Producing with Passion: Making Films That Change the World

Frank Logue rated a book 4 of 5 stars29 minutes agoProducing with Passion: Making Films That Change the Worldby Dorothy FadimanReadRead in November 2013Written from the hard-earned of an Emmy-winning and Academy Award Nominated documetary filmmaker, this book is about finding a story that rings true for you and telling it with passion. Shaping films from the creator's own experience, knowledge, concerns and yearnings are how she advises the authenticity that must ring through the work to the final cut. She sees good relationships as the heart of film making and advises on how to find companions for the journey and how different people's gifts are essential to the research, filming, editing, testing and marketing of any project.The text is full of straightforward advice such as ""people will be able to tell you their strongest story for the first time, only once. Ask interviewees to wait until you are filming to hear the whole story." But perhaps most important is her central thesis about finding a story you are passionate about and then sticking with that core that holds your interest and let it unfold with its own inner logic.She shares how to develop character, build and resolve conflict and otherwise give narrative shape to documentary work. All the while, she advises, "Let the story tell itself. No forcing, just unfloding. You want to be able to convey the truth at the heart of your story without needing to explain it, without telling the viewer what to think or feel."With the help of writer/filmmaker, Tony Levelle, Fadiman brings home the point that only audiences decide if a film has impact and so she guides the reader through a process of feedback sessions and screenings to make sure that the heart of the film is getting through. All in all, a valuable guide to the why as much as the how of making and sharing a documentary.

I gave this to the filmmaker in my household who is making a career transition from editing to producing. She in turn gave it to her two producing partners. All three found it a reliable guide that they are dipping into as they progress on their current project. She highly recommends the book because the authors are trustworthy. They explain everything that goes into the journey of producing a film - the practical, the aesthetics, and how to deal with the doubts and fears that will crop up. She summarized, "This grounded, knowledgeable "been there, done that" book makes you feel like you can do it!"

For a first time documentary creator.. This book was an invaluable resource. Through the author's real world "trial and error" experience I was able to understand the potential pitfalls associated with taking in such s huge project- saving me a ton of time and money! I like the step by step approach taken to thoroughly explain every stage in the process. Even though I read straight through this book pretty quickly just to get the big picture.. I know I'll becreferencing it continually as my project unfolds.

Producing With Passion - a fantastic resource for anybody wanting to create documentaries, or make films in general. Real, intelligent writing - with plenty of useful examples, and stories to consider on the path to making your own docos. Inspirational, descriptive, and a reliable resource for taking the steps to breaking into what can be a difficult process of generating your own work through film and video.I would recommend this to anybody wanting to become a documentary film-maker, without question.

I really enjoyed this book which you can actually use as a workbook to help you and keep you focused on your project. It is an easy read and quite informative and for someone new to filmmaking and passionate about telling your story.. this book is a really useful tool to keep at your side. I bought several other books on producing.. this one was by far the most helpful.

I really appreciated how the author gave a step by step analysis of documentary film making in a clear and thoughtful way. I could tell from her writing she was a calm person and I look forward to viewing her documentaries. Katie Ryan author of Horse Wisdom Alchemy.

Great information! Excellent!

...for the person who has a great idea but doesn't know what the mechanics to making a documentary are. Easy fast read.

Liked it