A practical filmmaking hub built from the trenches.

From Kerry David

I know how frustrating it can be to learn this business by making mistakes.

After 25+ years in this industry, much of what I know came from being in the room, making the film, solving the problem, and occasionally getting it wrong before getting it right.

Documentary411 is where I can share what I have learned, point filmmakers toward useful resources, and create a place you can return to when you need a clearer next step.

Most importantly, the information here comes from someone who is still making films, still raising money, still navigating festivals and distribution, and still dealing with the realities of getting independent work made. I am still in the trenches too.

A little context

The highlights, not the résumé.

I began in Business Affairs at Paramount Pictures and later spent three years working with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. My producing credits include Agent Cody Banks, My Date with Drew, and Like Dandelion Dust. Across my work, projects have earned 75+ festival awards and approximately $90 million in cumulative box office.

I also founded IndieProducer.net, an early online community for independent filmmakers that grew to 86,000 members in 130 countries before I sold it in 2010. Today I am still producing, directing, writing, fundraising, and completing independent documentary work.

If you want the full credit list, you can explore it on IMDb. You can also find me on LinkedIn.

What Documentary411 is here to do

Help you make smarter choices and keep moving.

Documentary411 helps independent filmmakers find the right opportunities and make smarter choices that move their projects and careers forward. That means funding, festivals, practical tools, helpful resources, and straight answers when the next step is not obvious.