Shows
The Documentary Filmmaker PodcastStarting Early & Growing Strong: A Guide to Audience Engagement Ep97In the 97th episode of the Moonshine Moonshot podcast, Sue is back with director and impact filmmaker Mike Hill. A slight twist this week, as it's Mike's turn to interview Sue, and the topic is building audiences for independent film projects.Have you ever tried to drum up an audience for your own projects? It's not as easy as it sounds. So Sue is sharing how to get into the driving seat and get underway with building a thriving audience for your next film. Because that's what it's all about, isn't it? Getting people to see your...2024-04-1621 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastThe Production Bible and how to use one for your Film Ep95In the name of lights, camera, action - and CUT 🎬 In the 95th episode of the Moonshine Moonshot podcast, your host Sue Collins talks about the importance of clear comms and the Production Bible - the ultimate assets for any production. A Production Bible is… well… “the” bible - it’s the gospel for your production. The production bible you create will be the ultimate documentation resource that houses every piece of info required to get your film underway. It will essentially become an instruction manual of sorts, that will help guide you to your desired filmmaking outcome....2024-04-0117 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastSimplicity, Saving Time & Sustainable Success for filmmakers Ep94“Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication”- Leonardo da VinciIn the 94th episode of the Moonshine Moonshot podcast, host Sue Collins discusses the beauty of simplicity; an art that is at times overlooked or not considered, but in reality, keeping things simple may just be the key ingredient you need to make things happen.Do you have a goal in mind but not sure how to achieve it? The answer is simple - planning. It’s pretty hard to get your production off the ground without a clear plan of what you want to achieve...2024-03-2514 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastWhen Story Met Impact: Using Impact Storytelling in your next Project Ep93In the 93rd episode of the Moonshine Moonshot podcast, host Sue Collins discusses the fundamentals that make a story impactful in filmmaking, and how YOU can use impact storytelling to create films that inspire real-world change.From the importance of a compelling narrative to the significance of a call to action - Sue explores how impactful storytelling can go above and beyond the “entertainment value” to engage and inspire audiences and highlights the use of storytelling to drive action and enhance awareness.Curious about the Moonshine Agency films mentioned in this episode? Explore them today:...2024-03-1313 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastLights, Camera, Equality: Women Leading the Way in Film Ep92With International Women’s Day approaching (on Friday 8th March 2024 to be exact!) we thought this would be a great topic for our 92nd episode. Your host, Sue Collins, discusses gender equality in filmmaking and emphasizes the importance of having women in leadership roles behind the camera (and beyond). Drawing from over 15 years of experience as a female filmmaker, Sue touches on her juggling act of being a dedicated producer and devoted parent. Since starting Moonshine Agency and running her own show (with the unconditional support of her partner, Mike Hill), Sue found the balance between parenthood an...2024-03-0620 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastChoosing which path to as a filmmaker in the film industry Ep 90Welcome to your first Moonshine Moonshot podcast for 2024!In the 90th episode, I'm (Sue Collins) reflecting on my own journey in the film industry, and discussing the different paths you - as a filmmaker - can take to help kickstart your film career: from freelancing, to working for others, or even running your own show.I'm sharing some of the learnings I have from starting out as a freelancer filmmaker to spending the last 14 years running successful impact film production house Moonshine Agency.This episode will help you with practical advice on navigating through the...2024-02-1923 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastThe Art of Conducting Effective On-Screen Interviews with Mike Hill, Ep 86This week host Sue Collins delves into the art of interviewing with special guest, Mike Hill. Mike's an award-winning documentary filmmaker and interviewer. Mike shares his experiences and advice for aspiring interviewers, emphasizing the importance of being engaged, a better listener, and on a journey of discovery. Listen in to find out how to conduct impactful interviews that make a difference. 