Approach
Making a documentary can take a lot of time, money and energy.
My approach is to work with you to help you get clear on the film you want to make.
I combine an interactive dialogue with writing exercises, I am able to apply my experience and intuition to help guide you towards knowing deeply and truly the film you want to make.
Once we have established that, then I work with you piece by piece to build:
- a compelling treatment to take to possible funders, and to use as a road map
- a list of footage you'll want to shoot, and the style you'll want to shoot it in
- the ability to interview
- how to approach a subject
- how to prep for your interviews
- where to put the camera - how to light
- what equipment to use - hire or do it yourself
- how to interview
- the ability to capture "verite" footage
- an action plan for moving forward
- resources for music, archival, graphics camera and sound
- strategies for selling your documentary and making money from it
- clear structure for working that reflects your film and who you want to make it for
- a community of filmmakers that you become bonded with
This track is ideal for the successful professional ready to make a lateral move into the world of documentary- or who wants to fulfill their vision of creating a documentary as a personal project.
Now some of these things may sound daunting to some, and for others, further along in the process may sound like something you've already mastered.
For students who have already started shooting we:
- establish a clear structure and treatment for editing
- provide a supportive environment and place to screen your work with feedback
- give you award winning feed back from a professional editor
- work at your pace - but consistently - to finish your film
- help you with music, graphics archival and sound mixing resources
This is ideal for the new or experienced director or editor who is editing themselves, or a director working with a less experienced editor who wants support and coaching for their direction.
In addition to all of the above, I work with you to build your documentary literacy. I assign films that appeal, are relevant to the film you are making, or are pure doc history. All of them are terrific, and there is no penalty for not watching them, but in both my workshops and university courses - students and filmmakers alike really appreciate what they've gained from watching the films I assign.
In summary: My approach is to meet you where you are - and challenge you: in your art making, your technical benchmarks and in keeping your commitments to your film. As a true coach, I believe you have everything you need within you to make an amazing film. When I work with you, it is my honor to bring that film forward.
Additionally, because Documentary Insider workshops take place in an actual working editing studio, we are able to offer a wide range of support services to the documentarian in process. Some workshop participants make use of these extensively, others not at all. They are provided as optional services for your convenience.
Here is a partial list:
- archival research
- production planning and coordination
- camera professionals and equipment
- digitizing
- hard drive selection
- treatment writing
- Word Press fundraising sites
- trailer creation and consulting
- editing
- sound mixing
Coming soon:
- transcription services
Still have questions? Please feel free to email me at: steph@thedocumentaryinsider.com or call at (323)202-5645.
