This is a tough one and I am sure some one has already dealt with this one. We have a local Artist who has been a main stay and pillar of the Local Arts and Humanities for several years. She has just been diagnosed with Terminal liver bile duct Cancer she is inoperable and without Chemo 10 months at best possibly 18 months with Chemo She is choosing to forgo Chemo and trying alternative cancer treatments and has decided to continue performing and supporting the local arts and humanities right up till the end what ever that may be. I have been asked to document that Journey and submit the finished film to film festivals etc of course I said yes but I have never done a biography or a documentary or a docudrama not even sure how to raise funding for something like this any ideas?
Producing : Marilyn by Vitale Justice
Marilyn
Other topics in Producing:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
Documentaries start with a question. Write out all the questions you have, and then go through the process of finding answers (which lead to more questions.) In that case, I'd start with the artist's work. Is she still working? If not, does she miss her work? If so, has her work changed? We did a student project on Carers where we gave one of the carers a camera that she could use as a video diary/ video journal. If the subject can speak directly into the camera, in her own time, she might say some very interesting things. This video diary can bring interesting new questions to light. (Cost: loaning out a mid-range camcorder.) As far as funding, that's up to you. I would have said no if there was no funding involved. Or, I might lend her a camera, and just film some things in spare time.
The first thing you have to do is find the story. What is the uniqueness of Marilyn? Next look at who the audience is going to be, what is the purpose of the documentary? Who is it aimed at? Once you know the story and audience use your creativeness to work out the best way to tell it for them. If it's intended for TV then research which channel and indeed slot on that channel you are aiming for. Look at their guidelines for submissions and apply to them for funding. If not intended for TV then would your audience be able to fund it either through crowd funding or through sponsorship. You'll need to consider how your audience wants to view what you make. That will determine the style and format. I'm happy for you to bounce ideas at me.