00:05:51 Interviewing is about storytelling and discovery.00:11:20 Active listening is a learnable skill.00:17:13 Focus on the interviewee.00:24:22 Online course on interviewing skills.Whether you're a media professional or simply interested in...2023-11-2927 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastMotivation, where does it come from and how do you get more of it? ep85Looking for ways to stay motivated and make progress every day?We all need a little boost of motivation from time to time, and in this episode, Sue provides some tips and strategies to help you stay inspired and driven. So where does motivation come from and how can you harness it when you need it?Listening to inspiring podcasts and watching films by your favourite filmmakers to surrounding yourself with supportive people and learning new skills, there are ways to keep that fire burning within you.So where does motivation c...2023-11-1415 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastEp83 Conducting a Great Interview: Tips for Indie FilmmakersAre you producing a documentary film? You'll need to interview people, lots of people from all different walks of life. Interviewing can be something that people find as scary as public speaking. Something many people say they would rather die than do. So don't let a fear of conducting an interview be the thing between you and realising your dream film. In this week's episode host Sue Collins shares her top 3 tips on how to conduct a great interview that will have your interviewee sharing deep and meaningful stories. Sue has interviewed hundreds of people - everyone from Dr Tedro...2023-10-3116 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastThe Business of Filmmaking: A few things they don't teach you in film school Ep81In this episode, Sue dives deep into a topic that not typically covered in film school - the business of filmmaking. 🎥💼Here are three key takeaways from this episode:1️⃣ The Craft vs. The Business: While film school teaches us a lot about the art and technique of filmmaking, it often doesn't teach us about the essential business aspects. Producing work in the film industry involves much more than just the craft of making the film. But don't be discouraged! If you aspire to be your own boss and create your own work, you're in the right plac...2023-10-1015 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastThe Rewards and Adventures of Documentary Filmmaking Ep80In this episode, Host Sue Collins does a dive deep into the world of impact filmmaking and how to make movies that truly matter. If you're someone who is passionate about creating meaningful work and making a positive impact on your audience, then this episode is definitely for you.One of the key takeaways from this episode is the importance of exploring topics through documentary filmmaking. It is a truly rewarding experience that allows you to meet amazing people and go to places you never thought you would have the opportunity to visit. A...2023-10-0419 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastA 12-Step Plan to Produce Your Indie Film - Ep78In this episode, Sue Collins takes you through a 12-step plan to produce an indie film. The inspiration for this episode came from a post on the @MoonshineCommunicationsAcademy Instagram page, which had a basic outline of the 12 steps. However, due to the limited space on Instagram, the post didn't expand on each step and so that's what Sue does in this episode. Overall, the 12 steps discussed in this episode provide a roadmap for turning an idea into a cinematic reality.The steps and relevant podcast episodes that dive deeper into each step are:1. Develop a Clear C...2023-09-1918 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastBeyond the Credits: Leveraging Your Documentary Film for Long-Term Impact Ep 77This week on the Moonshine Moonshot podcast, host Sue Collins discusses the power of independent filmmaking and how it can be applied to various fields. Using a case study of a documentary called "Conquering Cancer," Sue encourages listeners to think beyond just creating a film and moving on to the next project. Instead, she advocates for hybrid distribution and maximizing the potential of each project. Filmmakers can avoid burnout and reach a wider audience by avoiding the constant cycle of starting from scratch. Your film doesn't have to be a one-and-done. It can be ongoing and help you build a g...2023-09-1216 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastMonetizing Your Film: Marketing Strategies and Distribution Tips for Indie Filmmakers Ep 76In this episode, Sue Collins gets into the importance of making money from the sale of your film and how marketing and distribution play a crucial role in this process. Sue emphasizes the need for independent filmmakers to become masters of marketing their own brands and films and shares tips on how to get started with marketing and also three ways to make money off your film. 📩 Want to stay up to date with the latest? