ABSTRACT
Prepare Yourself: Think Before You Shoot is an overview of what new and emerging filmmakers need to consider as they embark on getting their documentaries out into the world. Using the experiences of the independent documentary filmmakers who were interviewed for the book, from the United States to Pakistan, from South Africa to China, this chapter provides strategies to consider for a filmmaker to prepare themselves to become part of the professional documentary community. After being introduced to some of the diverse producers included throughout the book, Prepare Yourself lays out portions of the documentary distribution networks that will be covered in the book, such as educational facilities, nonprofit groups, documentary film organizations and public broadcasters. Personal development topics that can impact distribution are discussed: How to think locally and globally, money matters to understand and guidance about what to do when creating your network. The goal is to ensure that your first documentary is not your last.
