How I Make Short Documentary Profiles
Coming back to OC from NYC, I wanted to refresh my portfolio and continue making work. Creating is all about momentum for me and trying to generate more vs. just sitting back and scrolling. It gets me out in the real world and keeps me inspired. Then the question…what should I make? Sometimes, I feel like doing something completely different, but then seem to come back to what I know. It’s been 15+ years making short documentary profiles and I wanted to share how I approach them.
start with people I know
Maybe a family member or friend with a story I’m drawn to. If that doesn't spark anything, then I consider what my current interests are, or something I want to know more about. Is there someone I would like to meet or hang out with? Make it a point of connection and start the conversation!
Provide value
I take into consideration what they have to gain because it shouldn’t be one way. Why are they taking time out of their day to be in my project? Maybe they have a business or something they’re passionate about they can also promote. If they don’t, at least make the experience be special and they are seen. Some people get a lot of attention, while others silently work without any recognition.
Build trust
I explain why I’m interested in making a film about them and where it will be shown. Personally, I let them watch it before it goes public and give them a chance for their feedback. This is their story and I would like to be given that courtesy if the roles were swapped.
Be Genuine and Curious
I try not to pry but I get to know them. I ask questions and let them talk. Where did they grow up? What do they want people to know? Open ended questions. From there, more meaningful topics or themes develop.
Make it collaborative
Then I begin to build scenes around their everyday life. What do they do everyday? What do they want to show, or not show? I try to find something that has a visual element and put them in situations where scenes can transpire. If they are going somewhere, can I hop in the car with them? This always leads to more.
Stay open Minded
When filming starts, I stay flexible and pivot if I find things are going in a different direction. This is often when the best stuff comes out and life unfolds in front of you. But if I want to try something, I explain why it’s important to the film. There’s a rhythm to the process so I try to read them accordingly.
Take breaks
There are times when putting the camera down is the best thing to do and engage with them. This helps people that might be camera shy. A lot of times, interesting topics come up from this. If I miss a moment I like, then I go back and ask them to share it again.
move quickly
This is their time and I try not to take up too much time. Having a light footprint helps (within reason) and I don’t spend a lot of time on each scene. I try to limit the filming to one longer day, or a couple of smaller scenes over the course of a few days.
A Snapshot for them
I approach it as if I’m trying to take the best picture that I can. When someone captures that moment or essence of you. Even though they might have things they are self conscious about, I tell them that you are trying to show them in their best light!
THE EDIT
After filming the work is not done. In fact, the editing is where everything comes together and the part I enjoy the most. What did I learn or was drawn to about them? What do you want to omit? I begin with the interview if there’s one, then I assemble your edit accordingly. Experiment and build it once scene at a time.
Share it with them
I ask how they feel about it and if there is any input. This is a courtesy and I approach it within reason. It’s usually not worth an argument and there are often alternatives if anything comes up. At the end of the day, I want everyone to be proud of the final product.
Let it go
Sometimes the most precious work to me is just that - for myself. And other projects that I’m not attached to connect more with others. So I have no idea what will happen. It feels good to make it and then try to do it again next time! The relationships made along the way is the reward.