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get all the inside news and resources to make you the best impact filmmaker in th...2023-08-0821 minThe Documentary Filmmaker Podcast5 Ways to Start Your Films Outreach PlanThis week host, Sue Collins discusses outreach and why it's important when it comes to making an impact with your film. She dives into five strategies you can use to start an outreach plan. These are strategies Sue uses when she produces her own impact films that reach their intended audience and support real-world change. 📩 Want to stay up to date with the latest? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get all the inside news and resources to make you the best impact filmmaker in the business (plus, we'll send you our free e-book when you sign u...2023-08-0112 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastThe 5 move strategy to make your film a reality. #73This week Sue shares a practical process for turning your dream project into a reality. With 15 years of experience in project planning, Sue finds that this system with five big moves can be applied to any project to get it started, planned out, and into reality. This system can be applied to projects of any size and can even be used for personal goals. You can often listen to experts, watch videos and read blogs only to be left scratching your head on how to apply the learning. You've been taught the what but not the how. And...2023-07-2013 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastMusic for Your Film: Licensing, Composition, and More on how to Get Your Film Made. #72This Moonshine Moonshot episode is a fusion. Part nuts and bolts on music composition, music licensing, and the pros and cons of both in filmmaking. Discussing whether you should hire a composer or license the music. Do you need a music supervisor? Can you do both?The second part of the episode is about getting your project made. You’re likely here listening because you are a filmmaker or an aspiring filmmaker and you want to learn about the craft of filmmaking or further develop your skills. But perhaps another big reason is because you want to know h...2023-07-1122 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastWhy being adaptable is vital for Indie Filmmakers Ep. 67From the point of ideation you'll have to think through your film in every detail. You’re thinking about the story and all the elements. You'll spend months planning everything.But filmmaking is a constant balance between detailed planning and flexibility. How will you handle it when things change, you hit a road block or something goes wrong?This episode is all about adaptability and why it's so important for filmmakers.So what are you waiting for? Listen in and let's make a movie!For MORE INFO check out our blog:...2023-05-3010 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastEp. 66 How to lead your film crewBeing the big boss on the film set is a difficult job, and it's one that you can master! And once you do, you'll be on your way to creating a film to release into the world. Speaking of releasing a film, Sue's also just released a Live the life you please across cinemas in Australia so you'll get a sneak peek behind the curtain on how that release is going!But the main event for this week's episode of Moonshine Moonshot is on how to lead your crew. Sue will discuss how your leadership sty...2023-05-2412 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastEp.65 Work-Life balance for documentary filmmakersNavigating a work-life balance when making a documentary is a tricky task! And one that Sue has become very accustomed to. To make it work, you need to learn how to make it work for you! How do you balance having a family? Or having holidays? Or stop yourself from completely burning out? (All valid questions!)So today, Sue is going to break down how she manages this exciting but crazy lifestyle.You can also follow us on social via these links: Moonshine Communications Academy Facebook @MoonshineCommunicationsAcademy https://www.facebook.com/Moo...2023-05-1716 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastEp. 63 Overcoming problems in documentary production: Troubleshooting tips! Part 2Documentary production is an exciting time, but it's also full of daunting obstacles that need to be managed. In this week's episode, we're talking through even more of the problems we've encountered as filmmakers and how we've dealt with them (or not!).We're going to discuss:-Faulty gear-Nervous talent-Losing locationsJust to name a few!For MORE INFO check out our blog:https://www.moonshinecommunicationsacademy.com/blogYou can also follow us on social via these links: FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Mo...2023-05-0224 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastEp. 62 Solving documentary production challenges: Troubleshooting tips!Making a movie can be a daunting task, and there are many potential mishaps that can derail your production. In this video, we'll share the top tips and tricks we've picked up over our many productions to help you avoid disaster!Including (but not limited to!)