The NGO Filmmaker’s Field Guide

Plan your NGO film trip, from the first email to a finished film

You want to make films with charities and NGOs, but you don't know where to start. Maybe you’ve asked:

  • Who do I email and what do I say?

  • How do I find the story before I fly?

  • How do I move from volunteer to paid?

Buy the Guide

This is the guide I wish someone had given me
when I started out.

What's inside

A 52 page PDF that contains:

  • A 22 week timeline, from 16 weeks before you fly to 6 weeks after you land

  • 15 editable templates and documents

  • Six outreach emails, from the cold intro to briefing your local contact

  • Three follow up emails for delivering the film, asking for a testimonial and getting referrals

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What gets covered

  • Resources for picking an organisation to work with

  • What to cover on your first email and call with an organisation

  • Pre-production templates for a project agreement, a day schedule, a key contacts sheet and a media release form

  • A story discovery questionnaire to check your story is strong enough before you fly

  • An interview question bank to guide you through your first interview

  • The solo documentary kit I carry, a budget kit for starting out, and a gear and travel checklist

  • A daily checklist for your time on the ground

  • How to share your film, from hosting a screening to setting up your portfolio

“Having shot my first short documentary, I was looking for some guidance on building my portfolio, connecting with NGOs as a filmmaker and how to present and pitch myself to get more work.”

Chris ~ Wildlife and Conservation Filmmaker

You’re here because you’re passionate about using film for good.

Let’s turn that passion into a portfolio.

Buy the Guide