top of page

Documentary Maker Ireland FAQs

Cathy Dunne is Director of Lore Films and is an experienced documentary-maker. Her work has been previously acquired by the national broadcaster in Ireland, RTÉ, as well as being selected for several Oscar, IFTA and BAFTA qualIfying festivals. 

​

To work with Cathy, please reach out to us through our contact page

​

​

Why is documentary an integral medium in storytelling?

We love working in documentary because of the authenticity and realness its provides. Documentary making can bring you on the most unexpected journeys, often discovering new perspectives along the way. It's one of the most rewarding times when a participant opens up to you on camera. We were honoured and privileged to make award-winning short documentary "Where do all the old gays go?" in 2021. Gaining trust and understanding with our participants was crucial and through their vulnerability and sharing of their experiences, we were able to create a really meaningful piece. 

Documenting Irish History through Video

2020 brought the year of the Covid-19 pandemic and all commercial work came to a halt. During that first wave which gave way to a lot of fear and anxiety, Director Cathy Dunne worked with Sinéad O'Loughlin and Maggie Ryan to create an online series called 'Through the Pane'. This was their way of showcasing good news to the public to boost moral as well as an important time to document in Irish history. 16 episodes episodes were made for the mini online series, with the last episode going viral, reaching over 1 million hits in less than three weeks. 

Full channel available here

How much does it cost to make a documentary?

The cost of making a documentary can vary widely depending on various factors such as the duration of the documentary, the number of crew members involved, the level of equipment required, the location of shooting, and the overall scope and complexity of the project.

​

In general, the cost of making a documentary can range anywhere from a few thousand euro to several million euro. A low-budget documentary could cost around €12,000 to €50,000, while a mid-range documentary might cost anywhere from €70,000 to €500,000. High-end documentaries can cost several million dollars, with some documentaries costing upwards of €10 million or more.

​

It's important to note that costs can vary greatly based on factors such as the type of content being produced, the number of locations involved, and the level of experience and expertise of the production team. Additionally, post-production costs such as editing, sound design, and color grading can add significantly to the overall cost of a documentary.

How do I hire someone to make a documentary?

If you're interested in commissioning, funding or collaborating with a documentary maker, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that you find the right person or team for the job:

​

1. Determine your budget: Before you start looking for a documentary filmmaker, it's important to determine how much you're willing to spend on the project. This will help you narrow down your options, give an understanding to the limits of your project and how the story can reach its full potential.

​

2. Research potential filmmakers: Look for documentary filmmakers online or through industry networks, and review their portfolios, resumes, and previous works. 

​

3. Contact potential filmmakers: Reach out to the filmmakers whose work you admire or who seem like a good fit for your project. Ask them about their experience, process, and availability. You can also request a quote or proposal for the project, always be aware and respectful of their time. 

​

4. Discuss your vision and goals: Once you've found a filmmaker you're interested in working with, discuss your vision and goals for the project. Be clear about your expectations, budget, and timeline. This will help the filmmaker determine if they're a good fit for your project.

​

5. Sign a contract: Once you've agreed on the terms of the project, make sure to sign a contract that outlines the scope of the work, the budget, the timeline, and any other important details.

​

Remember, making a documentary is a collaborative process, so it's important to find a filmmaker who shares your vision and can work with you to bring your story to life.

What is the rate for a documentary editor?

The rate for a documentary editor can vary depending on several factors such as their level of experience, the complexity of the project, the duration of the documentary, and the location of the editor. In the United States, the average hourly rate for a documentary editor ranges from €50 to €150 per hour, with some experienced editors charging as much as €300 per hour.

​

However, many documentary editors also work on a project basis, with rates ranging from a few thousand dollars for a short documentary to tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars for a feature-length documentary. It's important to keep in mind that rates can vary widely depending on the editor's experience, skill level, and reputation in the industry.

​

When hiring a documentary editor, it's important to discuss rates and payment terms upfront to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings down the line. Be sure to review the editor's portfolio and previous work to ensure that they are a good fit for your project and that their rates are reasonable based on their level of experience and expertise.

Contact

We're always looking for new and exciting opportunities in documentary. Let's connect.

bottom of page