The situation is getting tougher. In 1984, Richter was quoted in a New York Times article as saying that he spent up to 25 percent of his time on fundraising. Now that figure is up to 50 percent, he says. Less money is available from public sources. And more filmmakers are seeking funding.
New technology allows anyone with a video camera to make a documentary.
They all want money. Now there are five thousand going to the same fifty. It's no easier on the distribution side. Television is the best way to reach the largest audience, yet there are few places in the television spectrum for investigative documentaries, beyond a sassy ten-minute slice. Cable television initially looked promising, with its many new networks and programming hours to fill.