-Fighting nature-Sick crew-tricky talent-and faulty equipment Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out, this video is a must-watch for anyone looking to avoid movie production mistakes. For MORE INFO check out our blog:htt...2023-04-2615 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastEp. 61 Why you need to capture still images for your documentary production!There's more than just filming needed to make a movie - you've got to know how to take production stills!And it's not just for some fun photos to show your friends (as great as that is!). So in this Moonshine Moonshot, we're looking at WHY you need to take stills, how to get the perfect action shot for a poster, different ways to utilise behind-the-scenes pics and the key to getting the hero shot for your publicist. Bit more to it than you thought, right? Don't worry, we've got you.For MORE I...2023-04-1812 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastEp. 60 Planning to film your doco on location? Here's what you need to know!Filming in unique and unforgettable locations is definitely a perk of documentary-making! But it requires excellent planning to pull off. In this episode of Moonshine Moonshot, we're going to talk about the major differences between filming interstate or overseas, vs filming in your own town and all the different jobs, equipment, crew and time allocation that is needed to make your location filming happen.Ready to start making movies?For MORE INFO check out our blog:https://www.moonshinecommunicationsacademy.com/blogYou can also follow us on social via these l...2023-04-1115 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastEp. 59 Mastering Documentary Sound: All The Gear You'll Need For Your FilmThough capturing the moving image is a key part of movie making, so is capturing sound! So on this week's episode of Moonshine Moonshot, we'll be talking all things microphones, boom stands, and the importance of recording the best possible sound on shoot day. We'll cover lapel microphones, boom microphones, the zoom recorder and all the little neat gizmos and tricks that can help make your documentary the next Grizzly Man. So grab your microphone and let's get recording!For MORE INFO check out our blog:https://www.moonshinecommunicationsacademy.com/blog2023-04-0417 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastEp. 58 How to Film Your Doc: What Camera do YOU Need?What camera do you need to film your documentary? The number one question I'm always asked is ‘What camera do you use?’ It’s a great question and I love it because I know I'm among friends!There are a lot of different types of cameras out there, and it can be difficult to know which one is right for your documentary. In this video, we'll walk you through the different types of cameras we use and that could help you decide which one is best for your film.After watching this video, you'll know everythi...2023-03-2914 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastEp. 57 The importance of getting consent from your film's participantsWhen you're making a documentary film it is important that you get consent from the participants who appear in your film, or you might find yourself in quite a pickle. I know, sometimes it can be a little unclear as to when and who you need to get consent from. Luckily, in this episode of Moonshine Moonshot I'm going to break down everything you need to know about consent, AKA: how to get permission to use the footage you capture!Consent forms are sometimes called Talent Release forms or Participant Release forms or Participant consent f...2023-03-2114 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastEp. 56 How to assemble the best crew to make your documentary filmWho do you need on your crew? What are the essential roles that have to be filled at any shoots you set up? That’s what we’re digging into today so that by the end of this video you’ll know exactly who to hire and what you need them to do.To make the best film, you need a good crew! Cinematographer, director, lighting, sound, there are so many roles to fill. So, it's time we talk about your production and who you will need on your crew! Depending on the nature of your film...2023-03-1415 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastEp. 55 Creative decisions! 3 types of storytellers you can use to tell your documentary storyHey there filmmakers! In this episode, I'm sharing with you the 3 types of documentary storytellers you can use and how to choose the right one for your project. The storyteller in a documentary is like a guide, they take the audience on the journey. In some cases, a narrator will provide context and commentary. While in others, the storyteller may be a presenter who appears on screen to share key information and guide the audience through. Or, you can go in neither direction! And instead, use a protagonist.So, which one will you use? Or wi...2023-03-0715 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastEp. 