Empowered Filmmaking:

How to Make a Documentary on Your Own Terms

Interested in learning how to make your own documentary?

In her book, Sarah takes you through the step-by-step process of how to make a documentary from start to finish.

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Sarah Moshman holding her book on Empowered Filmmaking

Documentary films have the power to change the world

And the best part is, you don’t need a lot to get started making a film you’re proud of that can influence and inspire the masses. In Empowered Filmmaking, Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Sarah Moshman takes you through the step-by-step process of how to make a documentary from developing an idea to all aspects  of filmmaking: fundraising, camera, audio and lighting basics, post-production tips, marketing, distribution, impact, and lots more. After directing and producing 3 feature-length documentaries (The Empowerment Project: Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things, Losing Sight of Shore and Nevertheless), Moshman shares her personal stories and real world examples of how she raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to fund her projects independently, screened her films countless times around the world, as well as landed a six-figure licensing deal with Netflix. If you’re wondering how to conduct a great interview, run a successful crowdfunding campaign, bring on investors, and navigate the distribution landscape, this book has something for every aspiring or seasoned filmmaker to feel empowered to tell the stories that matter to them, on their own terms.

Testimonials
Ryan

This is the perfect book for any aspiring or veteran documentary filmmaker to hear about the entire process of making a project come to life! The fundraising chapter is extensive and goes in to grant writing, crowdfunding, investors and more - that knowledge is honestly helpful way beyond just doc filmmaking, the concepts are universal. You want this book in your shelf as a reference and something to encourage you when the process becomes tough. Buy this book!

Augie

You want to make a doc-where do you start? Highly recommend this book.

If you are working on your first project, this is the book for you. If you have already made one or more films, you are still going to find elusive details in this book.

It is packed full of information, some that you won’t find anywhere else. Once again Sarah has created something remarkable!

Tyler

Fantastic book with so much useful information on filming a doc. I highly recommend it!

Kelly Tittle

This book is amazing! It’s an absolute must-read for any independent filmmaker. I wish I had this book before I completed my first film, it would have made the process much easier. You will avoid so many unnecessary mistakes/lessons if you read this book before beginning a project.

J. Flynn

Great overview of how to get a doc made!

This is just a really well-done overview of how to get your documentary film made, using specific examples from the author’s own movies. One of the things I appreciate the most about this book is the transparency about her own working habits and experiences, as well as about money and fundraising. Definitely recommended!

Laura Whitney

Sarah’s book is both an easy read and incredibly informative. Oftentimes filmmaking feels impossible and out of reach, but Sarah breaks it down to make it both comprehensible and achievable. I feel lucky to have all the knowledge of an Emmy-Award winning self-starter before I launch my own documentary.

John Badalamenti

I truly enjoyed reading this book by Sarah Moshman. For gosh sake, this woman is incredible in what she has accomplished; she has lived it and she shares her invaluable trials and tribulations. 5 Stars!!!