While I worked on Abandoned Allies, my first feature-length documentary, something really cool started happening. People started recognizing me as a filmmaker. Then they started pitching me on ideas for future films.
It caught me by surprise at first. Then it got overwhelming. I kept thinking, “Please. I’ve gotta finish this one first!”
Then we got really close to finishing Allies and the pitches got really exciting. There were plenty of opportunities. So many great stories to tell. Of course, I shot down plenty of ideas. You have to hear a lot of ideas to find the right one sometimes.
Since then I have developed my own criteria for how I choose a project. In no particular order, here are a few questions I ask myself when entertaining thoughts of a new project:
- Does the idea excite me?
- Is the subject matter complex?
- Will I enjoy the research process?
- Is this something I can live with / work on for years?
- Will working on this project help me grow personally and professionally through gaining experience and new skills?
- Is the idea something I can enthusiastically talk about?
- Is the final film something I will be proud of the rest of my life?
- Does this project introduce me to fascinating, unforgettable people who I’d like to stay in touch with for the rest of my life?
- Does the finished film make the world better a better place in some way, shape, or form?
- Will I have access to resources to tell this story to the best of my ability?
- Most importantly: is this a story others will want to hear, enjoy, and share?
Yes. Those are some pretty big questions. But big questions are necessary.
We’re not talking about one, quick project are we? We’re talking about a lifetime of films that go in a portfolio and, hopefully, lead to more awesome projects. Thinking through each project is crucial.
To be quite honest, making a film is a LOT of work . It’s something you live with for a LONG time. It’s challenging, exhausting, and expensive. So the idea has to be amazing. It has to be worthwhile.
When I pick a project, it’s one that I genuinely believe in. It’s something that has a lot of potential. It’s something I can be proud to share.
Brewconomy has really helped me solidify my selection process. These vague ideas became something more recognizable, as if a fog had lifted. I’m very thankful for that.
I’m also ridiculously happy when I talk about Brewconomy. The subject matter meets and exceeds my wish list for a project. The people I’m working with are absolutely incredible. I’m so excited for our launch party that I can hardly stand it.
Your turn. How do you pick your projects? Do you have a list of questions or criteria you use? Or does the idea nag at you so strongly that you just have to tackle it? I’d love to know.