From Idea to Action: How We Make Starting Your Documentary Easy
The late summer sun streams through my office window as I settle in for a Story Strategy call with Jennifer, a renowned relationship expert considering her first documentary project. Like many visionaries I work with, she's built something meaningful but struggles to find the right way to share her story authentically. As we dive into our first session, I can sense both excitement and uncertainty in her voice – emotions I've come to recognize well in these initial conversations.
The Journey Begins: Story Strategy Session 1
The first Story Strategy session is all about discovery. We explore the deeper meaning behind Jennifer's work, uncovering the values that drive her and the impact she hopes to create. Through carefully crafted questions and thoughtful discussion, we begin mapping out her core values – those fundamental principles that have guided her journey and shaped her mission.
"It's interesting to me that that wasn't just immediate because I'm always sort of teaching values," Jennifer reflects during our session. "I've never done that... to articulate it as here are my core values."
This initial excavation of values leads naturally into stories – those pivotal moments that illustrate who she is and what she stands for. The process often surprises clients as they discover new connections between their experiences and their work.
Diving Deeper: Story Strategy Session 2
By our second session in early October, the framework of Jennifer's story is taking shape. We refine her core values, matching each with powerful stories that bring them to life. The conversation flows more easily now as we explore how her unique perspective could reach and impact her intended audience.
This session is where we really dig into the "why" – why tell this story now? Why in this way? We discuss practical concerns about timing, logistics, and approach while keeping focused on the ultimate vision.
Bringing It All Together: The Story Map Presentation
Spring flowers are blooming when we reconvene for the final presentation. The Story Map has evolved into a comprehensive guide for Jennifer's documentary journey, incorporating everything we've discovered together. It includes:
Clearly articulated core values with supporting stories
A vision for the documentary's structure and style
Production timeline and budget considerations
Strategic recommendations for reaching her intended audience
"It's valuable in and of itself, even if you do nothing beyond it," Jennifer reflects on the process. "It's just clarifying, it's important."
Why Story Mapping Works
The Story Mapping process breaks down what can feel like an overwhelming project into manageable, strategic steps. It provides:
Clarity of purpose and message
A solid foundation for your documentary project
Confidence in your story's value and impact
A practical roadmap for moving forward
Through three focused sessions, we transform initial ideas into actionable plans while ensuring your authentic voice remains at the center of the story.
Your Story Deserves to Be Told
Every visionary leader has a story worth sharing. Whether you're ready to start production immediately or just beginning to explore the possibility, Story Mapping provides the clarity and direction needed to move forward with confidence.
Your work is making an impact. Let's make sure your story does too.