54 The 5 key types of shoots you'll do during documentary film productionAs you would expect, production is a huggggge topic and I wouldn’t dare anyone to try and cover it in one single video! So today, we’ll be looking at the five key ingredients that every production needs. Well. Six, kinda. These ingredients are interviews, b-roll, observational footage, archival footage, specialist shots, and animation. But how exactly do they play into your documentary?Production is a massive part of the filmmaking journey. Luckily, we plan to be here with you the whole way. For MORE INFO check out our blog:2023-02-2818 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastEp. 53 Documentary filmmaking. Looking at the BIG pictureIt’s at this point in the process I find it best to come back to one simple question: ‘Why am I making this documentary?’ Really think about it. What was the idea that lit a flame in your mind that just couldn’t be put out? And why did you decide that a documentary was the way this story needed to be told?This week, we’re going to take the time to pull our heads out of the thorough and deep planning we’ve been doing and instead reflect and look at the BIG picture. ...2023-02-2008 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastEp. 52 Building your film websiteWelcome back filmmakers! it's now time for you to start thinking outside of your film... I’m not trying to be deep or metaphorical here! Your documentary is the centerpiece of a network of different materials that all compliment each other, and one element of this network is the website. And yes! You do need to start thinking about your website in pre-production. You can never be too careful when it comes to website development. Maybe it will take weeks or maybe it will take months. But it will definitely be a gamble. For M...2023-02-1415 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastEp. 51 Getting to know your film production equipmentIf you're planning on whipping up a documentary soon, hopefully, the next bit you read won’t rock your world too much: you need to know how to use your equipment!Your camera is your best friend. If it wasn’t for your camera - the likelihood of your film coming to fruition, is pretty slim. But like any friendship, you’ve got to nurture it. That means, getting to know it as deeply as you can. Knowing your tech simply means less obstacles and more creative possibilities. Which is exactly why pre-production is the perfect...2023-02-0719 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastEp. 50 The key to successful documentary film location scoutingYou’ve come a long way since we started this journey, but now it’s getting very real - it is time to start working out exactly where you will be filming. Naturally, preparation is key! The more you understand the locations you are shooting in, the less obstacles you’ll have to overcome on the day. Okay, when I read that back that seems a fairy obvious step in the filmmaking process and one that doesn’t need to explained. But there is more to it than it may seem. Location scouting is an incredibly...2023-01-3116 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastEp. 48 Building your documentary production teamCreating a documentary can be daunting process. But if you are tenacious, each week, you’ll get closer to seeing your ideas become a reality. To continue forward, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of pre-production. Which means working out exactly who is going to be working on your masterpiece. A production team is made up from a broad range of roles. From pre production to post, it’s best to know exactly who you're hiring to avoid any unwanted surprises down the lineFor MORE INFO check out my blog:https://www.mo...2023-01-1715 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastEp. 41 How to mastering pre-interviews with talent before you go into productionThis episode is all about pre interviews – Mike and Sue break down what they are, how to conduct one and why they think they’re so helpful for developing your documentary film. A pre-interview is an essential step towards crafting a well-told, engaging film story. And it’s exactly what it sounds like, it’s an interview you do with someone before you ‘officially’ interview them. They’re beneficial because it allows you to familiarise yourself with the interviewee’s story – and it also helps them become more comfortable with you (and your crew if you invite them along). Which...2022-11-2215 min
Keeping Up With The DirtbirdsEp.2: Talking Shite & Uneaten LunchesKeeping Up With the Dirtbirds is the podcast for women who can't quite seem to get their shit together, hosted by comedians Sinead Culbert and Sue Collins.
In this episode of Keeping Up With the Dirtbirds, we talk about the nightmare of uneaten lunches, why women love to talk shite 24/7 and the torture of automated lights in a public toilet. Plus, author and child psychologist, Dr. Endofmetether joins us again to share parenting tips inspired from her best-selling book ‘Why In The Name of Jaysus Aren’t They Eating Their School Lunches?’
