Can you make a living as a documentary filmmaker?

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It’s actually pretty rare that someone can make a full-time living making documentaries, but not impossible! More common is that someone makes their living as a freelance video producer which includes making mini-documentaries, promotional videos, commercials, shooting weddings, etc.

How do I become a documentary film maker?

My Top 10 Tips For Making A Living With Documentary Filmmaking

Make the commitment.
Become a great fundraiser (or hire one)
Learn DIY Distribution.
Monetize Old Projects.
Pay Yourself.
Work with Established Production Companies.
Learn production skills.
Be Flexible.

What should I major in if I want to make documentaries?

A four-year degree in history, biology, economics, or another subject worthy of documentary storytelling will give you many useful insights into the sorts of films you want to make when you begin your career.

How much do Netflix documentaries make?

The average profit from documentaries is a pittance, probably between $20K and $50K.

How much do documentaries sell for?

A high-end documentary can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $2 million to produce, and the max amount a network will pay is in the high six figures to $1 million (although HBO is said to have paid much more for “The Jinx”). For an hour-long written TV drama, networks typically pay $1.9 million to $2.5 million.

Can you make money from documentaries?

Of course documentaries can make money, but maybe not much As a general rule, documentaries are not big money makers unless you’re Michael Moore. Of course there are always exceptions, but depending on your subject, there usually is simply not the mass audience for documentaries like there is with fiction films.

How do I sell my documentary idea?

The normal process for selling a film is through an agent or aggregator. If you are unfamiliar with the process of selling documentaries, it’s recommended that you contact an entertainment lawyer or a sales agent who can help shop around your film. They will know how much your film is worth and can negotiate for you.

How do I pitch a documentary to Netflix?

If you have an idea, game, script, screenplay, or production already in development that you’d like to pitch to Netflix, you must work through a licensed agent, producer, attorney, manager, or industry executive, as appropriate, who already has a relationship with Netflix.