How to make a documentary: the first stages of « Lou, in the wave »
How to make a documentary without going to a film school?
I am Etienne Herblot, director and founder of Herblot Productions in Bordeaux. I'll tell you about Lou, in the wave1 documentary on disability and surfing.
To share this creative adventure in an educational way, I document each stage of the project in a series of videos YouTube. Here is the complete summary of what we learn in the first four episodes: from the choice of the subject to the final preparations before the filming.
HOW TO MAKE A DOCUMENTARY: « LOU, IN VAGUE »
How to make a documentary, the case of Lou, in the wave ?
Knowing how to make a documentary is not innate. Fortunately, we show you everything, step by step, on YouTube.
Lou, in the wave is a 26-minute documentary produced by Herblot Productionswritten and directed by Etienne Herblot. He follows Lou Méchiche, 19 years old, blind and young Three-time Parasurf World Champion.
A human portrait, immersive and sensory, without artificial miserabilism or heroism: just a young woman resilient, funny and deeply alive.
The aim of the film is to Standardize disability, to speak freely about its impact on everyday life, surroundings and sports practice. It is intended to be presented in festivals, clubs and cinemas, then broadcast on YouTube to be accessible to as many as possible or elsewhere if a broadcaster enters the adventure.
To finance this first cinema project, a crowdfunding was launched on Ulule, allowing everyone to support the adventure from 1€.
Episode 1: Finding the right topic and writing your project
Before talking about equipment, I come back in this first episode on the very first steps before embarking on making a film: how to find the right subject, how to formalize it, and in what order to move forward.
How to choose your subject?
It all starts with a desire, a intuition. But a good idea is not enough: we still need to know whether it holds the road over time. I explain how I identified Lou Méchiche as the ideal subject for this first documentary: a strong character, a unique story, and a message with meaning.
Project writing
Once the subject is found, comes the time of writing. This is not yet a scenario in the strict sense, but rather a project presentation document : the intention note, the angle chosen, the people filmed, the duration envisaged, the editorial line. This document is crucial: it will be used to convince broadcasters, partners and funders. Writing your project is also a clarification for yourself.
Preparation
First of all, it is important to well prepare each step in the right order. You don't go head down with a camera: you structure, anticipate, plan. This precipitous rigour is precisely what makes the difference between a successful project and a slowing project.
Episode 2: The budget and financing of a documentary film
The question that every independent director fears: how to finance his film? In this second episode, I raise the veil on the Financial arrangements of the Lou, in the wave and how I'm doing it.
Build a film budget
Making a film budget is not just an administrative formality. It's a project management tool. I detail the different expenditure items to anticipate: technical team, equipment, travel, post-production, miscellaneous costs... A realistic budget is essential to know what you need, and to demonstrate it to potential partners.
Aid and subsidies
In France, several organizations support documentary creation. The CNC (National Cinema Centre), the regions like New Aquitaine, and other public devices can abound the budget of a film – provided often that a broadcaster is already on board. This is the principle of leverage: the more confirmations you have, the more accessible the aids are.
Alternative financing
In addition to institutional support, other avenues are explored: partners and sponsors (philanthropy, product placement), own funds of the production company, and of course the crowdfunding.
The Ulule campaign launched for « Lou, in the wave » allows the public to get involved directly in the project, even with a very small budget. Each euro counts, but above all, every support strengthens the legitimacy of the project.
The role of the producer
Often unknown to the general public, the producer is the one who structures the project financially and legally. In the case of this documentary, Herblot Productions takes on this role, bringing its own funds and seeking co-financing.
Episode 3: Find a diffuser for his film
Finding a broadcaster is one of the most strategic steps in producing a documentary. In this third episode, I explain Why is this a priority, how to target the right contact person, and how to contact him effectively.
Why are you looking for a broadcaster?
A broadcaster (TV channel, streaming platform, distributor, etc.) is not content to broadcast your film: it can also broadcast the co-finance and give it considerable visibility.
Having on board from the development stage changes everything, especially to access public aid. A broadcaster is also a validation: it means that your project is credible and saleable.
Diffuser vs distributor: what difference?
These two often confused concepts must be distinguished. The diffuser is the one who will put the film on the air or on its platform.
The distributor is the person who sells the film to broadcasters, theatres or the public. Both have complementary roles, but they do not approach in the same way.
