{"id":147995,"date":"2021-01-21T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-01-21T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=147995"},"modified":"2021-01-20T17:12:29","modified_gmt":"2021-01-20T23:12:29","slug":"documentary-filming-undercover-and-undetected","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/documentary-filming-undercover-and-undetected\/","title":{"rendered":"Documentary Tips for Filming Undercover and Undetected"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From hidden action cameras to improvised espionage tips, use this run-and-gun guide to filming documentary projects on the sly.<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just as in great investigative journalism, documentary filmmaking is about filming the very things that powerful people and subjects want to have filmed the least. That means, for those interested in careers as documentarians<\/a>, that you\u2019ll need to get used to filming undercover and undetected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, how do these filmmakers pull off such a sneaky filmmaking style and, more importantly, how do they do it without getting caught? From DIY gear<\/a> to hidden cameras to inconspicuous techniques, let\u2019s explore the world of undercover documentary filmmaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Research and Have a Plan<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Have<\/a>
No matter the scenario, do your research and have a plan. Image by Jonas Torres<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From my own experience working in documentary filmmaking\u2014usually as a one man \u201cShreditor<\/a>\u201d (shooter<\/a>, producer<\/a>, editor<\/a>)\u2014you\u2019ll often find yourself in situations that can be best described as \u201cgray areas\u201d in regards to whether you should be filming or not. These come about for a variety of reasons, all mostly having to do with communication. Often, you\u2019ve been granted permission to film by one person in charge of an event or company, but that has either not been passed along or not yet approved by the manager or person on the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of how you find yourself in one of these incognito or gray areas, your best bet is simply to do your research and have a plan. Unless you\u2019re working with a large team and on a super official project, I assume that you\u2019re going to have to work without much help or hand-holding. This makes doing your research and having a plan that much more important. Here are the three biggest factors to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n