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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