Finding people for your documentary?

[FilmMakerr]

I'm wondering, how would I go about finding people to interview? I'm doing a documentary on junk food, and would like to get families that diet, or have health problems due to sugar, etc on camera for an interview. I would also like to get a couple of doctors to interview, how would I go about this? as far as finding these people?

 

[pranic]

Finding compelling subjects for documentaries can be very difficult. Probably the easiest first step is to post an ad on craigslist in the area(s) you're looking for people. My second step would be to seek out support groups or medical experts who deal with the types of issues you're looking to explore, and see if they would a) be willing to give you an on-camera interview about the problems these people face, and b) see if they could put you in contact with potential subjects.

You might want to start with your own doctor, and ask him/her if they, or one of their colleagues might know of support groups or other colleagues who would like to discuss the subject (either on or off-camera). Oh, and don't forget the google!

Good luck in your search!

 

[FilmMakerr]

First steps been done, gotta do the rest now. Thanks for the advice!

 

[HostFocus]

I'm wondering, how would I go about finding people to interview? I'm doing a documentary on junk food, and would like to get families that diet, or have health problems due to sugar, etc on camera for an interview. I would also like to get a couple of doctors to interview, how would I go about this? as far as finding these people?

Hello,

I produce/host a 30 minute variety show covering health to culture topics. I just did a "Diabetes Awareness" segment and had a Dietician as one of my guest speakers. I called my local hospital (Diabetes center) and from there, I secured the best medical professions in their field here in town to speak about the what foods to avoid, why and alternative ways to eat what we crave; sugar!

Also, October is the month for Juvenile Diabetes Walks so maybe this is the perfect topic for your next doc! I'm doing alot of promo interviews in early September for walks and race events that are happening in October soon. Good luck with your guest speaker/s!

"Everyone has a story
Host with passion
like their proud families
will be saving it for keepsake
for many precious years!"

-Sue

 

[dustino]

I would look to medical researchers at colleges and universities. Most of the time, these people are comfortable speaking on camera and are often very good at it (if they teach on a regular basis). Their employers also like them to participate in media projects as experts because it adds credibility and is good PR for the university. In LA, you should have no shortage of top notch medical professors. Email a concise but well-organized project outline and I'm sure you'll have no problem on the "expert" front. They might also be able to put you in touch with individuals and families, too. Good luck!