Black magic is not something I ever expected to explore deeply, but when filmmaker Liam Le Guillou approached the DocFix with his idea, I was delighted to help. His premise - could he persuade practitioners of Black Magic to curse him, to see what it could teach him about the true nature of magic?

On today's episode, we discuss the process Liam went through to create his documentary, "A Cursed Man."  This episode is not just about magic; it's about the hard work needed to craft a narrative that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth.

Filmmaking, especially the documentary kind, is not for the faint-hearted. Liam shares some intense behind-the-scenes moments that shaped his creative journey, whether it was filming in a bat-infested cave in Mexico or encountering a mysterious black magic practitioner in India. We navigate through the trials of keeping him and his team safe while ensuring the story's integrity and explore the fine balance between the two. 

Liam's dedication to reaching a Netflix-level standard reveals the challenges of independent filmmaking, from financial hurdles to the rigours of the edit. It's a testament to pushing creative boundaries while staying true to one's vision, no matter how unpredictable the journey.

And for those interested in a program like The DocFix, Liam talks about the impact of the support he had in crafting a compelling narrative, and the importance of collaboration and community in filmmaking. 

You can watch in now, on Amazon and Apple TV

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Incidental music composed by Birger Clausen

What if the most impactful stories aren't about the events themselves but the human experiences they evoke?

Dan Reed’s documentaries have earned 22 major nominations and 18 wins—for good reason. In this episode, I talk to Dan, the director whose hugely important films include the Emmy-winning Leaving Neverland, which investigates the sexual abuse allegations against Michael Jackson, and his Terror In… series, which explores the experiences of victims of terrorism. His body of work also includes numerous other acclaimed and award-winning documentaries that never fail to capture attention.

He does this by creating compelling narratives through firsthand experiences, motivated by the importance of authenticity and empathy in storytelling. 

This episode focuses on the subjective lens of storytelling, revealing the disjunction between life before and after catastrophic events and the emotional depth it brings to the viewer experience. We also delve into the wider skills of documentary filmmaking, where we discuss the portrayal of complex characters and the narratives they create to justify their actions, shedding light on their motivations and emotions.

Dan also talks about the power of collaboration between filmmakers and editors and how their broader interests and perspectives significantly enhance storytelling's emotional depth. Learn about the challenges and aspirations faced in documentary filmmaking and how building trust with subjects ensures truthful narratives. Our discussions also touched upon the broader impact of long-form documentaries in providing verifiable truth-telling in an era of commoditised information.

From capturing the raw experiences of individuals during the tragic events of October 7th - One Day in October - to the ethical considerations of documentaries like Leaving Neverland this episode sheds light on the complexities of crafting impactful stories. 

This is a fascinating conversation with someone who has created his own documentary style, driven by a clear mission and purpose. Please have a look at the chapter markers to dig deeper into the lessons this episode provides.

Dan Reed on IMDB

Dan's 18 wins and 22 nominations

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Incidental music composed by Birger Clausen

When we sat down to talk, John Mathieson and  just returned from shooting Gladiator 2 with Ridley Scott in Malta. He was part of the orignal team, having wenty-five years earlier shot the original iconic film.
 
Afer that first collaboration he was the cinematographer for  numerous films for Scott, including Kingdom of Heaven, Hannibal and Robin Hood. He also photographed the superhero film closest to being art,  the Wolverine film 'Logan'. Other projects include The Man From UNCLE with Guy Ritchie, Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness with Sam Raimi, and many, many more.

John began in documentary and pop videos, and in talking with him this conversation became a lesson in how an Oscar-nominated cinematographer thinks; he opens up about originality in filmmaking and the pressures that Hollywood puts on the process as it actually happens on set.

While not directly related to documentary making there are tips about shooting your own films, shooting for the edit, capturing atmosphere on your locations and a lesson in his influences as a young filmmaker in the 1980s that made him one of the most revered cinematographes in the business.

John Mathieson at IMDB

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Incidental music composed by Birger Clausen

Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, the creative minds behind "Superman, the Documentary," shed light on their inventive storytelling techniques and the profound life of Christopher Reeve. Together, we explore their decision to weave Reeve's action-packed past with his advocacy-driven present, crafting a narrative that is as compelling as it is emotionally rich. Their film, inspired by Reeve's own memoir, not only celebrates his highs but also honors his resilience alongside his wife, Dana, in overcoming life's formidable challenges.

