Documentary Approach Brainstorm Session....Suggestions Appreciated!!!

D

Duct Tape Films

Well-known member
I'm about to start on my second documentary feature, at least I'm kicking around the topic and writing my treatment, and it's going to be a completely different approach than my last documentary, which was strictly run and gun and mostly about Texas politics. Since the completion of my last project, my wife and I have found out that our three year old daughter has Asperger's, a form of high funtioning autism - and when a topic like that touches your life in such a direct way, it becomes quite clear what your next topic as a documentarian should be.

At any rate, I'm kind of coming up blank as to how to best approach this topic - probably due to the notion that I would have to be IN this documentary, in addition to making it. Despite my background professionally, it's kind of hard to think about exactly how I would execute a doc about my family without it seeming home videoish. Also, it would require a certain stealthiness to shoot my daughter in her element, without being "daddy". I know there's a story to be told here - I'm just having a little brain constipation as to how to best execute it. If you had a story that involved you and your immediate family, how would you best go about telling it in documentary form?

Another question I have is the scope - should I be including more families touched by autism other than my own, or should I keep the focus narrow? Thoughts anyone?
 
Wow, first off sorry to hear of your daughters condition. Being that this is now a topic very close to your heart, I'd suggest getting someone else involved in the physical process of documenting this. By that I mean bring in crew to capture a lot of the moments with you and your family rather than you trying to be stealthy and shoot it all yourself. I'm sure as you sit and watch captured moments, the story will unfold for you a lot easier than trying to script something. It's also probably not a bad idea to meet other families in similar situations and see if there is a support group in your area. It's always good to have a different perspective and you never know what may develop from that.
Good luck and I'm sure it will be a heart felt story.
 
I would make it as personal as possible. why fight what is naturally there? as you said, you are a part of it and you would be the documentarain. if you have compelling content, the viewer is not going to care much about home videoish.

about the other families. why don't you keep your mind open to this as you meet other families. might be a good sidebar story.
 
ozduc said:
Wow, first off sorry to hear of your daughters condition. Being that this is now a topic very close to your heart, I'd suggest getting someone else involved in the physical process of documenting this. By that I mean bring in crew to capture a lot of the moments with you and your family rather than you trying to be stealthy and shoot it all yourself. I'm sure as you sit and watch captured moments, the story will unfold for you a lot easier than trying to script something. It's also probably not a bad idea to meet other families in similar situations and see if there is a support group in your area. It's always good to have a different perspective and you never know what may develop from that.
Good luck and I'm sure it will be a heart felt story.
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Thanks, ozduc. I've thought that it probably would be a good idea to get at least one other filmmaking partner on this, although I had also thought about getting a few of those new HV20's and mounting them in various locations, or maybe a combination of both approaches. My previous experience being non-narration documentaries, a la DA Pennebaker, I really am wondering whether this story can be told without head shot interviews and narration, like the sytle of documentary I prefer - or if, due to complexity of the subject matter - that format is simply unavoidable.

Also, and now I'm thinking about three steps ahead to editing, but I really don't want this to be sensationalistic, but I don't want to pussy foot around the issue either. I think some of things that are out right now are kind of alarmist, while simultaneously not giving much in the way of a real feeling of the type of changes this requires of a family. I guess an example of which would be the portrayal of meltdowns - basically sensory overloads which lead to severe uncontrolable tantrums which could last for hours - which seem to be somewhat overincluded in some of the other films on this topic, which as a filmmaker, I understand - they are visually dramatic, yet it seems that they aren't put into context - how they happen, why they happen, the sense of powerlessness you have knowing the only thing you can do in the midst is prevent them from hurting themselves. My feeling is, from what I've seen so far, is that no one has really scratched below the surface of this topic so far.
 
Alexa said:
I would make it as personal as possible. why fight what is naturally there? as you said, you are a part of it and you would be the documentarain. if you have compelling content, the viewer is not going to care much about home videoish.

about the other families. why don't you keep your mind open to this as you meet other families. might be a good sidebar story.
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There is another sidebar I have considered as well, although with the controversy over it I'm not sure I would feel completely comfortable with it. There is some debate over what exactly is the cause of autism - genetics, environment, vaccines, or a little of all of it even (like being genetically predisposed, but it takes the vaccine to actually trigger it), and here in Austin is one of the most controversial doctors who not only espouses finding a cure (MOST doctors think there is little that can be done), but is the main doctor who has put forth the theories that the additive Thimersal in vaccines plays at least some part in the spike of autism rates. Here's the thing - I don't want this to be a gothca film either, although I appreciate the work of Michael Moore, and other advocacy documentarians, it's not my bag. I'm more of a historian/cultural anthropologist in my storytelling style. How would integrate that aspect of the story into my more comfortable framework, or does the controversy surrounding that topic outweigh the intention of the filmmaker, it's a hot potato no matter what? I touch it, and I'm all of sudden an advocacy filmmaker as well? At this point, I'm not sure what I believe personally as a father, except that it doesn't matter HOW my daughter became autistic, but as a filmmaker, my proximity to the this internationally known sidebar makes it a little irresistable, and I would almost be remiss as a filmmaker if I didn't take the effort to just hop across town to integrate this into the film.
 
