Biggest Mistake Documentary Filmmakers Make

We’ve been helping several filmmakers in pre-production, and I expect they will all avoid the biggest mistake that filmmakers make.

What’s that?

“Using the camera like a fire hose,” is how PBS producer Jon Else put it. In other words, overshooting.

I fell into this nasty habit myself with two of my early documentaries, shooting more than 200 hours of footage for each. I spent months logging.

By the time I was ready to edit, I’d lost perspective and passion.

Years later, I have a few suggestions to help you avoid this creative morass.

Use the attached DOVES exercise to help you map out your goals during pre-production.

Also check out my New Doc Storytelling interview with fundraising guru Carole Dean on Blog Talk Radio. One of the first questions she asks is, “What’s the biggest mistake filmmakers make?” My response will fortify you.

And I invite you to email me about an initial story consultation before shooting. We’ll get clear on your vision and the film’s structure so you can shoot judiciously and still capture riveting footage.