Our conversation delves into the delicate art of balancing emotion with information in documentary filmmaking. Bonhote and Ettedgui reveal the strategies they used to connect with viewers on a deep level, especially through the lens of Reeve's later life. We discuss the story's universal themes and its social significance, touching upon how Reeve's personal triumphs potentially spurred medical advancements. The recognition of their work at Sundance is a testament to their dedication, and we reflect on the film's capacity to inspire acceptance and love, resonating with audiences today.

In our final discussion, we unpack the intricacies of independent filmmaking and the responsibility of portraying an icon like Reeve. From creative challenges like music selection and visual storytelling to the emotional weight of accessing Reeve's personal archives, Bonhote and Ettedgui share their journey of honouring Reeve's legacy. They express the immense responsibility felt in accurately capturing his essence, supported by Reeve's family and friends. 

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What happens when your documentary feels flat and unengaging, despite all your hard work? This was the main question behind a Masterclass I gave at  the World Congress of Science and Factual Producers.

We look at  why a lack of storytelling craft and mentorship in the industry often leads to issues with storytelling, and debunk the myth that extensive planning compromises authenticity. Also I  contrasts the techniques used in drama and documentary, highlighting the crucial need for structural organization to create compelling narratives.

As case studies I look at  both the Natural History documentary about Meerkats, with commentary read by Sir David Attenborough, and the storytelling techniques behind the hugely popular Netflix series "F1: Drive to Survive." 

I explain how the Netflix  series we used commentators and scripted lines to clarify the intricate dynamics of Formula One racing, weaving multiple narrative layers to offer a richer and more engaging story. I also look at  methods for balancing external and internal conflicts in documentaries, using examples from both racing and science documentaries. 

Are you interested in joining the DocFix program and working with Nigel?

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Incidental music composed by Birger Clausen

The art of documentary storytelling is not a static skill, but a journey with distinct milestones. 

I'm Nigel Levy, your guide through the labyrinth of crafting compelling narratives, and this episode of DocFix Documentary Storytelling Podcast is your roadmap. 

This is about unearthing the universal skills that will elevate your craft regardless of your starting point. From the spark of excitement  when you stumble upon a great story, to the daunting task of sifting through a mountain of material, here I explain the lessons learned in shaping raw footage into riveting documentaries.

In this episode, I map out the four stages of storytelling expertise that every documentary filmmaker goes through. We'll examine the pitfalls of ego and why mastering the elements of narrative is more crucial than ever. From the first tentative steps to the continuous quest for moral depth, I'll explain how a solid understanding of storytelling mechanics allows for creative confidence and control. 

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This episode it a little different, as it's a converation between myself and James, a student of the DocFix Program.

James' background is in drama, and later as part of the marketing department of Lionsgate Films, a very large US entertainment company and film producer and distributor. 

James came to us with his passion project, and his first documentary, to learn how to turn his idea into a powerful, meaningful story. This, by the way, is great evidence that the success of your film comes down to the storytelling - marketing and every other aspect of the process ultimately rests on that foundation.

As his background is in drama, it was a fruitful place to discuss the diffrence between the two types of storytelling that differentiate documentary and drama. We discuss that process, but also concepts such how vital it is to grasp the real meaning of your story, the power of simplicity in storytelling, the techniques of creating subtext (the incredibly important meaning that a great story always carries), clarity and more. 

I hope you find it useful and another way to gain insights and skill in the art and craft of documentary storytelling. And if you have any questions, please get in touch.

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Incidental music composed by Birger Clausen

Birger Clausen, the composer, is one of my closest collaborators, most recently on the two-time Emmy nominated (including for music and sound) and RTS winning 9/11: Life Under Attack.

In this episode we talk about many things - the relationship with the composer, mood and storytelling, the use of specific effects and the avoidance of cliche, trends in the industry and even the impact of Artificial Intelligence.

But, in this episode, it struck me that a key aspect was understanding the reality of giving up creative control. As a director, not a composer, you are relying on someone else's taste and texture. And in many ways, giving too much advice can be counterproductive. 

