Make Your First Film: MUST WATCH for Documentary Filmmaking

Mark Bone

13 Aug 202008:16

Summary

TLDRThis video script emphasizes the importance of 'assertive documentary filmmaking' over 'aimless filmmaking'. It outlines four key questions filmmakers should ask to ensure compelling storytelling: identifying whether they have a story with conflict, establishing a clear main character early on, ensuring the character has a desire, and being able to visually depict their journey. The speaker promises an in-depth documentary master class covering various aspects of filmmaking, aiming to simplify the process for aspiring filmmakers.

Takeaways

🎥 Aimless filmmaking is characterized by a focus on gear and shooting without a clear plan, whereas assertive documentary filmmaking is a more structured approach to ensure compelling storytelling.
📝 Assertive filmmaking involves asking critical questions at all stages of the film production to guarantee the best possible story and audience engagement.
❓ The first key question for filmmakers is to determine if they have a story with conflict rather than just a topic. A story should involve a character with a clear desire or goal and a journey to achieve it.
🏃‍♂️ The second question is about identifying a main character early in the film, ideally within the first 5-10%, to establish who the audience will follow on the journey.
🤔 The third question challenges filmmakers to ensure their characters have a clear desire or need that drives the narrative, as characters without wants lack depth.
🔍 The fourth question is about the feasibility of showing the character's journey, including their rise in tension and attempts to achieve their desires, which is essential for a compelling story.
🎬 The importance of having access to the character's life and being able to capture key moments is highlighted as a prerequisite for telling their story effectively.
📚 The script emphasizes the value of a checklist and self-honesty when evaluating the strength of a story, even suggesting the need to change direction or find a new story if necessary.
📽️ The speaker shares personal experience with the documentary 'Transcend' as an example of a successful story-driven film, illustrating the importance of conflict and character development.
👥 The mention of the documentary '9/11 Kids' serves to illustrate the importance of establishing the main character early and setting the stage for their narrative.
📈 The script introduces an upcoming documentary master class that will delve deeper into topics like story crafting, funding, research, character finding, and shooting techniques.
📣 The speaker invites interested individuals to join an early bird waitlist for the master class, emphasizing the limited availability and the comprehensive nature of the course.

Q & A

What is the main difference between aimless filmmaking and assertive documentary filmmaking as discussed in the video?
-Aimless filmmaking is characterized by a focus on cameras and gear without a clear direction, often resulting in hope for the best outcome. Assertive documentary filmmaking, on the other hand, is a methodical approach that ensures the best possible story is captured at all stages, leading to a more compelling film and a better chance of gaining an audience.
Why are the four questions mentioned in the video important for filmmakers?
-These four questions are crucial as they set the foundation for a successful film. They help filmmakers clarify the purpose and direction of their film, ensuring that the story is compelling and has a clear narrative arc, which is essential for engaging an audience.
What does the video suggest is the key to a good story in filmmaking?
-The key to a good story is conflict. A story should involve a character who wants something and goes on a journey to achieve it, learning something along the way. This is in contrast to a topic, which may be aimless and lack these narrative traits.
Can you provide an example from the video of a film that was successful due to its story?
-The film 'Transcend' is given as an example. It was successful because it followed the story of Wesley Korir, a Boston Marathon runner who attempted to get elected in the Kenyan parliament as an independent candidate, a journey filled with conflict and desire.
What is the importance of having a main character in a documentary film?
-A main character is essential as it provides the audience with someone to journey with. It helps establish who the film is about and allows the audience to connect emotionally with the story being told.
According to the video, what should be clear within the first five to ten percent of the film?
-The identity of the main character should be clear within the first five to ten percent of the film. This helps set the stage for the audience to understand who they will be following and what their journey will entail.
What does Aaron Sorkin's quote imply about characters in a film?
-Aaron Sorkin's quote implies that for a character to be considered a character in a film, they must want something. This desire drives the narrative and gives the character depth and purpose.
What is the significance of a character's desire in a film according to the video?
-A character's desire is significant because it propels the story forward. It creates tension and conflict, which are essential for keeping the audience engaged and invested in the narrative.
Why is showing the journey of the character important in documentary filmmaking?
-Showing the journey of the character is important because it allows the audience to witness the rise in tension, the struggle, and the resolution. This journey, with a clear beginning, middle, and end, is what constitutes a compelling story.
What does the video suggest filmmakers should do if they find that their chosen character does not have a clear desire?
-If the character's desire is not clear, the video suggests that filmmakers should either find out what the character wants or consider choosing a different character whose desire can drive the narrative.
What is the upcoming documentary master class mentioned in the video about, and how can interested individuals join?
-The upcoming documentary master class will delve deeper into topics such as crafting stories, funding, researching, finding interesting characters, and shooting techniques. Interested individuals can join by signing up on the early bird wait list, as there are limited spots available.

Outlines

00:00

🎥 Assertive Documentary Filmmaking: The Key Questions

This paragraph introduces the concept of assertive documentary filmmaking as opposed to aimless filmmaking, which is often promoted on YouTube. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear story with conflict, characters, and a journey, using the example of the film 'Transcend' to illustrate a successful application of these principles. The paragraph also poses the first of four key questions filmmakers should ask themselves: whether they have a topic or a genuine story with conflict.

