Corporate Documentary Filmmaker

[Director Tom]

I'm new to the forum and thought I'd say "Hi."

I've been producing and directing corporate documentaries for 23 years, mostly for large Fortune 500's.

I've also produced films for local non-profits and smaller companies.

Was wondering if there is a place for corporate filmmakers in this forum?

Thanks,
Tom

P.S. Head over to my blog

http://www.directortom.com

[Luke]

Hello Tom, and welcome!

This sounds like an interesting idea, and we're very open to new ideas. Do you have anything in particular in mind?

Obviously discussions about corporate film making could fit topically under "Filmmaker Resources" and more generally under "Documentary Discussion."

I've read your blog and think there is some very good information there. In fact, I think I'm your second RSS subscriber . I'd definitely encourage you to post resources and share some of your knowledge about corporate filmmaking here as well.

I for one would like to see more resources available for filmmakers interested in corporate documentary films.

[Director Tom]

Hi Luke,

Thanks for subscribing to my blog Appreciate it.

I really don't have anything in particular in mind for this forum just yet...maybe readers could submit questions or ideas for a corporate filmmaker's section?

I'm open to anything.

Thanks,
Thomas R. Clifford
http://www.directortom.com

[Luke]

Tom,

I've been thinking about this today. How would you feel about writing up a FAQ (or some tips and recommendations) for people interested in venturing into corporate documentary films.

It could then then be made a sticky at the top of the "Filmmaker Resources" forum. As interest and questions increase, the topic could then be forked into its own forum at some point in the future if it seemed appropriate.

Just an idea...

[Director Tom]

Hi Luke,

Thanks for the follow-up.

FAQ's are a good idea. I'm flat-out for a while on shows and trying to maintain my blog!

How's this...let's invite questions and I can answer them.

That will be quicker than me taking time to write out a FAQ list.

Also, I was interviewd by Peace Through Commerce recently. Folks can access that interview here:

http://thomasclifford.squarespace.com/d ... ws-me.html

That may get the ball rolling for now

Thanks, again.

Thomas R. Clifford
http://www.directortom.com

[SamJ]

Here are a couple questions. How does one acquire corporate clients? Do they contact you or do you contact them directly?

How much can you get paid for this kind of work? I assume the amount is variable, but can you earn a respectable living?

[Director Tom]

Hi SamJ,

Good questions.

I've acquired clients strictly through word-of-mouth. I've also been in production companies or environments that attract businesses, so it's a bit easier to produce videos that way rather than being entirely your own.

The short answer is: clients contact me.

But story changes a little bit now.

I have recently co-created a new concept called Spiral Story for organizations. It's personal storytelling for companies so they can capitalize on their stories and host them in a central place. The free site is http://www.spiralstory.com.
The site offers audio only right now.

Now I have to sell the idea to current customers. Fortunately, it's being sold to our current Fortune 500 customers and it's attracting new clients I've never worked with...so it seems to resonate with some folks.

I get paid as a producer/director on a per project basis. After 23 years, I guess it's safe to say you can earn a decent living

Thanks for the questions.

Tom

directortom.com

[Josh]

Hi Tom. Thank you for fielding some questions.

I am interested in who ultimately has control of the content of a corporate film and how that relates to whether these films are documetary or propaganda (not a negative term per se).

Does the filmmaker have ultimate control of the content of the final film?

When a filmmaker takes a job is the focus on producing a piece that meets the goals of the corporation only?

If it is about how employees feel about some part of the company, does the director have to provide a represenative selection of views or are they supposed to portray the view the corporation wants only?

Thank you.

[danimations]

good questions, josh... so, when does a 'corporate doco' become just another corporate promo vid? As a paying customer, I'd assume most clients will be looking at eliminating the negative (or at least minimising it), no?

[Director Tom]

Hi Josh,

Glad to field some questions

1. Question: I am interested in who ultimately has control of the content of a corporate film and how that relates to whether these films are documetary or propaganda (not a negative term per se).

A: In my own situation, believe it or not, I have much control of the film. Ultimately, of course, the client has control. But I discover, create and promote the message as authentically as possible from the voices in the story.

It's funny...I deeply connect with the "heroes" of the film and don't think too much about the organization at large. My storytelling is driven by people who are passionate about what they do and how they are making the world a better place to live. I use the 'documentary' approach as I feel it most closely touches and captures the heart of the people I'm trying to portray. That is the bottom line for me. Plus, I've been raised in the documentary world, so I'm partial to that sytle. Of course, Errol Morris might have a different opinion

Is it propaganda? I've addressed this before in other interviews: everything, to one degree or another, is propaganda (IMHO.) Think about it. We're all selling or promoting something to someone somewhere. Call it what you will. If a product or service is designed to help humans evolve to a higher level of consciousness, then my goal is to capture that to best degree I can, given all the parameters I face.

2. Question: Does the filmmaker have ultimate control of the content of the final film?

A: I do not have ultimate control of the film, the client does. I must say I have been blessed with fantastic clients who have given me almost complete reign to create something for them. Once in a while, I have to adjust something, but clients want an authentic film so most of my material that I think should be in it makes it in.

3. Questions: When a filmmaker takes a job is the focus on producing a piece that meets the goals of the corporation only?

A: Good question. The answer is no. I'm producing a film now that is designed to effect a single viewer when they watch it...it's a deal-breaker for them.

4. If it is about how employees feel about some part of the company, does the director have to provide a represenative selection of views or are they supposed to portray the view the corporation wants only?

When I can, I try to get a sampling of views, so it's not one-sided or the views convey a diversity of thoughts. I'm big on diversity on every level. It's not a perfect world, and a filmmaker needs to recognize that...but it's good to keep the "higher intentions" in mind.

Hope this helps a bit Thanks for the questions.

Thomas Clifford

http://www.directortom.com

[MediaKen]

HI,


Firstly to introduce, I belong to MediaKen, we produce corporate films & documentary films in Delhi, India.
I believe there should a forum to discuss sensible corporate audio visuals, a place where people can talk about experiments & innovations in corporate videos as well.
These could be "actual" storyline, treatment or whatever, let us just bring more sense to the same, & improve current mechanisms, which is limiting this commercial art.
Any takers?

Ankit
MediaKen Productions
http://www.mediaken.com
Delhi