Independent Producer

Independent Videographer Documentaries Capture Reality

Documentaries are a powerful way for an independent film producer to convey a specific social message to the world. By viewing documentaries, audiences are encouraged to think critically about aspects of the world they may not have known about. When facts are presented, superstitions and myths can be replaced with understanding. Documentaries tied to specific subjects have the ability to educate while entertaining.

The scope of documentaries can also open up history in a manner that is thoughtful and interesting to watch. Where you might not want to study a subject by reading a book, when it is presented through film, it becomes easier to get interested and quickly learn about the factors involved.

Travel Without Traveling Via Underwater Video Production

For a number of years, Macdonald Productions has helped individuals learn about the world hidden beneath the ocean. Aquatic animals and plant life make up a large portion of the Earth’s landscape, but much of it lies deep underwater. Through years of filming this world, we strive to raise awareness of sea creatures and their environments by allowing viewers to virtually travel without leaving home. As independent producers of thousands of hours of aquatic footage, we provide opportunities to glimpse a world most people will never see otherwise.

One example of the hidden treasures our underwater film production has uncovered is the series “Secrets of California Waters.” We traveled to areas rarely visited by humans to capture moments in sea life seldom seen. Observing sea lions and how they interact is one small segment of the footage filmed over a four-year period of discovery.

When raising awareness of ocean life, it is important to capture both the beauty and the threats. In “Synthetic Sea,” we documented the enormous amounts of marine debris polluting the oceans. This film was later expanded into a series to make the subject more accessible to a global audience.

“The Watershed Steward” is another example of an independent film production we created, which highlighted one man’s effort to remove thousands of tons of plastic trash from the San Gabriel River watershed. Similarly, while working with the X-Prize Foundation, we produced “The World Ocean Trashed,” which outlined the critical issues of marine debris. In 2010, this production received an award for excellence.

Promotional Video Production for Brands

We are also experienced in promotional video production for brands. One project completed for Truth Aquatics highlighted the diving areas of the Channel Islands. “Diving California’s Channel Islands” used a soundtrack from Crosby, Stills and Nash to accompany diving footage. This corporate video has been distributed widely to sports diving groups around the world.

We have also worked on promotional film projects in Baja and Sipadan, including promotions for the Hotel Cabo San Lucas and some of the world’s premier underwater destinations.

Documentaries Are Fun and Interesting

Documentaries are also fun and engaging to watch. They provide one of the easiest ways to learn new information about subjects that might not come up in daily life. One example is our work with Crosby, Stills and Nash. While working with The Cousteau Society, we created a visual representation for the group to display during live performances of “Wind on the Water.” Using footage of dolphins and whales from the Cousteau archives, this film has been experienced by millions through concerts and television.

Another exciting project was produced for Comcast Cablevision. This 10-episode series, “Coastal Focus,” covered water action sports in Southern California, including surfing, ballooning, scuba diving, and canoe racing. Bill Macdonald filmed, produced, and hosted the series, which captured the energy and fun of the region’s aquatic lifestyle.

An especially meaningful project came in 1984 with “Freedom in Depth,” which explored scuba diving for individuals with physical disabilities. Hosted by Jean-Michel Cousteau, the film documented how the buoyancy of water allowed divers to experience freedom from gravity and enjoy the ocean environment.

Learning Never Ends

Documentaries educate and inspire people to take action they may not have considered otherwise. Lives can be changed and environments protected when awareness grows. Showing this through film is one of the most effective ways to connect with audiences emotionally and inspire change.

When facts are visually recorded, the evidence becomes undeniable, providing the power to inspire action. At Macdonald Productions, we specialize in taking projects from concept through production. Our experience in camerawork and film production spans over four decades.

For TV Documentary Production get in touch with us.