The Documentary Filmmaker Podcast

In the name of lights, camera, action - and CUT 🎬 In the 95th episode of the Moonshine Moonshot podcast, your host Sue Collins talks about the importance of clear comms and the Production Bible - the ultimate assets for any production.
A Production Bible is... well... “the” bible - it’s the gospel for your production. The production bible you create will be the ultimate documentation resource that houses every piece of info required to get your film underway. It will essentially become an instruction manual of sorts, that will help guide you to your desired filmmaking outcome.
Sue also emphasizes the power of clear and simple communication in production, highlighting common obstacles many individuals can face when attempting to articulate goals and visions effectively to collaborators. Tune in to learn how to simplify your message and enhance your filmmaking journey for impactful results.
Curious about Moonshine Agency? Visit Moonshine Agency for more Impact Films.
What would YOU like to hear about next? We’d love to hear your thoughts and burning questions about the constantly evolving filmmaking industry 🔥 Get in touch on Instagram @moonshinecommunicationsacademy or email us at [email protected].

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LinkedIn: Sue Collins [Host] || Moonshine Communications Academy Page [ Company Page]
X: @moonshinecomms

This week, I show you how to create a pitch video and sell your film to potential funders.
If you’re an aspiring documentary filmmaker with an important story to share, there’s one thing you need to get straight how to pitch your film to potential funders.
Ah yes, the dreaded ‘p” word. If you’ve been keeping across the How to make a documentary series, I'm sure you knew this one was coming up.
Last week, I looked closely at crafting a compelling proposal. And the week before that I zoned in on pre-interviews, which are often used as part of pitching your film idea. Now the time has come to really dig into it.
The thought of pitching leaves most filmmakers with an icky pang in the pit of their stomachs. Maybe it’s because it implies a certain level of salesmanship and we’re “creatives”. Maybe it’s because the idea of “pitching” and what it means is still a bit blurry or perhaps it’s because pitching can be connected to public speaking and public speaking is rated as a greater fear than death.
Maybe your worried about all of the above. And quite possibly it’s also because your film really matters to you and you want to get the green light to make it. So the answer to your pitch is very important to you. No one wants to get a no. Not from a potential funder.
But, if you want to make a film – a really, really good film – you do need to learn to embrace the concept of pitching and raise some finance.
Pitches put you front and centre with decision makers who can finance and champion your film. In short: if you want to bring your vision to life, you need to master the process.
Listen now and I'll show you how!
Want to learn more from me? Head to www.MoonshineCommunicationsAcademy.com to find more great content and resources including my free ebook that will help you craft a compelling video story
Connect on social:
YouTube: @moonshinecommunicationsacademy
Instagram @moonshinecommunicationsacademy
Facebook: @moonshinecommunicationsacademy
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/moonshine-communications-academy/

📩 Want to stay up to date with the latest? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get all the inside news and resources to make you the best impact filmmaker in the business (plus, we'll send you our free e-book when you sign up - you’re welcome!)
Find & Follow Moonshine Communications Academy on social:
Website: www.moonshinecommunicationsacademy.com
Facebook: Moonshine Communications Academy Page
Instagram: @moonshinecommunicationsacademy
LinkedIn: Sue Collins [Host] || Moonshine Communications Academy Page [ Company Page]
X: @moonshinecomms

Filmmaking is a time consuming endeavour. While it might take someone less than 90 minutes to consume and fall in love with your film, it takes you and your team countless hours, many sleepless nights and endless shots of espresso to pull it all together.
From storyboarding your narrative to perfecting your script, securing talent and selecting locations and lets not to forget the actual filming and editing part! – let’s face it, a lot of blood, sweat and tears goes into making a movie.

However there is one part of the filmmaking process that can feel like it takes an eternity to create and get right. And it actually has very little to do with the overall look of your documentary feature film...but oh boy, can it make or break your production!

I’m talking about your proposal. AKA your ticket to funding your project. Because while documentary filmmaking will give you a great sense of accomplishment it also carries more than a few challenges. And writing a great proposal is one of them. A great proposal is directly related to the single biggest factor in determining if your film will be made. Finance!

And securing enough finance or funding to make what you envisioned in your mind is probably one of the biggest challenges a filmmaker faces.