How to target and contact a broadcaster?
Not all broadcasters are accessible at the same stage of the project, nor suitable for all subjects. I'm telling you how to analyze each broadcaster's editorial line, how to identify those that match your film's profile, and how to write a convincing first contact.
I also share a tip: there is a broadcaster that never says no I'll present it to you in this video.
Episode 4: What we don't do (but what we should do) before filming
The film is written, the budget is set, the first partners are there. But I'm not taking my camera out yet. When you ask yourself the question, « How to make a documentary? »There's one step you never talk about. Yet, for this kind of film, it is certainly one of the most important. In this fourth episode, I reveal a crucial step that no one ever talks about, and which can make the difference between successful shooting and chaotic shooting.
What nobody talks about
J.J. deals with a dimension often ignored in the trainings and tutorials on the realization: an inner, human, relational preparation that precedes and conditions the quality of the shooting. A look to be discovered before connecting any camera, light or microphone.
The importance of tracking
Going to the scene before shooting is not an option: it is a necessity. The location allows to visualize the plans, anticipate technical constraints (light, sound, logistics), and create a link with the people filmed. For an immersive documentary like Lou, in the waveThis stage is all the more important as the film relies on trust and proximity.
Bringing together a team
A film, even modest, is not made alone. I share my advice for set up a film crew How to choose your collaborators, what profiles are essential, how to organize roles. A well-prepared, welded and briefed team is the best guarantee of smooth shooting and quality images.
Why follow this YouTube series?
These videos show how to make a documentary step by step.
They are intended for all those who dream of making a film without necessarily going through a film school but also for those who simply want to follow this project and discover all the stages of a film, until the documentary is broadcast and even after.
I share my experience with transparency: doubts, choices, potential mistakes, solutions found. It's a concrete and authentic guide on the reality of independent production in France.
Every Sunday, a new episode is published on YouTube « Etienne Herblot« . You can also follow the progress of the project on the Herblot Productions website and on our social networks.
You want to support this documentary film Lou, in the wave ? Participate in crowdfunding campaign on Ullet – from 1€ - share videos on social media, or contact us for a partnership or sponsorship. Every move counts.
How to make a documentary: the first stages of « Lou, in the wave »
How to make a documentary without going to a film school?
I am Etienne Herblot, director and founder of Herblot Productions in Bordeaux. I'll tell you about Lou, in the wave1 documentary on disability and surfing.
To share this creative adventure in an educational way, I document each stage of the project in a series of videos YouTube. Here is the complete summary of what we learn in the first four episodes: from the choice of the subject to the final preparations before the filming.
How to make a documentary, the case of Lou, in the wave ?
Knowing how to make a documentary is not innate. Fortunately, we show you everything, step by step, on YouTube.
Lou, in the wave is a 26-minute documentary produced by Herblot Productionswritten and directed by Etienne Herblot. He follows Lou Méchiche, 19 years old, blind and young Three-time Parasurf World Champion.
A human portrait, immersive and sensory, without artificial miserabilism or heroism: just a young woman resilient, funny and deeply alive.
The aim of the film is to Standardize disability, to speak freely about its impact on everyday life, surroundings and sports practice. It is intended to be presented in festivals, clubs and cinemas, then broadcast on YouTube to be accessible to as many as possible or elsewhere if a broadcaster enters the adventure.
To finance this first cinema project, a crowdfunding was launched on Ulule, allowing everyone to support the adventure from 1€.
Episode 1: Finding the right topic and writing your project
Before talking about equipment, I come back in this first episode on the very first steps before embarking on making a film: how to find the right subject, how to formalize it, and in what order to move forward.
How to choose your subject?
It all starts with a desire, a intuition. But a good idea is not enough: we still need to know whether it holds the road over time. I explain how I identified Lou Méchiche as the ideal subject for this first documentary: a strong character, a unique story, and a message with meaning.
Project writing
Once the subject is found, comes the time of writing. This is not yet a scenario in the strict sense, but rather a project presentation document : the intention note, the angle chosen, the people filmed, the duration envisaged, the editorial line. This document is crucial: it will be used to convince broadcasters, partners and funders. Writing your project is also a clarification for yourself.
