When to Include Your Personal Story in Your Documentary

I have worked with many filmmakers who wrestle with this question, “Should I include my own story in my documentary film?” Given how difficult it is to raise money for personal docs (I know, having I’ve made three of them), your decision should take into account these important questions.

First, are you related to the subject of the film, and are they famous? These may sound like crass questions, but this sub-genre of personal documentaries made by the relatives (usually children) of famous people has emerged in the last decade as a powerful way of shedding light on the personal lives of public figures. Some examples include My Architect (2003), William Kuntsler: Disturbing the Universe (2009), and Tell Them Who You Are (2004). You’ll be more successful in your fundraising if you can point to these successful predecessors.

Second, is your film about big ideas? In other words does your personal experience shed light on some overriding social issue? If so, and if that social issue is considered “hot” in the media these days, then you are more likely to get funding.

The third question to ask yourself is this: “is your personal story dramatic?” If you’re going to be a protagonist in your own film, you must have a goal or a quest. That desired outcome must be difficult but not impossible to achieve. In other words you must face a series of obstacles that will call forth a great effort and grip your audience. For more information on how to construct a character driven documentary within inciting incident, reversals, midpoint and back story, check out my free article at https://newdocediting.com/resources/. Telling a good story is the “Trojan horse” that will get past the defenses in the minds of your viewers about certain social issues.

Finally, ask yourself if you have the requisite distance to see yourself as a character. Specifically if you will be mapping a character transformation, it is nearly impossible to do so if you are still in the midst of transforming! I found with my own work that I needed to stop filming and give myself at least a few months before I could look back and see a transformation. It is also very important to get the help of an outside advisor, such as an editor or story consultant, who can help you frame your own journey.