The Documentary Filmmaking Master Class (Second Edition): Tell Your Story from Concept to Distribution -- Betsy Chasse, Paperback

"A realist with a sense of humor, Chasse is both stringent and encouraging as she covers every aspect of creating a successful production." --Booklist starred review

How to Make and Distribute a Documentary without Losing Your Mind or Going Broke

Documentary filmmaking requires more than just a passion for the subject--whether it be one's personal story or that of someone else, a historical event or a startling discovery, a political movement or a heinous crime. Making a documentary and getting it in front of an audience requires determination, careful planning, money, and a strong production team. With over thirty years of experience in filmmaking, author Betsy Chasse mentors readers every step of the way with a down-to-earth approach and invaluable advice. Chapters cover topics such as:

• Choosing a Subject
• Developing a Business Plan
• Securing Financial Backing
• Assembling a Production Team
• Nailing Interviews and Shooting B-Roll
• Getting through Post-Production
• Distributing and Marketing the Film

The new edition enhances the well-regarded original title to adapt to the quick-changing media landscape, with all-new sections on updating revenue models for streaming, making the most of self-distribution and festivals, creating an algorithm-friendly marketing strategy, building your personal brand, and using AI tools thoughtfully. Both novices and experienced filmmakers will benefit from this all-inclusive guide. With the right knowledge, persistence, and The Documentary Filmmaking Master Class in their camera bags, readers will not only turn their visions into reality, they'll be able to share the results with others and navigate the process with confidence.

Author: Betsy Chasse
Publisher: Allworth
Published: 01/20/2026
Pages: 216
Binding Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9781621538677

About the Author
Betsy Chasse is an award-winning filmmaker, bestselling author, changemaker, and mom. Best known as the co-writer, co-director, and producer of the hit film What the Bleep Do We Know?!, she has continued to push the boundaries of conscious storytelling through films like Song of the New Earth, Pregnant in America, Radical Dating (docuseries), The Empty Womb (short doc), and her latest feature documentaries The Galileo Project and Bliss Up: Energy the Ultimate Healer.

She's also the author of several books, including Tipping Sacred Cows, What the Bleep Do We Know?!: Discovering the Endless Possibilities to Altering Your Everyday Reality, and The Writer's Room, along with multiple bestselling compilation titles.

As the founder of Rampant Feline Media, Betsy supports authors and filmmakers around the world in bringing bold, transformational projects to life. Learn more about her work at www.betsychasse.net.