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Choosing a Documentary Title
August 22, 2023
I’ve just finished working on several ITVS applications and was struck by how some of the doc titles were memorable, some not so much. Here are some tips for creating an enticing documentary title: Seek a word or words that are specific, memorable, even metaphoric. Examples include “Tongues Untied”, “Last Train Home,” “Finding Joe”, “Bull In A China Shop”, “Born in Goma”. Note the use of proper nouns and specific images. Both are memorable. One word and two-word titles are popular because they are also easy to remember: “Honeyland”, “Capitalism”, “Connected”, “CitizenFour”, “Outfoxed”, “Icarus”, “The Secret”, “Senna”, “Freakonomics”, “Crip Camp”.…
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We Have Lowered Our Rates
August 12, 2023
This summer we’re experimenting with lowering our rates for editing and story consulting. See rates here. We will likely raise rates back this Fall, or when the writer’s strike ends. Can you lock in a summer discount for future work in 2023? Yes, at least for the rest of this month!
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Editors Are A Dime A Dozen
July 26, 2023
Last weekend one of our editors won gold at the 75th Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards! This talented cutter does not fall into the “editors are a dime a dozen” category. Which is the topic of today’s blog. During the writer’s strike, we are lowering our editing rates significantly to be more competitive with the cut-rate crew. Still, I often worry that first-time documentary filmmakers will choose an inexpensive editor over a talented veteran because they think it will save them money. They may not understand the difference between scripted and unscripted editing. “Editing a documentary is akin to someone…
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Help with ITVS Application – Deadline August 11
July 19, 2023
I’m currently helping select producers make their ITVS applications more competitive. I have space to help one (maybe two) more filmmaker(s)! Here’s how it works: I’ll review your draft proposal and ask some questions. Then I’ll improve the application. This work includes some (text) editing, some rewriting, and some further suggestions for you to consider. This advice is quite actionable! Re the 10-15 minute Sample Cut requirement, you can hire us to edit it, or I can consult on your existing Sample so your editor can make changes. Thank you to director Isara Krieger for this testimonial: “Karen is a…
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Need Help with ITVS Application?
July 14, 2023
ITVS is America’s largest funder of documentaries for public television. They’ve just announced their Open Call for new applications. Need help? We can lend our editorial expertise to the “Program Description” section that includes: Synopsis & Brief TreatmentTopic SummaryFilmmaker Practice/AccessCreative ApproachAudience These sections require a keen grasp of story structure as well as understanding documentary styles, compelling access, impact and audience. We’ll refine your draft and fit it into the required 3-7 pages. We can also edit a 10-15 minute Sample Reel. The ITVS deadline is Aug. 11th, 2023. See if you qualify here. Then email me if you’re interested…
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An Editor’s Blind Spot
July 11, 2023
News flash: we have a highly credentialed editor available shortly. And we’ve dropped our editing rates significantly due to the writer’s strike. If you’re interested in editing with us, take the following anecdote into account! Recently New Doc Editing was in the running to edit an independent documentary. The first-time director ended up choosing another editor over ours. Why? The other editor was less expensive and a huge fan of the film’s topic. But then I got to thinking about a significant drawback that first-time filmmakers often don’t see when choosing to collaborate with fans. Editors who are devotees of…
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Why I Hired a Story Consultant
June 29, 2023
When I was editing my fifth documentary, I spent 18 months logging 200 hours of footage. Then I edited a 4-hour string out. But as I contemplated editing the Assembly Cut, I stared at the computer screen. It dawned on me that I’d already lost perspective. I no longer trusted myself to know what to keep and what to cut. Of course, the right thing to do was to turn the project over to a seasoned documentary editor. Ego-wise, I was ready to do that. The problem was that at the time, in 2007, I didn’t have the $45,000 a…
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Telltale Signs of an Amateur Editor vs. Professional Editor
June 22, 2023
Recently I taught a class on story structure. I asked 27 students to send me editorial questions in advance. Here is one of the most interesting: “What are the telltale signs of an edit from a professional compared to that of an amateur editor?” I told her that if we’re talking about “Story” with a capital S, the main difference is that most amateur editors are not fluent in story structure–and thus don’t deliver on dramatic impact. If they truly are fluent, they’ll be able to answer these questions. If they’re not, you’re apt to be watching a boring and…
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Summer Special – Editing Discount
June 15, 2023
We’re offering a temporary discount on our editing services! Summer tends to be the slow season before the fall festival stretch. Yes, I will consider offering this discount to filmmakers who pre-pay for the fall. Check out current rates here. Also, yesterday was my birthday! I’m 62. Why am I telling you this? Mainly because I want more women (and men) to feel comfortable revealing their age as they get older. And, it doesn’t hurt to let readers know I’ve been happily working in the documentary world for 35 years. Here’s to wisdom and experience!
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NETA picks New Doc Films
June 6, 2023
I’m happy to announce that two documentaries we helped structure will be screening on PBS. When Wire Was King and Alien (we cut the film and trailer) are recent NETA picks. Congratulations, directors! NETA is a terrific way for independent filmmakers to receive distribution and promotion through America’s PBS and member stations. They broadcast about 1200 films per year, seen by millions! Compare that to the 99 features picked by Sundance curators this year, and you can see how your odds for a NETA broadcast are at least ten times better! Alas, you’ll have to kick in some funds for…
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