(Doc Lightning art by EmptyMaracas on Instagram, follow them here)
Hello everybody! It's time to kick off the annual short documentary film festival here at MinnMax called Doc Lightning! We're challenging you to create a short, sweet, and simple documentary that's under 3 minutes long. Now I know what most of you are thinking: "I don't know how to make a documentary, leave me alone!" You're exactly who we're looking for with Doc Lightning. Zero filmmaking experience is required, you can use your phone and free editing software. We want you all to try something new, it'll be fun. You have untli the end of May to submit your short documentary. You'll be submitting your documentary (UNDER 3 MINUTES ONLY) by uploading it to this Google Drive folder here when you're done - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1K0Z90r0cSzq8nF5rgSB_ozHouDvxB5Os?usp=sharing
To get a sense of what this whole thing is like, check out the links below to previous Doc Lightning film festivals.
Doc Lightning 2023 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jz41AEMw3sU
Doc Lightning 2024 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQYDpqg7o4o
Doc Lightning 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjfgWJsx9HI
We want first-timers, no expertise or experience required! Zero pressure on this thing. (Obviously you're still welcome to participate if you have video production experience as well, though.)
All documentaries must be under 3 minutes. You can submit a one minute-long documentary, all are welcome.
Document something other than yourself! No self-promotion, please. That's what the Supporter Slideshow tier is for.
You can record everything with your phone, no need for a fancy camera or mic. If you're recording on your phone, please use it horizontally... this ain't TikTok.
DaVinci Resolve is free video editing software for you to use (but there's also iMovie for iPhone users and CapCut on Android), and YouTube is filled with tutorials on how to use it. No need for graphics or special effects, if you can cut a clip and arrange it on a timeline then you're good to go. Have you seen our travelogues? They're simple.
If you choose to use music, don't use songs claimed by a copyright. Here's a free library of music from YouTube, we recommend filtering it by "Attribution Not Required" to make it even easier for you. youtube.com/audiolibrary
There's now a channel in the Discord called Doc Lightning where you can talk about your project, share tips, and even collaborate directly if you want. You have access to the Discord if you're a Patreon supporter at any tier. Here's a link to join - https://discordapp.com/invite/aqSwgU2
As for the big question: What should my documentary be about? Whatever you want. Record stories from your most interesting friend or family member, highlight a community event, document the building of a LEGO set, SURPRISE US. Show off some humanity. There is no AI allowed with these projects. Just make sure you have verbal permission to record whoever is in your documentary. Also, don't create a mockumentary or just record yourself monologuing about a game. Get out there and document something. Don't reach out to folks on behalf of MinnMax (directly representing the outlet) for your documentary, but you're welcome to say it's for a MinnMax community event. Also, MinnMax retains zero ownership over your finished short documentary. It's yours.
You have until Monday, June 8th to submit your documentary here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1K0Z90r0cSzq8nF5rgSB_ozHouDvxB5Os?usp=sharing
Remember that it must be under 3 minutes! We'll be streaming a Doc Lightning Film Festival at the end of May and celebrating everybody's work. Let us know if you have any questions. This is going to be fun, all it takes is a willingness to try something new.
Doc Lightning art by Empty Maracas - https://www.instagram.com/emptymaracas