05:01

📽️ Establishing the Main Character and Their Desire

The second paragraph delves into the necessity of identifying a main character early in the film and ensuring that the audience knows who they are within the first five to ten percent of the film. It uses the film '9/11 Kids' as an example to demonstrate effective character introduction. The paragraph also discusses the importance of characters having a clear desire or goal, quoting Aaron Sorkin to stress that characters without wants are not characters at all. It encourages filmmakers to determine if their subjects have a clear want and to explore this in their films.

🔍 Capturing the Character's Journey and Conflict

The final paragraph focuses on the fourth and critical question for filmmakers: whether they can visually represent the character's journey, the rising tension, and their pursuit of what they want. It discusses the importance of access to the subject's life and the ability to capture key moments as they unfold. The speaker advises filmmakers to be honest with themselves about whether they can truly tell the story they intend to, suggesting that they may need to pivot or find a new story if they cannot capture these essential elements.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Aimless Filmmaking

Aimless filmmaking is a term used in the script to describe an approach where filmmakers focus on acquiring knowledge about cameras and gear and then proceed to shoot without a clear direction or purpose. It is characterized by a lack of planning and structure, often resulting in a disjointed final product. The video contrasts this with 'assertive documentary filmmaking,' which is a more structured and intentional approach to creating films.

💡Assertive Documentary Filmmaking

Assertive documentary filmmaking, as highlighted in the video, is a methodical and intentional approach to filmmaking that ensures the best possible story is told. It involves planning and strategy at all stages of the filmmaking process, from conception to final edit, to create compelling films that resonate with audiences and establish a filmmaker's career.

💡Story

In the context of the video, a 'story' is defined by the presence of conflict and a clear narrative arc. It involves a character who wants something and goes on a journey to achieve it, learning something along the way. The script emphasizes the importance of having a story rather than just a topic, using the example of the film 'Transcend' to illustrate how a story with conflict and a clear protagonist can lead to a successful documentary.

💡Conflict

Conflict is a critical element of storytelling as mentioned in the script. It refers to the struggle or problem that a character in the film faces, which drives the narrative forward. The script uses the example of Wesley, a character from the film 'Transcend,' who has the conflicting goals of winning the Boston Marathon and getting elected to the Kenyan parliament.

💡Main Character

The 'main character' is a key concept in the video, referring to the central figure around whom the story is built. The script stresses the importance of introducing the main character early in the film, within the first five to ten percent, to establish who the audience will follow on their journey, as illustrated by the examples of 'Transcend' and '9/11 Kids'.

💡Character's Need

A character's 'need' is the desire or goal that drives the character's actions and the narrative of the film. The script borrows a quote from Aaron Sorkin to emphasize that if a character does not want something, they are not truly a character. This need must be clear to the audience and is essential for creating a compelling story.

💡Journey

The 'journey' in the script refers to the progression of the character's experience from the beginning to the end of the film. It involves the rise and fall of tension as the character attempts to discover or achieve what they want. The ability to show this journey is a key question filmmakers must ask themselves to ensure they can create a compelling narrative.

💡Tension

Tension is a narrative tool used in the script to describe the suspense and emotional stakes that build up as the character pursues their goals. It is a driving force in storytelling that keeps the audience engaged and invested in the outcome of the character's journey.

💡Topic

A 'topic' in the video is contrasted with a story, being a subject or theme without the narrative elements of conflict and character development. The script uses the distinction to emphasize that a successful documentary needs more than just a topic; it requires a story with a clear narrative and emotional depth.

💡Documentary Master Class

The 'Documentary Master Class' mentioned in the script is an upcoming course that the speaker will be offering. It is designed to provide in-depth knowledge on various aspects of documentary filmmaking, including story crafting, funding, research, character finding, and shooting techniques. The class aims to simplify and clarify the process for aspiring filmmakers.

Highlights

The difference between aimless filmmaking and assertive documentary filmmaking is emphasized, with the latter focusing on a structured approach to storytelling.

Aimless filmmaking often involves gathering information about cameras and gear and hoping for the best, which rarely works out.

Assertive documentary filmmaking ensures the best possible story at all stages, setting up for a compelling film that attracts an audience.

Four quick questions are presented as essential for filmmakers to consider before starting their project.

Many people quit filmmaking due to the lack of a simple process, which the video aims to address.

The first question for filmmakers is whether they have a topic or a story, with a story being defined by conflict and a journey.

The importance of having a clear main character within the first 5-10% of the film is discussed.

Films should establish who the audience will journey with from the beginning.

The necessity of a character's desire for something is highlighted, as it drives the narrative.

If a character in a film doesn't want something, they are not considered a character according to Aaron Sorkin.

Filmmakers should ask if they can show the journey of the character, including the rise in tension and their pursuit of what they want.

The ability to access and capture key moments in a person's life is crucial for telling their story.

Filmmakers need to be brave and honest when evaluating their story's strength and considering a new direction if necessary.

An upcoming documentary master class is announced, promising in-depth knowledge on various aspects of documentary filmmaking.

The master class will cover topics such as story crafting, funding, research, character finding, and shooting techniques.

The course aims to be high-level and simplified to provide immediate value without hours of masterclass information.

Limited spots are available for the master class, emphasizing the quality of attention given to participants.

The master class will draw from the extensive experience of the presenter and their creative partner, Michael Del Monte.