Making Documentary Films: A Practical Guide to Planning, Filming, and Editing Documentaries of Real Events / Barry Hampe.

I must say that I was dissapointed with this book. I have read a number of books on the subject of documentary and this seemed to be just a bunch of recollection (often repeated) about the film maker's limited experience. The best advice is passed on verbatum from his own tutor.

look elsewhere for a meaningful source of advice for doc production

Very Disappointing (2/2 people found this helpful)

I really feel that someone has to point out how poor this book is. Firstly its HOPELESSLY out of date. There is hardly any coverage of modern video techniques, let alone equipment. The book it self is very dense. I'm not some thicky who needs all my books to have pictures but I really strongly feel that it is not appropriate to write book about such a visual medium with out any illustrative images whatsoever.

The only reason I give this book two stars rather than one is because it is clear that Barry Hempe is talking with wisdom and experience and if you have maybe read every other book out there and are just looking for a curio this book may have some value. Apart from that I seriously recommend looking somewhere else for a more practical up-to-date guide.

A must read (2/2 people found this helpful)

Summary: an excellent book which explains the complete process for making a documentary

I found this book on amazon, it sounded good so I bought it. I am glad I did, the book is a complete step by step recipe to making a documentary, listing what to do and what to avoid. I will certainly use it as a reference.

The first few chapters were my favourites, where Barry Hampe talks about documentaries from a more intellectual perspective. His explanations about reality and truth are fascinating. Comments of that level are also scattered over the following chapters.

I now feel equipped to start to plan my next production and particularly I will know how to plan it.

Such an awesome style of writing...best book ever on this topic (1/1 people found this helpful)

I didn't know anything about documentary making until recently I got enrolled in a diploma from London academy and bought this book at the same time. I have to say that I am very glad and lucky to found it, its the best book ever I read on this subject and highly recommend everyone who wants to know "everything" about documentary making...

Good on ya Barry!!!!

One of the best movie making books Ive read so far... (4/4 people found this helpful)

I have to say this is an absolutely amazing read - In the past I have found that some film making books I have read make the subject seem uninteresting to read and you end up skipping parts because of that.

But this book has had me hooked - I even went back and read previous parts to make notes as it was so useful -

This will teach you everything you need to know to get started on documentary film making and more so. It has some great little film making stories/experiences written in it too which are nice to see.

This is one of my favourite books and at the price its an absoulute steal - Anyone who wants to make a documentary must read this book. Its brilliant and also a very entertaining read.

Making Documentary Films: A Practical Guide to Planning, Filming, and Editing Documentaries of Real Events / Barry Hampe.

Barry Hampe

Reader Reviews:

not much use (0/0 people found this helpful)

Very Disappointing (2/2 people found this helpful)

A must read (2/2 people found this helpful)

Such an awesome style of writing...best book ever on this topic (1/1 people found this helpful)

One of the best movie making books Ive read so far... (4/4 people found this helpful)

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