Why I Created This Master Class

This is the beginning of the journey to use fake documentary-style filmmaking aesthetics and techniques to make a feature film for as little money as possible. The goal is to give marginalized artists the best chance possible to get their work made without compromise in a safe and accepting environment by CREATING that environment ourselves. I’m excited to begin our journey!

The eBook

This is the text version of the Indie Filmmaking Master Class. It starts with discussions of theory and aesthetics of fake documentary, moves through the brainstorming and writing process, into the production and post-production process, and even some exploration of the distribution process.

Download your free copy and get started bringing your vision to life.

Download Ebook

“Rosetta Syndrome” Script

In an effort to give you a practical example of a screenplay written to fit the parameters of whatever I had at my disposal, I am providing this script I wrote called “Rosetta Syndrome.”

It’s a high concept science-fiction script, and it was created with the intent of discussing the human tendency towards division, and how empathy can change that instinct.

Below this link is a video where I break down many of the decisions that led to the creation of this story and script.

download “rosetta syndromE”

“Pirate Signal” Anthology Script

This is another example of a screenplay I wrote with the intent of turning it into an anthology fake documentary horror film.

The project was originally going to be written by me and made by several filmmaking students. The project never fully came together and the script is incomplete, although a few student filmmakers did make their segments. Because of that, the project never came to be.

Now I can share the script with others to show how an anthology script can work.

Download “pirate signal”

“Rosetta Syndrome” Script

In an effort to give you a practical example of a screenplay written to fit the parameters of whatever I had at my disposal, I am providing this script I wrote called “Rosetta Syndrome.”

It’s a high concept science-fiction script, and it was created with the intent of discussing the human tendency towards division, and how empathy can change that instinct.

Below is a video where I break down many of the decisions that led to the creation of this story.

download “rosetta syndrome”

“Pirate Signal” Anthology Script

This is another example of a screenplay I wrote with the intent of turning it into an anthology fake documentary horror film.

The project was originally going to be written by me and made by several filmmaking students. The project never fully came together, although a few student filmmakers did make their segments. Because of that, the project never came to be.

Now I can share the script with others to see how an anthology script can work.

download “pirate signal”

“Rosetta Syndrome” Script Breakdown

In this video, I break down some of the technical choices and storytelling decisions that I made when creating the script for Rosetta Syndrome.

This video is intended to be a real-time example of how to use your resources and creativity to make a project that utilizes as much of what you already have as possible. This will give your project as much production value as you can.

This may also help you come up with Creative Workarounds.

EBOOK lists

All the lists from the book are here in an easily downloadable and printable file. Feel free to make copies to use as you brainstorm, write, and produce your movie.

download lists

LETTERBOXD LISTS

On the journey to create our own fake documentary movies, it’s always helpful to have exemplary samples to provide inspiration. I made some Letterboxd lists of movies that fit the bill.

Fake Doc Films by Women, POC, and LGBTQ Filmmakers

From drama to comedy to horror, and even including the creator of the fake documentary genre itself, this is a list of fake doc films from marginalized artists.

Fake Doc Fantastico: Worthwhile Faux Documentaries

One of the most important elements of fake documentary filmmaking is using the medium to your advantage and being supremely creative. I created this list of smart, effective, creative fake documentaries to inspire excitement and experimentation.