GETTING STARTED

Q: Is now the right time? Where do I even begin?

I understand that commissioning a documentary is not a small thing - it requires investment of both time and resources. That's why I've developed a process called story mapping that helps us get clear on whether this is the right next step. Through story mapping, we explore your core values and the key stories that could bring your message to life. This gives you clarity on whether now is the time, and if so, what that path forward looks like.

Even if you don't move forward with a documentary, the story mapping process provides valuable clarity about your story and message that can be applied to other aspects of your business and communication.

Q: What's a realistic timeline? How does the process work? 

There are a million different ways to tell a story. My process, refined over years of documentary filmmaking, starts with story mapping to get clear on who you are and what you care about. From there, we develop a customized timeline that respects both the creative process and your goals. The story map provides you with a clear storyboard, ideal timeline, and budget for bringing your vision to life.

IMPACT & ROI

Q: What's the return on investment? How will this documentary create impact?

Documentary has a unique power to capture who you truly are in a way that other media can't match. When people can feel your presence and understand your mission through authentic storytelling, it creates deeper connections and lasting impact. My clients have used their documentaries to:

* Build deeper trust with their audience

* Create evergreen content that continues to impact people for years

* Leave a meaningful legacy for future generations

* Open new doors and opportunities

* Reach and inspire new audiences

You can't really feel who somebody is in an interview. You can't really feel who somebody is in a promotional video. But when people show you who they are in a documentary scene, you can truly feel them.

Q: How do we ensure the documentary reaches the right audience?

Distribution strategy is customized to your goals. For some clients, like Jennifer, it's about reaching a specific community more deeply. For others, it might be about broadening their impact. We work together to identify your ideal audience and create a strategic plan for reaching them, whether that's through private screenings, film festivals, streaming platforms, or a combination of approaches.

ADDRESSING CONCERNS

Q: Isn't making a documentary about myself self-indulgent? 

This is a common concern I hear. But here's what I've learned: when we share our authentic stories, they become a gift to others. As one of my client's daughters said in an interview - you don't have to be an Olympic athlete to inspire people. Sometimes the most impactful stories come from showing how we navigate ordinary life with purpose and love. Your story can help others see themselves and their potential in new ways.

Q: How do we balance privacy with authentic storytelling?

Trust is at the core of everything we do. I always prioritize the needs of the people we're filming over getting the perfect shot. We work together to find the right balance between sharing meaningful moments while respecting personal boundaries.

Q: How do we avoid common documentary pitfalls like exploitation or oversimplification? 

This is where my approach differs. I believe in taking time to truly understand the depth of each story and telling it with care and authenticity. Through our story mapping process, we identify what makes your story unique and develop thoughtful ways to share it that avoid clichés and stereotypes. The goal is always to humanize and bring deeper understanding.

COLLABORATION & CREATIVE PROCESS

Q: How collaborative is the process? Will my input be valued?

Absolutely. I believe in putting humans first - from my production team to the people whose stories we're telling. Your voice and vision are essential to the process. The story mapping phase ensures we're aligned on the core message and approach before we begin production. Throughout filming and editing, we maintain open communication and collaboration to create something that truly represents your vision.

Q: How do we ensure the documentary is both educational and engaging? 

Stories are how we've shared wisdom and meaning throughout human history. Through documentary, we can weave together moments that both teach and touch hearts. We focus on finding the human moments that make big ideas relatable and memorable. This might mean showing how your expertise impacts real lives or revealing the personal journey that led to your insights.