How to shoot a Narrative Film

Jun 14

Shooting a narrative film is an exhilarating process that blends creativity, meticulous planning, and collaboration. Each step, from the initial concept to the final cut, requires careful consideration and execution. In May, we decided to shoot a documentary-style video about a musician. Every year, my company and I fund a special project in the DMV area (Washington, D.C. metro area).

Step 1: The Initial Concept

The journey begins with an idea. In our case, we wanted to spotlight a musician's journey. This idea was inspired by our annual tradition of self-funding a unique project about an artist in the DMV area.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Talent

Selecting the right subject is crucial. We chose Jon Worthy, a talented singer-songwriter we had previously worked with. His compelling story and charismatic personality made him the perfect fit for our documentary.

Step 3: Pre-Production Planning

Effective pre-production planning sets the stage for a successful shoot. This includes:

Discussion with the Talent: Understanding Jon's story, his music, and his vision for the documentary.
Script Development: Crafting a narrative script that encapsulates Jon's journey.
Visual Line Creation: Gathering reference images and defining the visual style to ensure the documentary's look aligns with the story.
Technical Script: Outlining scenes and camera movements to guide the filming process.
Color Harmony: Selecting props and settings that complement the chosen color palette.

Step 4: The Shoot

Filming took place over an intense but rewarding 8-hour session. The preparation, which spanned around 10 hours, paid off as we were able to capture the essence of Jon's artistry efficiently and effectively.

Step 5: Post-Production

Post-production is where the magic happens. Editing the footage, adding music, and refining the narrative to create a cohesive and engaging final product.

By following these steps, we ensure that every narrative film we produce not only tells a compelling story but also captivates and resonates with our audience. The attention to detail in planning, the harmony of visual and narrative elements, and the dedication to the craft make each project a unique and rewarding experience.

To watch the full video and better understand how this all came together, head over here: https://vimeo.com/946788493