In this podcast, I tried to understand the composer's mind - how he or she thinks. Of course, I added a fair amount of music so you can hear the impact of various styles and approaches and the solutions composers and directors reach for their soundtracks.

The power of music to shape film narratives is at the heart of our discussion, and we explore the impact of simple motifs and the collaborative dance between director and composer. Hear how Birger, along with greats like Oscar-winner Volker Bertelmann in 'All Quiet on the Western Front', use music to convey emotions and cultural themes and enhance storytelling. 

We dissect the use of musical themes, the versatility of instruments, and even how a historical harmonium can encapsulate the brutality of war. The discussion shifts to the intricacies of genre-specific composing, highlighting the balance between innovation and meeting genre expectations.

You might hear me searching to understand a form I love - music - but one I have never been inside of; the act of music creation and its power to invoke an emotion. 

Of course,  feel free to get in contact with me if you'd like me to elaborate or be clearer about what I'm searching for.

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Incidental music composed by Birger Clausen

When Col Goudie joined me as the editor on a documentary I was directing about the one-legged World War 2 flying ace Douglas Bader, they turned up in a flying jacket and walking on crutches with a limp.

It was a co-incidence. Col is brilliant, but not that method! But it does indicate something of the enthusiasm and passion of this hugely successful documentary and drama editor. 

As an editor, Col’s fingerprints are on everything from the blockbuster success of Star Wars Rogue One, the indie gem Monsters and multiple documentaries. And this episode isn't just a chat; it's a masterclass in the subtle art of documentary filmmaking and editing, with a sprinkle of blockbuster magic.

It shows how a filmmaker applies the same diligent skills across the board, from small-scale dramas to the sprawling intergalactic saga, revealing the unexpected kinship between low-budget and blockbuster editing techniques.

Editing is more than just cutting; it's about storytelling above all. 

We explore the kaleidoscope of Col’s experiences, from finding the essence of the story hidden within hours of improvised footage to the practical tips that can save you from the cutting room floor. As Col says, even the most unsuspecting cutaway can be the thread that stitches a scene together, showcasing the artistry in restraint and the power of a fresh pair of eyes on a project. This episode lays bare the thoughtfulness and adaptability that goes beyond the technical, tapping into the intellectual curiosity at the heart of filmmaking.

Concluding this  masterclass, we shift the lens to the technical wizardry of blending real with the unreal in visual effects, and the discipline required when directors craft shots for the editing room. From the invaluable quiet of neutral cutaways to the rhythm of music crafting emotional crescendos, our guest dissects the elements that transform good footage into a great film. 

Each tale and technique further cements the idea that the heart of filmmaking lies in preparation, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of a narrative's truth. Join us for an episode that promises to inspire, educate, and elevate your understanding of the film industry through the lens of an editor's eye.

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Incidental music composed by Birger Clausen

This conversation tells the tale behind the meerkat soap opera superstars, a venture that started as a documentary idea and blossomed into a series with a massive following (fans include Tom Cruise and Robert Redford). The series creator Caroline Hawkins takes us from conception to realization, involving a  trip to Cambridge University, convincing a meerkat expert, and the challenges of shooting in the wild. This is an insight into the reality of the creator's journey.

We also discuss how natural history filmmaking is often bound by convention, and the challenges of attemption to push the boundaries. You'll uncover the importance of risk-taking in this industry and the incredible impact of drama composers in this realm. During production of the natural history thriller Fatal Attractions, hear about how we coped with the pressure during filming, drawing inspiration from renowned directors like David Fincher and Steven Spielberg to deliver what was promised.

As filmmakers, it's a constant battle to create something meaningful that resonates deeply with the audience. This episode is packed with insights into the importance of understanding your audience and designing stories to deliver a greater meaning. Discover the struggle of finding succinctly expressed stories and how making a documentary can sometimes become a passion project. 

We wrap the episode by revealing the critical role of risk-taking in the industry and how to make the most important stories - that talk about the problems in the world - into compelling and meaningful narratives. Not everything has to be feel-good, when the storytelling is done right.

Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or an everyday person looking for an inspiring behind-the-scenes story, this episode promises a wealth of insights and inspiration.

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Incidental music composed by Birger Clausen