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-   -   what makes a good vs bad documentary subject (https://www.dvinfo.net/forum/documentary-techniques/130789-what-makes-good-vs-bad-documentary-subject.html)

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

Lettre de Siberia
 
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 (Post 957435)
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.


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