Preparation
First of all, it is important to well prepare each step in the right order. You don't go head down with a camera: you structure, anticipate, plan. This precipitous rigour is precisely what makes the difference between a successful project and a slowing project.
Episode 2: The budget and financing of a documentary film
The question that every independent director fears: how to finance his film? In this second episode, I raise the veil on the Financial arrangements of the Lou, in the wave and how I'm doing it.
Build a film budget
Making a film budget is not just an administrative formality. It's a project management tool. I detail the different expenditure items to anticipate: technical team, equipment, travel, post-production, miscellaneous costs... A realistic budget is essential to know what you need, and to demonstrate it to potential partners.
Aid and subsidies
In France, several organizations support documentary creation. The CNC (National Cinema Centre), the regions like New Aquitaine, and other public devices can abound the budget of a film – provided often that a broadcaster is already on board. This is the principle of leverage: the more confirmations you have, the more accessible the aids are.
Alternative financing
In addition to institutional support, other avenues are explored: partners and sponsors (philanthropy, product placement), own funds of the production company, and of course the crowdfunding.
The Ulule campaign launched for « Lou, in the wave » allows the public to get involved directly in the project, even with a very small budget. Each euro counts, but above all, every support strengthens the legitimacy of the project.
The role of the producer
Often unknown to the general public, the producer is the one who structures the project financially and legally. In the case of this documentary, Herblot Productions takes on this role, bringing its own funds and seeking co-financing.
Episode 3: Find a diffuser for his film
Finding a broadcaster is one of the most strategic steps in producing a documentary. In this third episode, I explain Why is this a priority, how to target the right contact person, and how to contact him effectively.
Why are you looking for a broadcaster?
A broadcaster (TV channel, streaming platform, distributor, etc.) is not content to broadcast your film: it can also broadcast the co-finance and give it considerable visibility.
Having on board from the development stage changes everything, especially to access public aid. A broadcaster is also a validation: it means that your project is credible and saleable.
Diffuser vs distributor: what difference?
These two often confused concepts must be distinguished. The diffuser is the one who will put the film on the air or on its platform.
The distributor is the person who sells the film to broadcasters, theatres or the public. Both have complementary roles, but they do not approach in the same way.
How to target and contact a broadcaster?
Not all broadcasters are accessible at the same stage of the project, nor suitable for all subjects. I'm telling you how to analyze each broadcaster's editorial line, how to identify those that match your film's profile, and how to write a convincing first contact.
I also share a tip: there is a broadcaster that never says no I'll present it to you in this video.
Episode 4: What we don't do (but what we should do) before filming
The film is written, the budget is set, the first partners are there. But I'm not taking my camera out yet. When you ask yourself the question, « How to make a documentary? »There's one step you never talk about. Yet, for this kind of film, it is certainly one of the most important. In this fourth episode, I reveal a crucial step that no one ever talks about, and which can make the difference between successful shooting and chaotic shooting.
What nobody talks about
J.J. deals with a dimension often ignored in the trainings and tutorials on the realization: an inner, human, relational preparation that precedes and conditions the quality of the shooting. A look to be discovered before connecting any camera, light or microphone.
The importance of tracking
Going to the scene before shooting is not an option: it is a necessity. The location allows to visualize the plans, anticipate technical constraints (light, sound, logistics), and create a link with the people filmed. For an immersive documentary like Lou, in the waveThis stage is all the more important as the film relies on trust and proximity.
Bringing together a team
A film, even modest, is not made alone. I share my advice for set up a film crew How to choose your collaborators, what profiles are essential, how to organize roles. A well-prepared, welded and briefed team is the best guarantee of smooth shooting and quality images.
Why follow this YouTube series?
These videos show how to make a documentary step by step.
They are intended for all those who dream of making a film without necessarily going through a film school but also for those who simply want to follow this project and discover all the stages of a film, until the documentary is broadcast and even after.
I share my experience with transparency: doubts, choices, potential mistakes, solutions found. It's a concrete and authentic guide on the reality of independent production in France.
Every Sunday, a new episode is published on YouTube « Etienne Herblot« . You can also follow the progress of the project on the Herblot Productions website and on our social networks.
You want to support this documentary film Lou, in the wave ?
Participate in crowdfunding campaign on Ullet – from 1€ - share videos on social media, or contact us for a partnership or sponsorship. Every move counts.
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