Documentary Survey

Last Fall I sent out a one-question survey asking thousands of filmmakers, including the hundreds with whom I’ve corresponded in my work as a story consultant, what their number-one question was about how to structure their documentary film.

The results from our community of independent filmmakers were fascinating-and confirmed a project that I’ve been working on for months to assist filmmakers in structuring their films. I’m now putting the finishing touches on it, and I’d like your help.

While the project is still under wraps, I can tell you that this three-month guide to documentary storytelling can easily shave eight weeks off your post-production schedule, saving you $10,000.

It’s designed to help you structure an engaging documentary, one that will attract funders and audiences with a compelling story and a succinct composition. This is not easy to do, especially if, like many filmmakers in our indie tribe, you excitedly jumped into your project and began shooting without a lot of forethought!

As I finish up the curriculum for this unique guide-which includes everything I know from teaching documentary storytelling for twenty years–I’d like to hear again from your perspective specifically about the problems you’re encountering right now structuring your documentary film. 

As I’ll be announcing the new guide in a few weeks, I’d also like your feedback on the price for this 3-month course, which includes six group coaching calls with me. You’ll get my expertise from making five documentaries, mentoring many filmmakers and teaching editing at the Graduate School of Journalism at UC Berkeley, the top documentary program in the U.S. (according to Documentary Magazine). 

How much would you be willing to pay for such a program?  One that helped you structure a riveting documentary, gave individual guidance, and was designed so you could benefit no matter what stage you are currently at, from pre-production to post?

  •  $5000
  •  $3000
  •  $2000
  •  $1000

I look forward to hearing your price choice, as well as the top structural issues you’re currently encountering and would like addressed.  Keep your ears open for my announcement in a few weeks, as I can only take a limited number of motivated filmmakers into this exciting new program!