what makes a good vs bad documentary subject

Peter Ralph · October 13th, 2008, 09:41 AM

a documentary is a story

You don't need a script, you can just get lucky - like Hoop Dreams or Capturing the Friedmans.

You might be able to win some awards on a doc about a pumpkin patch - but I doubt you would get many viewers, unless you get real lucky.

Richard Alvarez · October 14th, 2008, 09:28 AM

Luck is created by the prepared.

No telling what sort of audience the pumpkin patch doc might have. A documentary is a story. Are you a good storyteller? Is there a compelling story in the patch? The subject matter alone is not enough to judge by.

How compelling can a grade school spelling bee be? And we all know how that one turned out.

Chris Swanberg · October 29th, 2008, 07:46 PM

Richard Gooderick.... I have enjoyed your sharing this documentary with me, to whom do I send it next?

Doug Bennett · October 30th, 2008, 09:52 AM

Richard was there really a successful doc about a grade school spelling bee?

Richard Alvarez · October 30th, 2008, 10:46 AM

'Akeelah and the Bee' - a successfull FICTIONAL NARRATIVE was supposedly inspired by a couple of different docs on the subject. SO bittersweet for the doc makers, money in the bank for the filmmakers.

'Mad Hot Ballroom' is probably a better example of how a doc like that can be successful.
Mad Hot Ballroom (2005)

Richard Gooderick · November 3rd, 2008, 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Swanberg

Richard Gooderick.... I have enjoyed your sharing this documentary with me, to whom do I send it next?

Brian - if you still want to see this film please could you contact Chris. I haven't received any contact details from you.
Chris - I've only just found your posting by accident. I'm glad you enjoyed the film.

October 29th, 2008, 07:46 PM	#18
Chris Swanberg Major Player Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 904	Lettre de Siberia Richard Gooderick.... I have enjoyed your sharing this documentary with me, to whom do I send it next?

October 30th, 2008, 10:46 AM	#20
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	'Akeelah and the Bee' - a successfull FICTIONAL NARRATIVE was supposedly inspired by a couple of different docs on the subject. SO bittersweet for the doc makers, money in the bank for the filmmakers. 'Mad Hot Ballroom' is probably a better example of how a doc like that can be successful. Mad Hot Ballroom (2005) Last edited by Richard Alvarez; October 30th, 2008 at 10:50 AM. Reason: additional info

October 13th, 2008, 09:41 AM	#16
Peter Ralph Major Player Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Denver/Vail Colorado Posts: 254	a documentary is a story You don't need a script, you can just get lucky - like Hoop Dreams or Capturing the Friedmans. You might be able to win some awards on a doc about a pumpkin patch - but I doubt you would get many viewers, unless you get real lucky.

October 14th, 2008, 09:28 AM	#17
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	Luck is created by the prepared. No telling what sort of audience the pumpkin patch doc might have. A documentary is a story. Are you a good storyteller? Is there a compelling story in the patch? The subject matter alone is not enough to judge by. How compelling can a grade school spelling bee be? And we all know how that one turned out.

October 30th, 2008, 09:52 AM	#19
Doug Bennett Major Player Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: NYC Posts: 260	Richard was there really a successful doc about a grade school spelling bee?