Some notes on Sheila curran bernard’s Documentary storytelling:
How do you find a story within a chosen subject for a documentary? First ask yourself what it is about the topic that grabs you.
When you’re very close to a subject you’ll have to take an impartial view as you determine wheather or not it would make a film that audiences will want to see.
It’s not unusual for filmmakers to begin one project, only to be drawn by the characters and situations they encounter toward a film that is both different and stronger than they anticipated.
Knowing that this might happen doesn’t mean you shouldn’t approach a general idea by looking first for the best story you can, giving the subject as you then understand it and understanding what you need to make the film.
Films move forward in time, taking audiences with them, You want the storytelling to move forward too and to motivate the presentation of exposition.
This means that you want the audience to be courious about the information you’re giving them.
Films generally appeal to our emotions before they appeal to our heads.
The reason to tell a story for maximum emotional impact is so that you can appeal to people’s heads.
Another key point was….
Good documentary storytelling depends on good research “I began where I always begin, with a tremendous amout of research, with a passion to understand the total landscape of the subject”
- Dont be afraid to ask basic questions, if you are confused, so is your audience.
- The input of academic and nonacademic advisors can be crucial, they have insight.
- Be prepared on the subject and try to know as much about it as possible
- Fact checking, any fact stated needs to be verified through two credible sources
- Detail; details will enrich and inform your storytelling