and more. Its clients have received a variety of awards ranging from Oscars to the broadcast journalism award the duPont-Columbia Silver Baton.

Use documentary film companies that offer discounted prices for non-profit organizations

Some production services offer packages to non-profit organizations at a much lower rate than commercial production houses. These companies tend to look for films with social relevance and films that are not commercial.
Try:  Deproduction is a small production group based in Denver, Colorado that specializes in affordable production packages for non-profit organizations. It offers a top-of-the-line, post-production facility. Red Sky Productions produces film for non-profit organizations. It takes pride in its state-of-the-art documentary productions.

Obtain training via workshops and internships with documentary companies

Instead of having professional documentary film producers simply do the work for you, consider collaborating on your filmmaking project. This allows you to learn how to produce a film.
Try:  NW Documentary offers workshops and internships for filmmakers. It's a non-profit organization dedicated to creating and instructing on documentary production. Shapiro Video & Multimedia is a large production company that also offers workshops and seminars. Its current clients include Apple Computer, Bell Atlantic and USA Today.

• Consider whether your project would be better for television, Internet or the big screen before approaching documentary production companies, then work with companies that specialize in that particular medium.