The Documentary Producer - Subjects are all around us… literally…

From Grandma’s neurotic dog Poker, to the Iraq War. With so many choices, how do you know when you have finally landed on a good one?  You test it.

As simple as that sounds, it is the best advice I can give. Remember! The key issue is here “What can I show?” about behaviors, interactions and situations all directly relating to your subject. This is a film, not a novel.

So, let’s say for instance you have found yourself incredibly passionate about the two above mentioned topics and just can’t decide which one to invest a your life into… Here are some guidelines that may just help you make a decision.

Drum roll please….

~ What do you want to say? This answer may change when you are knee deep in your subjects shit, but intention is your greatest device and ultimately intention will help to keep you focused. Know it now!

~ Can you paint a picture with your subject? A teacher once asked me if I thought my short doc could be viewed without sound. At first I didn’t get it, but over the years it has become crystal clear. People relate to other people’s actions, which awakens their own feelings. Simply put, words alone fall on deaf ears far too often.

~ Be wary of worlds you have never encountered before and are difficult to access (literally and figuatively).  Iraq is a distant place and most of us rely on other sources to acquire a general knowledge of the country. Grandma’s house is over the hills and through the woods and you have probably been there multiple times.

~ Avoid “typical” or “mundane”. The key is to find a character/situation that is totally unique who can become the portal to your message. And, we do have a message, right? Think long and hard about what you really want to say.

~ If there already a clear solution to the problem you are addressing? If so, your audience is probably already on to you…

~ Think BIG thematically. This is the best way to reach a large audience. Now this doesn’t mean the Iraq War piece is necessarily a better choice because it is already a big topic. Local or small subject matters, like Poker, can shine the light on a huge theme such as companionship in older age.

~ Finally, is this really something you want to eat, breath, drink and shower with for an undisclosed amount of time? A “Yes” is necessary here to travel any further. If not, go straight to jail and don’t collect your two hundred dollar salary. It is time to start over.

This week’s MUST SEE is Baraka. Go on, you tell me why.