Time We Discuss: Become a Documentary Film Director, A Guide for Aspiring Filmmaker

Watch/Listen to this Episode Become a Documentary Film Director, A Guide for Aspiring Filmmaker

In this segment of Time We Discuss, we hear from documentary film director and producer, George Siegal. The discussion revolves around his work with Move the World Films, which focuses on creating documentaries addressing significant societal issues. Siegal shares his motivations for making these films, emphasizing the desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives by addressing topics like parenting and home construction.

Siegal elaborates on the challenges of film production, including the dual roles of producer and director, the intricacies of raising funds, and the lengthy process of securing interviews, particularly with high-profile individuals. He notes that it is important to have a diverse team and the difficulty of finding financial support, even from seemingly obvious sources like the concrete and insurance industries, citing his most recent film.

The conversation touches on the evolving technology in construction, such as additive manufacturing (3D printing) of houses, though Siegal admits his limited knowledge in this area. He highlights the importance of hands-on experience in filmmaking and acknowledges the value of networking in college film programs.

Siegal expresses his determination to keep working and finding the right projects despite the hurdles of being an independent filmmaker. He emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities and staying active in the industry, noting that retirement is not an option for him as he intends to keep working and enjoys the process.

Siegal addresses the challenges of getting films onto digital platforms like Netflix and the problem with getting videos on YouTube and Amazon Prime. Siegal discusses the financial constraints and competition involved, highlighting the difficulty in making substantial profits from these platforms, especially for independent filmmakers like himself. He acknowledges the uphill battle of securing distribution deals and the uncertainty surrounding the success of his current film project.

Moreover, Siegal reflects on his transition from being a weather person to becoming a filmmaker, describing it as a slow evolution fueled by his desire to tell stories in longer formats like documentaries. He shares personal anecdotes about missed opportunities in his career, such as turning down offers to become a meteorologist and includes a humorous story surrounding "Entertainment Tonight."

Despite the challenges and setbacks, Siegal remains optimistic and passionate about his craft. He talks about his current project, a movie titled Built to Last: Buyer Beware, and promotes his podcast Homeowners Be Aware, where he discusses homeownership-related topics. Throughout the interview, Siegal underscores the importance of perseverance, community support, and finding fulfillment in storytelling, despite the unpredictable nature of the film industry.

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