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Old October 13th, 2008, 09:41 AM   #16
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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.
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Old October 14th, 2008, 09:28 AM   #17
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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.
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Old October 29th, 2008, 07:46 PM   #18
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Lettre de Siberia

Richard Gooderick.... I have enjoyed your sharing this documentary with me, to whom do I send it next?
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Old October 30th, 2008, 09:52 AM   #19
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Richard was there really a successful doc about a grade school spelling bee?
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Old October 30th, 2008, 10:46 AM   #20
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'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
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Old November 3rd, 2008, 03:17 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Swanberg View Post
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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