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I recommend that you not utilize your own family, at least right away, as the subject matter, for a couple of reasons. Before I share them, however, I suggest that first , you write down what it is that you would want your viewing audience to come away with after watching your video. This will shape a large part of whether you include your daughter or not. Do you want to bring a general awareness of this relatively unknown condition, named after the Swedish doctor by the same name? Do you want to show some of its specific symptoms to help other parents become more diligent to have early testing done when they recognize these signs? Do you want to bring more attention to the potential cure that your local doc is presenting? I think that once you have nailed this down, it will tell you, instinctively, if you should involve one family or several.

Okay, back to the reasons not to base your documentary on your own family. First, your personal experience has already given you a strong passion and desire to use your talents to tell a compelling story. This connection alone will bring an edge and a drive that will require more of your energy than you expect, and you'll need a safe haven in which to unwind and recharge during the project. Your home is the best place for that, without feeling as if you are always on the job, and should be filming...always.

Second, this condition is a permanent part of your family, so it will continue to affect you all in different ways. You may decide in a year or so to take a different approach with the topic, based on what you've experienced by then.

Anyway, best of luck to you and your family; I'm sure that you will do what will make the most sense for a complex situation!
 
Clutch1312 said:
I recommend that you not utilize your own family, at least right away, as the subject matter, for a couple of reasons. Before I share them, however, I suggest that first , you write down what it is that you would want your viewing audience to come away with after watching your video. This will shape a large part of whether you include your daughter or not. Do you want to bring a general awareness of this relatively unknown condition, named after the Swedish doctor by the same name? Do you want to show some of its specific symptoms to help other parents become more diligent to have early testing done when they recognize these signs? Do you want to bring more attention to the potential cure that your local doc is presenting? I think that once you have nailed this down, it will tell you, instinctively, if you should involve one family or several.

Okay, back to the reasons not to base your documentary on your own family. First, your personal experience has already given you a strong passion and desire to use your talents to tell a compelling story. This connection alone will bring an edge and a drive that will require more of your energy than you expect, and you'll need a safe haven in which to unwind and recharge during the project. Your home is the best place for that, without feeling as if you are always on the job, and should be filming...always.

Second, this condition is a permanent part of your family, so it will continue to affect you all in different ways. You may decide in a year or so to take a different approach with the topic, based on what you've experienced by then.

Anyway, best of luck to you and your family; I'm sure that you will do what will make the most sense for a complex situation!
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That's a good point, the need for a "safe haven", however for me, that is rarely at home - for many parents of children on the autism spectrum - the "safe haven" is more likely to be when you're at work. I do agree with the need for some perspective on the topic, and that there is no need to rush the process, it is going to be with us for the foreseeable future, in many shapes and forms. A "Seven Up" multiple documentary series approach, spaced out in some interval, has crossed my mind more than once in thinking about approaches.

To the answers in your first paragraph, I think the answers are yes, yes, and I'm not quite sure yet. I think my main function is giving parents of newly diagnosed children a clearer view of the road ahead, as that's half the frustration really from my point of view - the "well, so what do we do now" factor. It seems like nobody really has good answers, and simultaneously it can set your dander up if someone tries blowing smoke up your arse. Although parents of neurotypical (not autistic) children may not have any idea of how their child will turn out, there are some reasonable expectations there, even subliminally. A diagnosis of Asperger's, Autism, or PDD-NOS shouldn't change this, but I have yet to meet a parent that didn't, at least initially, feel a sort of loss, go through a greiving process of sorts. The realization that her possibilities are still as diverse as before the diagnosis, that she is exactly the same girl, takes time. I think it's right then and there that I would have appreciated something like the movie I'm kicking around in my head.
 
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I'm with Clutch1312 on this. You have the passion for this subject, but why do you have to use your own family? If you are a member of a support group, there may well be another family willing to open their house to you. This would give you a little distance from the situation, which I think you need to tackle a subject like this.

