Non interested subjects, continue project? Anyone been through this?

M

mikecazzx

Well-known member
I feel my local mountain biking group has an interesting story to tell. I have a handful of people interested in making a short film about the history and creation of the local public use trail system. I feel the real heart of the film though could be the personalities and stories from the actual riders that use the trail. However...

There has been zero interest from the riders in being interviewed for a short film and surprisingly zero interest in even being filmed for the "fun" riding portions of the film.

I understand not wanting to be on camera and it is indeed a volunteer organization.

So my questions are...

Do I just forge ahead and if it turns out boring due to lack of participation so be it?

Do I just use it as an experience building project?

Do I "assume" others members will step up and get involved once they hear it is actually filming?

Has anyone been through a similar situation?
 
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ahh yes,,

I have gone thru it and am doing it again now. It is tough to motivate others of your own ideas. (because they have their own ideas and busy lives.)

I say you need to map it out clearly and when talking to others about it, you need to be able to make it attractive to them, to see where they fit in the big picture, and where it will be seen in the end.

Maybe after you have done this, they are still not interested, they may not have the same beliefs in the project direction that you do. Just tell them that you need to learn from them, get their perspective on the subject.

I do think that some of the hesitant ones will come around after you have done some shooting, and maybe put out a trailer that they can see. On the other hand, that is the gamble.

Some days, even after I have spent tons of time and money, I just want to pack it all in and tell them to screw themselves, but they don't care (why should they) so we do it for ourselves anyway.

The other day, after pouting to him on the phone, my friend, legendary cycling announcer Dave Towle told me, don't give up, these guys want the attention, they need you to tell their stories, they are just busy with their own lives."

Good luck and fight the good fight.

Brian
http://proroadaccess.com
 
MotionFx said:
ahh yes,,

I have gone thru it and am doing it again now. It is tough to motivate others of your own ideas. (because they have their own ideas and busy lives.)

Brian
http://proroadaccess.com
Click to expand...

Thanks Brian. It's great to get advice from someone who is a rider like myself and happens to be making a biking documentary at this moment. Too perfect. I think I will forge ahead and start filming and as you said try and get a short trailer out. Either others will then become more interested or they will use it as ammunition to shoot down the project.
 
When I started shooting bands I kept finding that after I showed them one video from a live shoot they wanted the rest as soon as possible, its amazing what a preview can do to sway people over.
 
Mike, what you just described isn't just limited to sports, it describes a major portion of Docs I consider.

I'm not an especially timid person and experience has taught me, it's my way or the highway. I'll listen to any idea or complaint but I make them the way I see fit.

My very first Doc that I ultimately scrapped involved a self defense shooting. The shooter was paranoid, egotistical and a lair.

He wouldn't be on camera...OK. Then he would only be interviewed on a street with more noise than the inside of backhoe...OK...Then the story changed with each take...then he wanted his voice changed, then he wouldn't show up for appointments, wouldn't sign releases with his real name....On and On.

He's lucky I didn't shoot him.

Make your plan and stick to it. If no one cooperates, file the footage you have for future use. You have to have some cooperation from those involved, or it won't work.
 
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