This newsletter contains a selection of documentaries that will help you pick a style and approach for your own non-fiction DV Project. Clicking on the name of the film will link you to video clips, director interviews and more.

Please join me for a 6-Day Digital Video Documentary Workshop February 19-24, and a Two day DV Camera & Lighting Bootcamp January 20 & 21 at DVworkshops in San Francisco. More info at the bottom of this newsletter.

Our popular Final Cut Pro Weekend Intensive is February 3 & 410am-7pm. No experience is needed & everyone get's their own computer and software during class. Learn this great editing program in one weekend.

Here is a direct link to my recent interview on NPR Radio about my BLACK HAIR Documentary.

If you have questions, I can be reached at (415) 810-5934. Aron Ranen Instructor DVworkshops.com

Primary 1960 , Robert Drew & Richard Leacock made this film which is a good example of the American approach to Documentary. Very few interviews, just an ever present camera recording the real life going on during JFK's run for the democratic nomination for President back in 1960. A great film, it almost "feels like you are there". High school 1968This is a classic American Film where the documentary filmmaker, Frederick Wiseman, captures a real life high school in action. No interviews at all...

The best cinema verite, and in my mind one of THE BEST DOCUMENTARIES ever made, is the 1969 Maysles brother's film SALESMEN Salesmen. If I only watch One out of the scores listed here, it would be this one. Amazing "chill" footage and interviews with Irish Boston Bible Salesmen as they go door to door selling over priced Illustrated bibles.

Summary, the early documentary films by Leacock, Maysles bros, Drew, and Rouch continue to influence todays documentaries....watch them and get ideas for your own approach or style.

God's Angry Young Manis Werner Herzog's brilliant documentary on the great Dr. Gene Scott, electric church evangelist extraordinaire. Dr. Scott has his own TV station and satalite which he uses to broadcast his personal interpretations of the word of the lord any time of day he feels like. He yells at his congregation for not working hard enough, he screams at his viewers for not sending in enough money and he says that "as long as babies and dogs like me, I must be doing something right" and “we need more money to get that race horse!”. It's one of Herzogs best and rarely seen, but I Herzog knows how to create scenes out of traditional interview based documentary styles. His unique manner, narration and sense of adventure all help him reveal the truth of our human condition. Please visit his website and explores his movies and articles about him.

Les Blank is best know for his poetic documentaries such as Garlic is as Good as Ten Mothers 1980. You sense his presence, but not overtly. Check out his style...it tends to have themes instead of tradional 3 Act Structure. Les Blank made a must-see documentary about Werner Herzog. Burden of Dreams 1982 It's a documentary about Herzog's attempt to make a Narrative Film in which the actors attempt to carry a Ten Ton Ship over a mountain. Some people think that Blank's Documentary is better then Herzog's feature film "Fitzcarado". Burden of dreams is a must see for any filmmaker.

One of the Best First Person documentaries is Sherman's March 1981, armed with a camera and a grant, Ross McElwee set out to make documentary about Sherman's violent march through the South during the end of the Civil War. But when McElwee was about to leave to create his film, his girlfriend broke up with him, bringing ladles full of depression along with his new project. Irrevocably changed by the experience, his film too changed, and became some kind of bastardized autobiography. In Sherman's March we experience Ross behind the camera and his interactions with various Southern ladies. Shot in 16mm Film, the directors approach is interesting to contrast with Michael Moore's documentaries.

Watch Sherman's March, then view Roger and Me 1989 Michael Moore's film about Flint Michigan and the Auto Industry. Compare and think about the differences between the two director's style and Approach. Other Filmmakers in the Film documentaries worth seeing include: Blue Vinyl 2004, one of the best..and Funniest, environmental films ever made....check it out. Did We Go? 2000 The documentary begins as a journey across America in search of Proof Apollo 11 really landed on the Moon in 1969. The film takes a big left turn when I stumble upon former Nazis who are now retired NASA Employees. The film then explores the role of Nazis in NASA, including interviews with The U.S. Dept. of Justice Nazi Crime Expert Eli Rosenbaum, and a Slave who was captive in the Nazi Rocket factory in Germany. You can watch clips from the retired Nazi and former Slave at the link provided. The Film Premiered at theMuseum of Modern Art in New York City.

DEAL-Behind the scenes of 1970's TV Show Let's Make a Deal. Shot in 1978, ....My Favorite scene is the PRIZE TRUCK dropping off the winnings at the homes of the winners. Funny film, shot with lot's of Chill footage. A hidden gem.

Jesus Camp is a new release that you can also now get at Netflix

Tim Merritt runs DV for Teachers, a great web site that he updates almost twice a week. Lots of links to great articles about both technology and projects/methods that DV teachers are using. A great place with tons of links.

Space is limited for our Hands-on Documentary workshop here in San Francisco. Each student makes their own short video during the 6 day class. From 10 am to 7pm we live, eat and think documentaries. The week begins with Lighting and Audio, then the Second Day is an all day shoot on-location, followed by two days of Editing in the morning and shooting in the afternoon, finishing with two final all day edit sessions. Every student is provided their own computer and editing software during this class. students are encouraged to bring their own camera, but they can also be provided if needed.

Learn all aspects of Documentary production in less than one week Make a short documentary in Six days.