Which is why in this episode I wanted to take a close look at crafting a proposal that’s so convincing, it’ll have potential funders begging to get behind you and your documentary. Writing proposals is something I do regularly and I’ve learned a lot of tips and tricks that help to get the structure and tone right. What to include and what to leave out. And sometimes it’s what you leave out that makes it more successful!
Listen now.
Want to learn more from me? Head to www.MoonshineCommunicationsAcademy.com to find more great content and resources including my free ebook that will help you craft a compelling video story
Connect on social:
YouTube: @moonshinecommunicationsacademy
Instagram @moonshinecommunicationsacademy
Facebook: @moonshinecommunicationsacademy
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/moonshine-communications-academy/

📩 Want to stay up to date with the latest? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get all the inside news and resources to make you the best impact filmmaker in the business (plus, we'll send you our free e-book when you sign up - you’re welcome!)
Find & Follow Moonshine Communications Academy on social:
Website: www.moonshinecommunicationsacademy.com
Facebook: Moonshine Communications Academy Page
Instagram: @moonshinecommunicationsacademy
LinkedIn: Sue Collins [Host] || Moonshine Communications Academy Page [ Company Page]
X: @moonshinecomms

In this episode, Sue Collins takes you through a 12-step plan to produce an indie film. The inspiration for this episode came from a post on the @MoonshineCommunicationsAcademy Instagram page, which had a basic outline of the 12 steps. However, due to the limited space on Instagram, the post didn't expand on each step and so that's what Sue does in this episode. Overall, the 12 steps discussed in this episode provide a roadmap for turning an idea into a cinematic reality.
The steps and relevant podcast episodes that dive deeper into each step are:
1. Develop a Clear Concept:
- Ep42 Ingredients for a successful documentary film proposal Listen here
-Ep35 How to develop your documentary Part 1 Ideation Listen here

2. Thorough Research:
- Ep 41 How to master pre-interviews Listen here

3. Create a Detailed Plan:
-Ep 44 How to effectively plan out your films pre-production phase. Listen here
- Ep 36 How to develop your documentary part 2 is planning. Listen here

4. Build a Strong Team:
- Ep 56 How to assemble the best crew to make your documentary film. Listen here

5. Secure Funding:
- Ep 43 How to pitch your film. Listen here
- Ep 34 How do you get your film funded? The three questions you must know who to answer. Listen here

6. Production / Capture Footage:
- Ep 54 The 5 key types of shoots you’ll do during documentary film production. Listen here
- Ep 53 - Looking at the big picture. Listen here

7. Embrace Flexibility:
- Ep 67 Being adaptable is vital for indie filmmakers. Listen here

8. Focus on Storytelling:

9. Post Production:

10. Legal Considerations:
- Ep57 The importance of getting consent from your film participants. Listen here

11. Marketing and PR Strategy:
- Ep 69 is all about how to define the ideal audience for your film. Listen here
- Ep 68 ho two use publicity to promote your film. Listen

📩 Want to stay up to date with the latest? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get all the inside news and resources to make you the best impact filmmaker in the business (plus, we'll send you our free e-book when you sign up - you’re welcome!)
Find & Follow Moonshine Communications Academy on social:
Website: www.moonshinecommunicationsacademy.com
Facebook: Moonshine Communications Academy Page
Instagram: @moonshinecommunicationsacademy
LinkedIn: Sue Collins [Host] || Moonshine Communications Academy Page [ Company Page]
X: @moonshinecomms

In this episode, Sue shares her simple recipe for great video storytelling. Because if you're going to all that effort to produce a video, you want to make sure it's actually watched, right? Right!
So what's this simple recipe for great video storytelling then? Well you'll need to listen to get the full rundown, but here's a quick overview to whet your appetite:
Step 1.
Purpose.
Work out why you’re making your video and what you hope it will achieve. This can be as ambitious as changing government policy or as shallow as boosting your online profile.
Step 2
Strategy.
Develop a strategy that outlines the desired results for your video and the steps you’ll take to get there.
Step 3
Creative take.
Don’t be afraid to make your video stand out! Add something a little bit different to your video that gives it a personal touch and keeps your audience super engaged.
After more video making advice? Subscribe to our channel! Mike and Sue have been making impactful video content for more than 10 years and now they're making it their mission to help you do the same! You can subscribe right now by heading here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/moonshineagencyaus
You can learn more about Moonshine Agency at www.Moonshine.Agency
And for here's the link to that episode that Sue mentioned in this episode too:https://youtu.be/ADVe7q5ouCs
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LinkedIn Sue Collins

📩 Want to stay up to date with the latest? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get all the inside news and resources to make you the best impact filmmaker in the business (plus, we'll send you our free e-book when you sign up - you’re welcome!)
Find & Follow Moonshine Communications Academy on social:
Website: www.moonshinecommunicationsacademy.com
Facebook: Moonshine Communications Academy Page
Instagram: @moonshinecommunicationsacademy
LinkedIn: Sue Collins [Host] || Moonshine Communications Academy Page [ Company Page]
X: @moonshinecomms