Re: Editing biographical documentary - creative advice needed

[Mark Suszko] "The key probably is finding a narrative device, like real-world props, or a central referencing location, as a "home base" from which the sub-stories radiate out, but always return to that base before going out in another direction.

And you need to have the overall shape of this program in your head before you go too far, or you may get so caught up in one of the better "spokes" you forget to relate it back to the "hub" and other spokes. The power of this approach is in the overall picture, how those elements all give each other context."

Firstly, I'm thrilled by the time and attention that you put into your reply, Mark. Thank you so much, I really appreciate the benefit of your experience.

Before posting, I had actually thought about doing the story backwards but since the subject's birth was just before World War 2 (she was a child through the London Blitz), I thought that the progression might give a 'riches to rags' feel and leave the audience feeling flat.

You're right about the linear style being a bit predictable. I'm worried that people will be looking at their watches as we move on to the "Swinging Sixties" after an hour.

I thought that if I start with the interviewees giving general thoughts (not anecdotes) about the principal lady, then that would introduce all contributors early on in the piece and make the opening quite bright and surprising.

There are two strong themes which emerge (artistic and political) both of which have roots in the lady's ancestry so maybe I could build the story around these.

If I do it this way, it will not be immediately obvious to the audience, however, which period of history the interviewee is dealing with. The video would dance from the nineties to the fifties for example. It would be nice to have a clever visual way of defining the year or time period the story jumps to.

(Not sure that I could mix the politics and art themes though. They don't really overlap so maybe I should deal with them serially.)

Anyway, some great ideas there, Mark, thank you. They have made me discard the obvious (and potentially dull) route of editing it decade-by-decade. The alternatives are more challenging but will probably make it more fun to edit too!