Deployed Soldier needs More Documentary Advice

[Christopher Feder]

Ok, so this is my second thread here regarding Doc's. I hope this questions isn't considered a stupid one by film professional standards. I am making a Documentary of my deployment in Afghanistan serving with the US Army. My intention is to film and show more of the "behind the scenes" of war rather then a film of combat and oppression. Here is my question. How do you write a film like this?!? It is “written” everyday I wake up and now and then I get some ideas of what I would like to put in the film depending on what I take video or still photos of. From time to time (Not enough) Ill write down on paper my ideas. Is there another way I could start to put this together on paper so maybe I can get an idea of where I really want to go? When making a documentary like this how does one put it together so when it comes time for post all that is needed is editing and possible narration?

Suggestions, Ideas, Opinions?!?!?

Chris

 

[seansshack]

Chris,

I would start with a pen and notepad and write a treatment outline. Get down all your ideas/memories/experiences - good and bad.

here is a fairly good link on treatments: http://www.csweb.ws/csw/index.cfm
other good tips here also.

PM your email address and I can send you a word doc of a treatment I wrote. Spent a lot of time getting a good template down and this one helped get a production company interested in the screenplay.

If you are still on your tour. I would keep a detailed diary. If back home. Just start planning it stage by stage as suggested above.

I haven't been involved in a documentary at this stage. But if you need some help I would be willing to lend a helping hand (no credit or jumping on your idea). Purely from a screenplay/script point of view.

I have done a bit of reading and research for a drama I wrote over the last few years regarding Iraq, so I have found myself admiring people who serve and put themselves in harms way.

I live in Ireland...