Get in...2022-11-0330 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastEp.38 How to stay creatively motivated as a filmmakerThis questions is a big one! How to stay creatively motivated as a filmmaker? You’re no doubt hoping for a magic answer, a simple technique that would pull you thought and keep you feeling on top of it all. Because when filmmaking gets tough, when you feel like it’s a grind and you’re getting nowhere. It’s had to stay motivated and you need a way to get through. There are definitely times in filmmaking, or any pursuit really, where it feels impossible, thankless or just crushing. There have have been occasions where I find...2022-11-0112 min
Keeping Up With The DirtbirdsEp.1: What's For Dinner?Keeping Up With The Dirtbirds is a podcast for women who can't quite seem to get their shit together, hosted by comedians Sinead Culbert and Sue Collins.
In the first-ever episode of Keeping Up With The Dirtbirds, Sinead and Sue talk about being absolutely brutal at parking, surviving your in-laws and cheating on your hairdresser. There is also a contribution from expert child psychologist Dr. Endofmetether about how being asked 'What are we having for dinner?' 634 times a day manifests as stress in the body and may drive you to throw objects in blind rage.
2022-10-2724 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastHow to develop your documentary - Part 3: Conquering imposter syndromeThis week, I'm running you through how to conquer Imposter Syndrome – so that it doesn’t take hold and paralyse you during the filmmaking process. This is part 3 in the Moonshine Moonshot mini series, which will help you develop your documentary and take it from an idea to a ready-for-release motion picture. If doubt sets in every time you start a new project, you don't want to miss this episode. I'm going to show you how to rid yourself of those awful, anxiety-inducing questions like: “Do I have the knowledge to pull this off? Is this i...2022-10-2512 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastBonus: How to find time to make your filmSurprise! I'm jumping into your podcast feed today with a bonus episode to help you find something we all seem to lose track of – time. How does any filmmaker or content creator find the hours they need to craft the work they want to make? Time is precious and everybody runs out of it way too quickly. So I thought it was time (pun intended) to do a short episode on helping you find more of it so you can continue to produce amazing, impactful films. Listen now . To le...2022-10-2006 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastEp. 36 How to develop your documentary - Part 2: PlanningHello fellow filmmakers and creatives! Welcome back to my mini series on the documentary development process. I’m putting this together to help demystify what is involved in developing your documentary or narrative film idea from just an idea into a project ready to pitch for funding. I kicked off last week with a deep dive into getting clear on your story – ie figuring out your genre, defining your idea and immersing yourself in your story’s world. If you missed it, you can catch up by clicking here. You can also watch the episode of Moonshine Moonshot...2022-10-1816 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastEp. 35 How to develop your documentary - Part 1: IdeationSo you’ve got a brilliant idea for your next (or perhaps it’s your first) documentary. Now it’s time to get to work. But how on earth do you take a concept that exists in your mind and craft it into a living, breathing film? Taking a project from idea to completion is no mean feat. And if you haven’t been to film school or attached yourself to a great mentor then its a process that can be hard to learn without doing. And in that doing, there will be many times where you have to gue...2022-10-1115 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastEp 34. How do you get your film funded? The three questions you must know how to answer.Are you considering making a documentary? Do you already have a story in mind? When you’re deeply passionate about a topic or cause, documentary films are a fantastic way to share the story and have others discover or learn about it as well. Once you’ve crafted your work and put it out into the world, documentaries have the power to shift hearts and minds. I’m sure you can already imagine the buzz as the lights come up and you see your audience enthralled and inspired, clapping with admiration and a new passion for the content...2022-10-0423 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastS2 Ep. 33 How to distribute your documentaryHello, fellow impact filmmakers. In this epidose, I’m discussing something I know you will be interested in. And how do I know that? Because almost every conversation I have with an emerging – or even established – filmmaker leads to the same question: How do you distribute your impact film or documentary? The thing is, there’s no one clear-cut answer that I can give. Because in 2022 there are endless ways to distribute your film and the landscape feels as if it is constantly changing too.The way my team and I released films 15 