7 Tips for Producing a Family History Documentary

<p style="font-weight: 400;">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.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"> </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Great Moments in the Episode</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">5:15 – 8:35       The limits of a book for capturing your family history.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">9:05 – 11:45     Tip 1: Start with preliminary comprehensive research.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">11:44 – 13:55   What a “through line” is in a documentary.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">17:00 – 18:25   Tip 2: Start with a script.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">18:30 – 20:02   The script as a plan for shoot day.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">20:05 – 23:36   Tips for writing a script, including scenes where something is at stake.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">23:37 – 24:00   Danger or relying on post-production editing without a script.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">24:20 – 27:30   Tip 3: Building trust with your interviewees.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">27:46 – 30:14   Tip 4: The first take is often the best.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">30:15 – 31:10   The problem with teleprompters.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">31:15 – 34:02   Tip 5: You can never have enough b-roll.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">34:42 – 36:30   Tip 6: Know when you need a partner.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">36:40 – 39:30   Tip 7: Create a book to complement your video.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">39:35 - 41:45    Why invest in a family history documentary.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"> </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Words of the Episode</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">bauble (n): a small, decorative sphere hung from a Christmas