For a project that began as a fun look at a topic/body part...which then morphed into a very personal and revealing documentary... I can honestly say it's been one of the hardest experiences of my career and my life! And I've travelled through such a myriad of emotions!
The irony of making TV is that the entire "creation" process goes unbeknowst to the vast majority of the final audience... they only have access to the final product. Which has been part of my agenda for creating this blog.... to give everyone a taste of the journey behind the final film.
But whether or not you read about the "behind-the-scenes", I have noticed something particularly interesting in creating a documentary:
If Heart and Soul isn't put into the programming (which often translates into significant Sweat and Suffering during production), the programming may fail to engage the audience. So whether there is a blog to capture the production process or not, the final film, in most cases, will capture the energy, passion, and emotion that the filmmaker went through!
At this moment, I would say that a "P.O.V." (Point-Of-View) documentary is one best attempted by the strongest, most confident (or eccentric and attention-seeking) of filmmakers. Particularly if the POV is being commissioned by a network and not simply a labor of love.
I am none of the above "types" but I still put immense passion and soul into every project I undertake. And though criticism/collaboration is part of the playing field of creating TV... I've learned firsthand that it takes a strong will to pull through when your passion also is your personal story. Particularly when the filmmaker is sharing his/her inner turmoil and insecurities with an audience that may not sympathize or relate. But beyond that, it also takes a tough skin to not internalize comments from various players in the project...comments that are necessary to build a strong story but, inadvertently, also critique a person's personal perspective and ability to convey their innermost secrets.
One of the most dramatic realizations for me has been just how POWERFUL today's documentarians need to be. They need to be more than the behind-the-scenes storytellers of years gone by... they need to be "Micheal Moores". This presents an interesting comparison. In fact, when I began on this journey, I wanted my approach to be closer to that of Micheal Moore. And, somewhere along the way, I was coaxed into becoming, albeit with much resistance, a "Morgan Spurlock". You'll know what I mean when you see the film.
In a world that is seeking more "reality" (reality-TV or documentary), we're also demanding that compelling characters share the stories. While we're still loving the underdog story -- many of us won't stay tuned to watch an underdog tell a story -- unless he or she is also a Comedic Riot, borderline Nutcase, or a Sexpot.... etc., etc.
Looking back on what I've done and how exposed this particular facet of my life will be in the near future.... it's a scary, scary thing. And I say this not to beg people's sympathy or to go easy on me... but it's a huge realization I've just come to.
And one day in the future, I think I'll be able to look back and realize just what a huge personal accomplishment this has been for me.
For right now, I hope everyone likes the film!
Tatyana
1 comment:
You made it through the long journey and I must say Im proud of what you've done. Looking at the final cut, you stepped out of your comfort zone and did ALL that you could!! You should be thrilled at the final product..not many people can say they made their own documentary at your age!!
Congrats again!
Ings
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