A teaching colleague and former TV documentary series producer has reinvented himself as a one-man-band filmmaker now that his series is no longer running. Award-winning producer/director Malcolm Hamilton is now making information films for NGOs, government and corporate clients. A seasoned TV storyteller and field producer, Hamilton reflects on being a crew of one: shooter, soundman and editor.
"I will happily step forward to admit that I'm not the best at any of the above," says Hamilton. "There are better shooters out there (I know and admire many of them); there are better editors as well, but in taking on all these tasks there is something else I can bring to a project: a cohesive strategy from start to finish. As shooter I know how I want things shot because I'm also the director; as editor I know what elements I have to work with because I'm also the producer."
Although he now has to think as much about video equipment as he does about video content, Hamilton's way of working solo doesn't mean being consumed by the gear. "I've always felt that, if the content is compelling and the storytelling inspired, people won't notice that an interview was shot with three lights instead of six."
Peter Biesterfield is a documentary maker, freelance writer and professor of Documentary Production
Keep on top of industry developments and video production technology. Go to conferences and equipment trade shows, read the trades and look for workshops and professional development opportunities in your community. You'll be a powerful solo video-creating machine. Here are a few associated Videomaker articles to help you get started:
Distribution: It Could Happen - Festivals
Distribution: Taking It to the Screen
