In addition to making my own feature docs, I've produced and consulted for countless other filmmakers over the years. And as founder and co-host of The D-Word, I've moderated 25 years worth of filmmaking and work/life discussions with documentary professionals the world over. With my consulting work, I'm utilizing all of the hard-earned, first-hand experience I've accumulated over my long career to work with filmmakers on an intimate, one-on-one basis.
Often my consulting takes the form of simply viewing and offering extremely detailed notes on a rough cut. Sometimes my role is more ongoing and is credited as Story Consultant (Stories We Tell, Let the Fire Burn, No Woman No Cry). Sometimes it overlaps with certain aspects of producing, as well, and I officially take on the title of Consulting Producer (Joan Baez I Am A Noise, Orgasm Inc., Love & Diane). And occasionally, and somewhat uniquely, I believe, it ventures into another realm altogether - that of career and life coach.
No matter what kind of consulting role I play, I bring a thorough understanding of the long, lonely and exceedingly challenging process of making a documentary film. Whatever your level of talent and experience, it's easy to get lost in the weeds of endless to-do lists, pressing deadlines and constant rejection. Often to the point where your confidence is shaken and you lose touch with the passion and blind faith that drove you to make your film in the first place.
What I offer is a combination of encouragement, support, business strategizing, creative coaching and, if necessary, tough love. I'm part sounding board, advisor, mentor, taskmaster, cheerleader and manager. I advise on the project you're working on with an eye to how it fits into your long-term career. I work with you to define and prioritize your goals, and, in the process, help get you unstuck, unblocked and fired up to move forward.
If all of this sounds good and you're seriously interested, just get in touch and we can set up a free half-hour consult by phone or Zoom. I'd be happy to explain my methods in more detail, answer any questions - including about fees - and even begin to do some consulting, by way of example.
Meanwhile, here are a few blog posts and interviews from the past where I give some producing and directing advice. I hope you find them helpful.
The Ten Rules of Personal Documentary Filmmaking
The Five Biggest Mistakes a Producer Can Make
How I wound up as Executive Producer of Resurrect Dead