Docs Done Write

It's hard to know what to write here to truly capture a profoundly joyous moment so many have been waiting for, none more than Jimmie "Chris" Duncan.

He walked out of prison today into the arms of family and lawyers who fought tirelessly for him, but also the supporters he never expected to be there - Haley Oliveaux's family. These are people who spent the last 32 years wanting him dead because they believed in the horror story the prosecution presented and a heinous murder that never happened.

Over the last 2 years I would discover it stole a piece of all of them. But I had the gift to share the truth with three families because they were open to hearing it. And they shared their own truth. Soon it will all be part of a beautiful tragic story of the ripple effects of injustice on people's lives and the road to redemption.

When Chris and I first started speaking he had 3 goals for his life on death row; help restore Haley's memory to her loved ones, help the next generation of children in her family not have to live with the burden of hate, and his freedom. Today I got to see all of that happen and the joy it brings. Jimmie Duncan is free.

A few spots left for PREMISE TO PITCH documentary workshop starting this Sunday Nov 3, 2025 from 1-4pm ET on zoom.

Taylor will be there (in my ♥️ and as my storytelling guru) and cats are welcomed.

Email: [email protected]

Happy to (finally) announce a new session of my "Premise to Pitch" documentary workshop for storytellers of all experience levels and genres!
NOV 3 - DEC 8 2024, SUNDAYS 1-4PM ZOOM
Limited space.
Email me at [email protected] for info.

This is honestly the most fun thing I've done in a long time and I'm excited to share all that I've learned this year on my latest doc adventures.

Earlier this year, DOCS DONE WRITE "Premise to Pitch" was big success as first time producers/filmmakers got option deals, got financed and into production, or just took the leap themselves into making their doc dream come true.

We talk editorial, we talk craft, we talk creative. This collaborative workshop series offers what I wish someone would have told me when I was starting out plus the lessons, tools, tricks, and game-changers I've picked up along the way. It's an inspiring way to move your storytelling skills ahead. For some people it's the chance for a guided/supported dive into that personal family story, social issue passion project, or true crime mystery in their head for years. I'd love to see production companies with a feature doc/doc series concept they want to advance sponsor a young development producer on their team. Grow your concept and your talent.

Looking forward to helping more people shape their own stories and share them with the world!

Back by popular demand! Are you an industry professional with some experience in storytelling who has a documentary idea you want to develop? “Premise to Pitch” is a 7 week online collaborative workshop that covers editorial, creative, budgeting/scheduling and pitching to industry pros.

If I get a few more people interested I’ll run a new session.

From our last group 3 of 8 people are on their way with their docs- either pitching, filming, or someone’s optioned their project. Invest in yourself and your ideas. DM me for more info.
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It’s PITCH DAY! This industry might be in a slump but we’re not!

Our last session of DOCS DONE WRITE workshop “From Premise to Pitch” is happening soon as three industry pros join our group to hear verbal pitches from our first round of attendees.

What an adventure it’s been! Not only are there some amazing docs to be made here (seriously) but I have learned so much and I’ve been incredibly inspired by the group’s characters, ideas, challenges and victories. Wish them luck!
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Next session - DIRECTOR’s POV! You don’t have to be a director to think like one, adding value to the EP/showrunner in pre:production, to your crew on set or in the field, or in the edit suite.

People have been telling me they want to talk about crafting an editorial and creative vision for character in their docs, doc series and factual TV. From true crime to comedy, history, travel to adventure these same concepts apply. It’s not about more time and money but better planning.

For those who want to reach premium we’ll talk editorial and craft for:

— memorable master interviews,

— turning boring b-roll into stunning scenes that infuse your character with mood and meaning,

— creative recrea (the many ways to present the past without being cheesy)

— building a character journey/story arc (character process, development, twists and turns, tension, laughs and moment driven verite)

Take one class or the 4 session series. Starting in April. Sunday 1-4pm via ZOOM. DM me or email [email protected]

I’m planning an upcoming workshop on just re-enactments. So many are cheesy. What are the ethics around them? Documentaries need to creatively represent the past. Let’s talk some cool ways to do that. What are your favs and most hated looks?

Watch this. This man, this moment and this message define our times in so many ways. This is the power of documentary.

From a CP article:

“You may think you have solved a problem, but Alexei Navalny is immortal, and the world is coming,” Daniel Roher said in a video call from his Toronto home on Friday

Roher, whose film “Navalny” won the Oscar for best documentary feature at the 2023 Academy Awards, said he was stunned by the initial reports of the prominent Putin foe's death, even though he had anticipated it.

“I'm surprised at how shocked I am,” said the Toronto-born filmmaker.

“For anyone who has followed the story of Alexei or who's seen our film, the possibility of his death, of his murder, was very apparent and very present.I still didn't think that it would happen,” he said.

“I held out hope and optimism that the end of Navalny's story would be that he gets out of prison and he is able to somehow run for office in Russia in a free and fair election, become the president and become one of the great leaders for the 21st century.”

One spot left!! Who is going to join our dynamic and inspiring group of diverse and international storytellers from all backgrounds and experience levels who wanna make a documentary? First session is Sunday and it runs every Sunday on Zoom until March 31 when our workshop folks pitch their docs to friendly and encouraging industry professionals. We’re talking editorial. We’re talking craft. We’re creating a vision and communicating it. #documentary #filmmaker #documentary_photography #story #storytelling #writingcommunity #writing #animation #songwriting

I’m overwhelmed by the response!

We’re filling up fast but there are still spaces for DOCS DONE WRITE’s first workshop - From Premise to Pitch style beginning Feb 18th - March 31 weekly on Sundays 1-4pm EST.

Build your doc/doc series concept, meet other passionate creators, and invest in an experience that will help you with all future projects, no matter the storytelling genre or platform.

Email [email protected] for more info and fees.