While you will unquestionably have great empathy for what you document, with another family there is more room for you to function as a filmmaker. On a personal level, it may also be very healthy for you to witness the trials and triumphs of someone else in a comparable situation and gain perspective from it.

Good luck with your daughter and your film.
 
There are many docs on various conditions, you wont come up with anything new but what you CAN do is something very personal, touching, and potentially inspirational. I would EMBRACE the home video style for this... I would watch Capturing the Friedmans and TV Junkie, both wonderful docs that use lots of home video. I would also recommend watching "My Life", a narrative film. If you have a personal story to tell, I think it will translate better from home video, the "interview" element could be a personal video diary, TV Junkie does this brilliantly.



ash =o)
 
I joined the forum after purchasing my DVX-100B and other equipment to be able to start production of training and documetary films related to my work. I happen to be a Director of Neurorehabilitation and have extensive experience in working with people with developmental disabilities (including Aspergers) and acquired brain injury. I would be happy to assist with your project. Feel free to get in touch.
 
Hey Duct,

My nephew was diagnosed with Asperger's around 3 years old, he is 8 now and although it has been a unique experience dealing with his condition I can tell you he is doing well, excelling in school, and for the most part is as normal as any other 8 year old. The only noticable effect has been on his social skills and even that is just slightly off "norm." If nobody told you he had it you just assume he was a kid who was a little less social then average. Early identification really helps in dealing with this condition so your family is very fortunate in that.

As to using your own family as subjects for a documentary I think that topic is brimming with controversy but ultimately if you and your family are comfortable with it, I say you should go for it. You would definitely need a partner to provide some perspective on the approach but there is a definite benefit from also having such a personal connection to the story you are trying to tell.

I am sure you have seen and probably read a bunch of the available books on Aspergers but if you haven't yet get, "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime," an amazing novel writing by a novelist with Aspergers. It tells a story from the perspective of someone with Aspergers. I understand they are making it into a movie as we speak. Also, either 20/20 or 60 minutes (I forget which) did an excellent report on diagnosing and treating Asperger about a year or two ago. That might help in doing your research for the documentary.

While you have my sympathies and I understand your feelings of lost, don't worry too much; it takes extra work but people with Aspergers can be just as intelligent, functioning, and fun loving as your average joe.

Good luck
 
Folderholder said:
I'm with Clutch1312 on this. You have the passion for this subject, but why do you have to use your own family? If you are a member of a support group, there may well be another family willing to open their house to you. This would give you a little distance from the situation, which I think you need to tackle a subject like this.

While you will unquestionably have great empathy for what you document, with another family there is more room for you to function as a filmmaker. On a personal level, it may also be very healthy for you to witness the trials and triumphs of someone else in a comparable situation and gain perspective from it.

Good luck with your daughter and your film.
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Thinking perhaps you are right, many of stories are quite similar in nature, so it doesn't really matter WHO the characters are - save for the fact that she is a girl and three years old (boys tend to be diagnosed four to one over girls), and much of the available literature is aimed at parents of older children, there's not much on preschoolers, period. I guess as a FILMMAKER, that's about the only reason for wanting to include my own daughter - the underrepresented subject. Obviously I am not only looking for professional satisfaction, but personal growth from making this film as well - my hope is that it can answer some questions that I not only have, but others seem to have as well.
 
AshG said:
There are many docs on various conditions, you wont come up with anything new but what you CAN do is something very personal, touching, and potentially inspirational. I would EMBRACE the home video style for this... I would watch Capturing the Friedmans and TV Junkie, both wonderful docs that use lots of home video. I would also recommend watching "My Life", a narrative film. If you have a personal story to tell, I think it will translate better from home video, the "interview" element could be a personal video diary, TV Junkie does this brilliantly.



ash =o)
Click to expand...

I'm a firm subsciber to "there's nothing new under the sun", and instead take pleasure in contributing the the greater framework of available history, as it is my perspective that is solely mine, and mine alone. As far as the "Caputuring The Friedmans" approach, it did occur to me to perhaps give a few families HV20's to capture their lives for a month or two, and use that footage, perhaps with some interviews as the basis for the film.
 
wabbit said:
Hey Duct,

My nephew was diagnosed with Asperger's around 3 years old, he is 8 now and although it has been a unique experience dealing with his condition I can tell you he is doing well, excelling in school, and for the most part is as normal as any other 8 year old. The only noticable effect has been on his social skills and even that is just slightly off "norm." If nobody told you he had it you just assume he was a kid who was a little less social then average. Early identification really helps in dealing with this condition so your family is very fortunate in that.

