Filmmaker & Storyteller | Crafting Impactful Documentaries | Indie Studio Founder & Film Industry Educator
Invested $1,000s to grow as a Filmmaker. (Here's FREE consulting - The Big 4 Common Questions Docu-Style Videographers Ask Me) -- 2 decades in TV & Film taught me how to reduce project uncertainty. Starting out, I searched for answers-curated info, paid for advice, had supportive peers, learned on set, and met great mentors. In the early days, I’d question, “Would I be able to support my family financially?” Since, continuously honing my craft as a filmmaker, the result is - I no longer work in fear. Big 4 Common Questions Docu-Style Videographers Ask Question #1: “How do I Bring Creativity Into Docu-Style Filmmaking?” [Make Journaling a Habit] The pen-to-brain connection tracks inspiration on paper and builds a memory bank in the mind of creative project ideas to pull from on the fly. [Build in creativity] Pre-select music and visuals before starting. ..even bring them into your project timeline, this gives structure to the pace, emotions, and theme to build a narrative drive upon. With the right music you will feel the inspiration and ideas will flow. Question #2: I feel I’m being repetitive when interviewing, “How can I tactfully pull off an engaging interview for my documentary?” [Pre-Immerse yourself] Get into the client's world before starting-most videographers skip this step. Learning the hard-way, by finding holes in the conversation they just filmed. You can do yourself a big favor by researching the topic in advance. ..And Learn about the specific people you're going to interview; be as thorough as possible-Know your topic from every angle. (A tip is to do a pre-interview for all to feel comfortable) Ask surface questions and save the in-depth questions for the interview. This strategy saves time on set, and the interviewee will be delighted to work with you again. Question #3: I’m preparing for an event with a lot of moving parts- I don’t want to miss anything, “How do I plan what to film?” [Start with logistics] If filming an event - study the itinerary inside-out. Then, locate areas where you will be filming. Having awareness of the event will prepare the brain with mental notes (so you don’t jump on the scene wide eyed and unprepared). Go to the venue & scout the location, If you are coming in from out of town- reference maps and layouts of the venue. Pre-mapping strategic spots, places you in front of the people & scenes to film at key times. Question #4: I’m nervous, my interview skills are decent, but I take too long, “How can I be productive hosting interviews?” [Kobe Bryant Style] Kobe, studied film of his idols, watched tapes, and implemented what he could in his own style. That level of detail is needed in todays craft. Study your craft. Re-watch your films, analyze details. Don't know what to look for? Have peers preview your work. Watch mentors break your film down scene by scene. This builds pattern recognition skills that brings confidence while on the set. ( Photo shot by Kris Rae Orlowski)
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7moI love this teaching, Tim! It’s obvious how much you have grown in your craft! I have so enjoyed watching you and Crystal grow in your journeys! It has been a delight and I champion every step forward! God’s Hand is on you both, and your precious son. Glory to the One who has created and empowered you! Give Crystal a hug for me, please!