7 Tips for Producing a Family History Documentary

There’s a story behind every successful family business and enterprise. Some families will write a book. But some families might find a documentary is the best way to capture the family story. In this episode, Dave and Melissa will help you explore why a documentary might be a better vehicle than a book. They also offer 7 tips on how to create a compelling documentary that best tells your family’s story.

 

Great Moments in the Episode

5:15 – 8:35       The limits of a book for capturing your family history.

9:05 – 11:45     Tip 1: Start with preliminary comprehensive research.

11:44 – 13:55   What a “through line” is in a documentary.

17:00 – 18:25   Tip 2: Start with a script.

18:30 – 20:02   The script as a plan for shoot day.

20:05 – 23:36   Tips for writing a script, including scenes where something is at stake.

23:37 – 24:00   Danger or relying on post-production editing without a script.

24:20 – 27:30   Tip 3: Building trust with your interviewees.

27:46 – 30:14   Tip 4: The first take is often the best.

30:15 – 31:10   The problem with teleprompters.

31:15 – 34:02   Tip 5: You can never have enough b-roll.

34:42 – 36:30   Tip 6: Know when you need a partner.

36:40 – 39:30   Tip 7: Create a book to complement your video.

39:35 - 41:45    Why invest in a family history documentary.

 

Words of the Episode

bauble (n): a small, decorative sphere hung from a Christmas tree.

tippet (n): in fly fishing, the end section of a tapered leader, the part that attaches to the fly.

 

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