As to using your own family as subjects for a documentary I think that topic is brimming with controversy but ultimately if you and your family are comfortable with it, I say you should go for it. You would definitely need a partner to provide some perspective on the approach but there is a definite benefit from also having such a personal connection to the story you are trying to tell.

I am sure you have seen and probably read a bunch of the available books on Aspergers but if you haven't yet get, "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime," an amazing novel writing by a novelist with Aspergers. It tells a story from the perspective of someone with Aspergers. I understand they are making it into a movie as we speak. Also, either 20/20 or 60 minutes (I forget which) did an excellent report on diagnosing and treating Asperger about a year or two ago. That might help in doing your research for the documentary.

While you have my sympathies and I understand your feelings of lost, don't worry too much; it takes extra work but people with Aspergers can be just as intelligent, functioning, and fun loving as your average joe.

Good luck
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Last night I spoke with someone I've been wanting to work with about partnering up, and we're going to meet early next week and try to hash out a treatment. It's wonderful to hear about your nephew - at what age was he diagnosed? Did he do speech therapy, psychology, O/T, dietary, or a little of all of it? If there's one thing I'm learning through this whole process, it's that my wife and I have more adjusting to do than our daughter - it is certainly not our intention to CHANGE her, just to put ourselves in the best position we can to HELP her.
 
BTW - Thank you all so much for all the help thus far. This IS a great community, and it makes me proud to have been a DVXuser member for so many years.:dankk2:
 
This is a compelling thread and I wish I could have chimed in sooner, but I just spent 10 days filming in Morocco and the jet lag has been difficult to shake.

I worked with adults with developmental disabilities while living in New York. I fell in love with the field and it changed my life. While living there, I did a documentary on two childhood friends who reconnect late in life. Marilyn, born with profound mental retardation, was placed in the Rome State School in Rome, New York. She remained institutionalized for the next 48 years. Her childhood friend, Carolyn, believed that Marilyn was no longer living because Marilyn's parents never talked about their daughter again after she disappeared. When Carolyn discovered that Marilyn was alive, she tracked her down at a Group Home and began a friendship that is the focus of the film.

My current project follows the evolution of a young woman named Candi. Born with Cerebral Palsy and being non-verbal and non-ambulatory, she was also diagnosed with mental retardation. Candi, now 35, spent 16 years institutionalized in Corpus Christi, Texas then another 10 years in a Group Home. "Bluenobody's Daughter" will chronicle the struggles and triumphs of this young woman's journey through the system and her perseverance to reclaim her life.

In October, 2005, Candi left the Group Home and moved in with us. She is like a daughter, and nothing but a pure blessing. To say that she has flourished is an understatement. For 15 years, Candi's dream was to go to college, but no one believed it was possible. Well, in January, 2006, Candi enrolled in school and carries an "A" average. She now has a state of the art Communication Device that gives her a voice. It also enables her to take public transportation to school where she works with a student aid who helps her with notes, etc. while in class. Next month, she gets a power wheelchair allowing an even greater degree of independence.

Actually, I resisted doing an documentary on Candi. I felt like tackling a new subject. Candi and I discussed writing a book, through me, in her own words. We may still do that. So much of Candi hides beneath the surface. At first meeting, you can't grasp her amazing potential. But, her evolution was so spectacular, I gave in and went to work. I relate to the challenges you are facing. Since Candi lives with us, my wife and I have to be part of the story. I have someone helping me film, and he has over 30 years in the business, but it still doesn't solve all the problems. I don't like being on the other side of the lens. Not that I'm camera shy, but it's hard not to be aware of where the camera is (or where I think it should be!). But, I'm extremely pleased with the progress so far. I just try to make it as real as possible...life as it's happening.

Oh, one more thing: the reason we were in Morocco? This young girl that society threw away...she was asked to go to Morocco with a team that is trying to help teachers and parents at a school for children with disabilities. It was an incredible journey and she absolutely blew them away! They now have hope for the children.

I hope some of my rambling helped. I fully support your efforts. These stories need to be told! Please keep me posted.

-Bill
 
Bill Sullivan said:
This is a compelling thread and I wish I could have chimed in sooner, but I just spent 10 days filming in Morocco and the jet lag has been difficult to shake.

I worked with adults with developmental disabilities while living in New York. I fell in love with the field and it changed my life. While living there, I did a documentary on two childhood friends who reconnect late in life. Marilyn, born with profound mental retardation, was placed in the Rome State School in Rome, New York. She remained institutionalized for the next 48 years. Her childhood friend, Carolyn, believed that Marilyn was no longer living because Marilyn's parents never talked about their daughter again after she disappeared. When Carolyn discovered that Marilyn was alive, she tracked her down at a Group Home and began a friendship that is the focus of the film.

