ok, this might sound way off and crazy, but me and some friends are thinking about making a documentary on missionaries in africa, or in south america. We want to go there, help spread teh word, get as much video of what we are doing as possible, then come back to the states to edit. I just want to know,

1 do you think this is possible?
2 how much would this cost?
3 would you be willing to help? ( i don't know how yet)
4 would you want to see a documentary on young missionaries?

if you could let me know that would be great!

You sound like you have no idea what you're getting into. Do you plan on renting equipment? What do you plan on shooting on/editing on? How many in your crew? Basic preproduction work. You have to know where you are going to be every moment of your trip. You're only cost is travel, lodging, and food if you have your own equipment. but if not you have to look into renting and then the cost goes up...do some preproduction...

I am a video production major, so I can check out the equipment from the Ohio University Telecommunications Center/the WOUB Studios. I have my own camera, my audio guy has his own DAT machine and DAT tapes. I will just have to check out mic's and cables. For editing I can edit this on computers at school in the Telecommunications Center. The crew will be me, audio guy, mic holder guy, announcer guy, Assistant Director, Writer, and then around 3 people who will be runners/helpers for any needs we will have.

1) Yes, anything is possible once you put your mind to it.
2) A boat load of money, but you can probably get sponsors such as churches that sponsor the missionaries. Write up a proposal with a preliminary rough script.
3) Sorry, busy on my own projects.
4) Yes I would, especially if it was balanced, informative, had historical background, and interesting stories/characters.

You have a great idea. I think churches would love to have something like this for use in recruiting missionaries. The danger in accepting sponsorship is that you'll probably have to give up some journalistic freedom, but this can always be negotiated. Another way to approach sponsorship is to spread it around so that no one sponsor feels he/she has absolute control. There may be non-religious political organizations that would be willing to chip in. Look into government grants too--missionary work could be seen as good foreign relations, so promoting it might attract a grant or two.

I'd suggest you talk with an accountant for keeping the project books. Also seek out other people who have done similar ventures. Finally, you'll probably need some legal advice before starting out regarding liabilities, protocols, and contracts.

No large project just happens. This will take a lot of work, but if you have the vision, the energy, and the determination, you will be successful. A certain amount of fate comes to your aid when you have these three things when embarking upon any grand quest. Best wishes to you!