Early in 2012, to commemorate the 20th year of the conference, Jason Scott was asked if he would be interested in filming a documentary about DEFCON, whose policies and attendees have traditionally rejected media scrutiny and access. He was interested. Working with his producer, Rachel Lovinger, and a crew of six, Jason filmed for most of 2012, including five 20-hour days in Las Vegas last year, and then spent another 9 months editing 278 hours of footage into what has become DEFCON: The Documentary. The finished film premiered at DEFCON XXI. Jason and Rachel also gave this talk, which provided a look behind the scenes: discussing the planning and production process for this immense project, the ups and downs, and the learned lessons. [During the talk we showed clips and outtakes - those are not in this presentation].

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Making of
The DEFCON Documentary
Jason Scott & Rachel Lovinger
DEF CON 21, August 2, 2013

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I. HOW IT BEGAN

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I agreed to do it, but some questions
remained...

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How do you film hundreds of activities,
happening simultaneously over 4 days?

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How do you film people who have
traditionally rejected media attention?

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How do you capture the spirit of DEFCON –
past and present?

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How do you put it all together in 6 months?

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II. PLANNING

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DEFCON 18DEFCON 16
DEFCON 19

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Jason’s High School Yearbook Photo
[Photo taken by Rachel!]

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How do you film hundreds of activities,
happening simultaneously over 4 days?

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How do you film people who have
traditionally rejected media attention?

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III. PRE-PRODUCTION

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Meet the crew

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Alex Drew Eddie
Kyle Rick Steve
Jason
Rachel

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Prepping them for DEFCON
• Start walking a little every day
• Watch “Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope”
• Bring comfortable clothes and shoes
• Look over the schedule from last year
• Respect security and privacy concerns
• Stay fueled and hydrated

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Eddie Codel

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Meet the equipment

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The Gear
• 3x Canon Vixia HFG10
• 2x Canon 5D
• 1x Canon 7D
• 11x Kodak Playsports
• 4x H4N Zoom recorders
• 5x monopods
• 3x tripods
• 2x dual battery chargers
• Power strip
• USB chargers
• Card readers
• Hard drives
• Segway

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Social Media

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IV. PRODUCTION

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How do you capture the spirit of DEFCON –
past and present?

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The crew assembles at DEFCON

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“Film School” bootcamp
• Cameras DOWN near the casino
• Expect the unexpected
• Defer to the Goons in all things
• Mid-day check-ins to recharge batteries & copy footage
& audio files
• Stay hydrated
• Communications: TBD
• Give me your receipts

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Then we started filming…

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“We can’t have you shoot from that angle.
This machine violates the patriot act.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

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FAQs: Pretty straight forward
• Who are you working for?
• When is this documentary coming out?
• How will it be made available?
• Will there be a feelie/challenge coin?
• What if I don't want to be in it?
• How much have you guys shot?
• Are you guys getting any sleep?
• What kind of equipment are you using?

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FAQs: Let’s talk about these
• If I agree to be in it, will I be embarrassed?
• What kind of badge is that? Can I scan your badge?
• I need help.
• Who do I have to roofie to get one of those vests?
• Do you want a drink?
• You guys should do this every year.

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If I agree to be in it, will I be embarrassed?

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If I agree to be in it, will I be embarrassed?

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What kind of badge is that?
Can I scan your badge?

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I need help.

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Who do I have to roofie to get
one of those vests?

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Do you want a drink?

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You guys should do this every year.

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No breakage,
no lost equipment,
no lost footage.

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V. EDITING & FINALIZING

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How do you put it all together in 6 months?
You don’t.

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Download at http://media.defcon.org

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VI. CONCLUSIONS

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Documentary making is hard,
DEFCON Documentary making is doubly hard

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If all else fails, include a Segway

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Alex will always get in a shot

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Alex will always get in a shot

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Aim high with the goals, especially when
nobody has tried something like this before

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Ok, now who want to see some
bonus footage?

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Thanks
• Contact us: documentary@textfiles.com
• Twitter: @defcondoc
• Most images shown were shot by our crew
• Additional photos from amishrabbit (Dateline reporter fleeing), vissago
(various DC19 & DC20), hackerphotos.com (various DC20), Thomas
Hawk (Walgreens), Nicola (drugstore)