My current project follows the evolution of a young woman named Candi. Born with Cerebral Palsy and being non-verbal and non-ambulatory, she was also diagnosed with mental retardation. Candi, now 35, spent 16 years institutionalized in Corpus Christi, Texas then another 10 years in a Group Home. "Bluenobody's Daughter" will chronicle the struggles and triumphs of this young woman's journey through the system and her perseverance to reclaim her life.

In October, 2005, Candi left the Group Home and moved in with us. She is like a daughter, and nothing but a pure blessing. To say that she has flourished is an understatement. For 15 years, Candi's dream was to go to college, but no one believed it was possible. Well, in January, 2006, Candi enrolled in school and carries an "A" average. She now has a state of the art Communication Device that gives her a voice. It also enables her to take public transportation to school where she works with a student aid who helps her with notes, etc. while in class. Next month, she gets a power wheelchair allowing an even greater degree of independence.

Actually, I resisted doing an documentary on Candi. I felt like tackling a new subject. Candi and I discussed writing a book, through me, in her own words. We may still do that. So much of Candi hides beneath the surface. At first meeting, you can't grasp her amazing potential. But, her evolution was so spectacular, I gave in and went to work. I relate to the challenges you are facing. Since Candi lives with us, my wife and I have to be part of the story. I have someone helping me film, and he has over 30 years in the business, but it still doesn't solve all the problems. I don't like being on the other side of the lens. Not that I'm camera shy, but it's hard not to be aware of where the camera is (or where I think it should be!). But, I'm extremely pleased with the progress so far. I just try to make it as real as possible...life as it's happening.

Oh, one more thing: the reason we were in Morocco? This young girl that society threw away...she was asked to go to Morocco with a team that is trying to help teachers and parents at a school for children with disabilities. It was an incredible journey and she absolutely blew them away! They now have hope for the children.

I hope some of my rambling helped. I fully support your efforts. These stories need to be told! Please keep me posted.

-Bill
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Thanks, Bill. Looking forward to your finished product, and I will keep you posted on how this progresses. Perhaps I should start a blog about the process somewhere....

BTW - Where the heck is Scurry?
 
Ha! Scurry is about an hour southeast of Dallas. I'm out in the country, living on the very land where I was born. I grew up and lived most of my life in Dallas (except 8 1/2 years in New York).

We have friends in Austin. Candi was involved in the Partners in Policymaking program and part of her training was giving testimony in a Committee Hearing at the State Capitol (and this was before her Communication Device).

We are being beckoned there now that we have returned from Morocco. When we go, I'll let you know. Maybe we can hook up. You now have quite a bit in common with our group. Partners in Policymaking was an advocacy program for adults with disabilities and parents who had children with disabilities. Unfortunately, their grant was not renewed and Candi's class was the last one in Texas. A shame, because it impacted so many lives.

Best of luck!

-Bill
 
Duct Tape Films said:
Last night I spoke with someone I've been wanting to work with about partnering up, and we're going to meet early next week and try to hash out a treatment. It's wonderful to hear about your nephew - at what age was he diagnosed? Did he do speech therapy, psychology, O/T, dietary, or a little of all of it? If there's one thing I'm learning through this whole process, it's that my wife and I have more adjusting to do than our daughter - it is certainly not our intention to CHANGE her, just to put ourselves in the best position we can to HELP her.
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He was diagnosed sometime just around 3 years old, I believe it was a tad before his 3rd birthday. He didn't need any speech therapy but they do have a counselor who specializes in Aspergers who has provided them the feedback on how to keep him focused and behaving.

They also have a younger son who does not have Asperger, it is amazing to watch how they adjust their reactions to the two brothers behavior. With Asperger they need to be much more firm and really force his attention; giving very specific instructions and definitive actions and consequences. But again, to an outside observer you wouldn't even notice that he needs special care.

He does recieve special tutoring in addition to attending class with the rest of the students. I haven't been tracking his report cards but I am told he is doing extremely well. The dietary part I have not heard of, I will ask my sister about that (my sister's family has always eaten like saints straight from the food pyramid bible).

One of the things all of us have noticed is he has a strong bias towards the creative arts. Becoming a rocket scientist might not be in his future (not impossible but probably not playing on his strengths) but I can see him becoming a truly gifted artist...maybe even a indy director :)

Good luck and post a link when you get that blog started
 
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