Thank You to Documentary Filmmakers

Last night my Inner Circle met, and I was struck by how many members of this 6-month program were currently experiencing major challenges with their projects.

One filmmaker was floored to discover that the hours of city council footage he had been depending upon had been inadvertently dumped by the archive facility.

Another filmmaker had run smack into legal challenges with the government he had turned to for funding.

A third filmmaking, working on a concept paper for a film about epilepsy, had personally experienced two seizures in the last few weeks.

Two other Inner Circle members were bravely facing challenges of similar magnitude.  We all cheered to hear that our sixth filmmaking team had won an Audience Choice Award last week for a previous film!

While I was happy that our Mastermind Call provided support and solutions for these toiling filmmakers, I was also struck last night by two things.

First, these filmmakers (most of whom were directing character-driven documentaries) were the protagonists on their own obstacle-filled quest. Sometimes pulling back and looking at your life that way can be inspiring.

Second, I recalled something that award-winning editor Vivien Hillgrove (“The Future of Food”) said while commenting on the editor/director relationship. “I think directors are brave,” she said.

I echo her sentiment here. Documentary film directors are brave. And I want to say thank you to all the directors out there who subscribe to my 2500-member newsletter.

Thank you for listening to and following your passion, which fuels your creation.

Thank you for the courage you show in the face of inevitable challenges.

And thank you for the films you create that educate, enlighten and inspire thousands if not millions of people.

Please give yourselves a pat on the back.  Right now! If you’re a hugger, give yourself a squeeze, while you accept my gratitude.

For those of you who are interested in getting support for the journey of directing your film, I’ll be starting a new Inner Circle in early 2012.

Feel free to email me today at Karen@newdocediting.com if you want to learn more about early bird registration.