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Beloved Friend Debuts Documentary Photography
October 14, 2021
We’ve been so busy that I haven’t posted a blog/newsletter lately, other than to announce our new podcast The Art of Documentary Storytelling, which is getting rave reviews! However, I wanted to make a special announcement for my beloved friend and New Doc Editing assistant, Phyllis Christopher. She is an intrepid artist who is being “discovered” in her 50’s. Her new photography show Contacts debuts later this month at the prestigious Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in the UK. And I’m flying there next week for the big event! Phyllis’s show is an intimate documentation of the lesbian community in…
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24 Hours Left for Documentary Labor Day Sale
September 6, 2021
Happy Labor Day to my U.S. readers! Our holiday sale on my popular documentary seminars officially ends in 24 hours.Click here to buy The Ultimate Guide to Structuring Your Documentary (formerly sold for $297.97) for $50. With your purchase, I’m also including my other seminar “Editing the Character Driven Documentary” (currently $79.97) for free.Topics include how to launch your film, build momentum, craft a climax scene, and structure a documentary with multiple protagonists.
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Labor Day Sale on Documentary Seminars
September 4, 2021
We’ve had a very busy summer here at New Doc Editing! To celebrate American Labor Day, I’m offering a two-for-one sale on my popular documentary seminars. Click here to buy The Ultimate Guide to Structuring Your Documentary (formerly $297) for $50. You’ll also receive for free Editing the Character-Driven Documentary (now valued at $79.97).If you live outside the U.S., please email me for special instructions on how to purchase.Here’s what one Emmy-Award-winning director had to say about Editing the Character-Driven Documentary:“This class was invaluable for bringing into crystal-clear focus how to bring a 3-act structure to a documentary film. Karen is inspiring…
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Lion, Bones & Bullets in Monte Carlo
July 22, 2021
I’m happy to announce that the world premiere of Lions, Bones & Bullets outdid our expectations! From the Monte-Carlo Television Festival’s red carpet to the lively Q&A, press and participants examined how to create new conservation models for lions that are being farmed for food in South Africa. I really enjoyed working with the production team which included Penguin Random House author Richard Peirce. Thank you to the film’s New Zealand producer Jasmine Duthie for this lovely testimonial: “Karen showed us where we could increase depth in our film, build on our protagonist’s journey, while at the same time, making…
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Marlon Riggs Films in New Criterion Collection
July 14, 2021
I recently celebrated my 60th birthday. One of the nicest gifts that came my way was a newly-released box set featuring the films of my mentor, the late Marlon Riggs. It’s called The Signifyn’ Works of Marlon Riggs, whom the prestigious Criterion Collection describes as “a fearless artist who confronted racism and homophobia in America with this intimate, dynamic, influential films”. Marlon has been sorely missed for 27 years, but he will forever be an inspiration to those who have been shamed into silence and then dare to speak out. In his ground-breaking personal documentary Tongues Untied, he did so…
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ITVS Short-Form Call Deadline is July 16
July 9, 2021
I hope you’re having a good summer! In case you haven’t heard, ITVS has opened its Short-Form Open Call, and the deadline for applying is July 16th. Unlike their call for feature docs, this funding opportunity is open to documentary shorts and web series! We can help improve your application. Thank you to Brenda Hayes, Director of Deep Conditioning, for this testimonial about our proposal writing services: “After a myriad of “Thank you for applying, but…” rejection letters, I accepted Karen and her staff writer’s invitation and let them take the lead in helping me with the ITVS proposal. While…
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Join Online Screening & Feedback Session this Sunday
May 31, 2021
Have you ever wondered how to host your own rough cut screening online? Here’s your chance to see how it’s done! I’d like to invite you to a feedback screening of a film that we are editing. This online screening and live feedback session gives you the opportunity to see a new technology developed for filmmakers, as well as view a feedback session happen live! Directed by John McAllister, “Double Dummy” is a documentary that follows a team of American junior bridge enthusiasts at the world championship. The screening and live feedback session is on Sunday, May 30th, at 9…
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ITVS Open Call Closes June 11
May 23, 2021
The Independent Television Service (ITVS) funds more independent documentaries than any other American entity. So if you haven’t yet checked out the application requirements for ITVS, keep reading! It can take 2 weeks to prepare. In addition to a 10-15 minute Sample Reel, you’ll need a 3-7 page document that describes your intended documentary. To help, I’ve recently updated our Fundraising Services page which includes the current fee. We can critique your Sample as well as help you think through the 4-part Program Description, which is excerpted here from the ITVS website: A story summary/synopsis of the program (this should…
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Need Help With ITVS Proposal?
May 20, 2021
Given the get-back-to-work flurry that I’m seeing, the ITVS Open Call looks especially competitive this Summer. Need help? Many proposals that I review become more viable for two reasons. First, we improve the Work Sample to reveal more narrative arc, develop interesting characters, and showcase actual scenes in the 10-15 minutes allotted time. Second, I’ve found that many filmmakers’ written component—while often well-penned–omits or misplaces important information in the 3-7 pages. We upgrade the application by thinking through with you key ITVS concerns, so you have something unique to say in regards to story, artistic approach and/or relevance for a…
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Film Funding Opportunities
April 29, 2021
Congratulations to director Ravinol Chambers whom I was honored to help finish Road to Vrindavan! In his personal documentary, this former Krishna monk examines how to educate more girls in India. 1300 people recently turned out for the UK premiere, and he says “the feedback has been wonderful.” Now onto fundraising for works-in-progress! The ITVS Open Call reopens May 3, 2021. Learn how we can help with this highly competitive funding opportunity here. That said, take heed from my colleague Keith Ochwat, who says, “Stop applying for the same old grants!” He has a point. Having helped many filmmakers apply…
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