years ago is quite...2022-09-2717 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastS2 Ep. 32 Why your film will benefit from hope based messagingHope-based messaging? What is it and why is it useful for impact filmmaking and communications in general really? It’s the way I communicate for all of the projects I produce and it’s defiantly worth putting some thought to as you develop your own work.So my first hope-based message for you is that I hope you’re having a really great day, that you’re listening as you walk in the sunshine or driving to and from a really productive meeting or perhaps enjoying a day off. I know hard you work, being in a creative i...2022-09-2014 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastS2 Ep. 31 Everything you need to know about calls-to-action Ah, The Call-To-Action. Or the ‘CTA’ as those in the know refer to it. It’s quite possibly one of my favourite parts of the video-making process. Namely, because it’s where I ask my audience to get involved and be part of the story. When I began producing impact films over a decade ago, I wasn’t familiar with using a CTA. It wasn’t as common. Passively viewing entertainment was the absolute norm. So I really had to think about what would be effective when asking the audience to do something. Audiences weren’t used to...2022-09-1314 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastS2 Ep. 30 Can screen testing help you craft a better video story?Can screen testing help you craft a better video story?A screen test is kind of like a job interview for actors. But if you’re making documentary or a factual project, and you don’t have actors, why would you need to do a screen test? Today I’m going to share with you why it’s still going to be a very useful tool for you in your pre production.Welcome to this weeks episode of Moonshine Moonshot, I’m your host Sue Collins and this is where I share with you all the things...2022-09-0613 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastS2 Ep. 29 How to come up with ideas for your video projectsIf you’ve ever sat in a boardroom with your colleagues to “brainstorm” a new project, video or campaign, you’ll know how tedious and tiresome coming up with ideas can be. I’m not sure what it is about the word “brainstorming”. But as soon as someone mentions it – POOF. Suddenly every creative thought you’ve ever had vanishes. Your mind goes totally blank and all you can think about is what you packed for lunch. I hear this all the time. I think being told to suddenly ‘get creative’ puts you under a lot of pressure. Over th...2022-08-3113 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastS2 Ep.28 Film review: 'House of Gucci' – why you should review films.Sometimes there are movies that get under your skin for all the right reasons. Either the storyline is so gripping that it stays with you for days after. Or there are lines in the script that you find you go over and over again in your mind. And then there are the other movies. The ones that definitely leave an impression …but in all the wrong ways. Learning how to analyse films good and bad, is one of the best ways to develop your own craft.Was it bad because the acting was wooden. Did plot...2022-08-2314 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastS2 Ep 27. How to make your videos more accessibleAre you neglecting part of your audience without even realising it? If you’re about to produce a video, this episode couldn't have come sooner. I'm about to walk you through how to include some easily overlooked tactics that can make your video more accessible. Voila, your audience just got bigger in all the right ways. From Instagram reels, to TikTok clips, YouTube series and Netflix produced feature films, there’s no denying that video content is everywhere these days. But do you know what limits all that amazing video content? Accessibility. Which is...2022-08-1613 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastS2 Ep 26. How to use video to attract volunteersAre you a non-profit organisation or charity wondering how to use video to attract volunteers? Well, you've landed on the right podcast. I've always said that if a picture says a thousands words, a video says a million more. Actually, it tells the whole story. I mean, when it comes to building relationships, communicating messages and sharing stories, video is about as close as you can get to having a heart-to-heart with someone in person. Don’t you think? It’s probably why more and more marketers, advertisers, communications professionals and nonprofits are using videos in the...2022-08-0911 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastS2 Ep 25. How to create an effective fundraising videoIf you’ve been following this podcast for a while, or if you’re a loyal watcher of the Moonshine Moonshot series, (gold star if you’re both!), you’ll know how much I rate video communications. I have dedicated my career to making movies, after all. And I’m not alone. Today, videos are being made by pretty much everyone. It’s not just a creative outlet pursued by filmmakers, influencers or media personalities anymore. The rise of TikTok and Instagram reels has given everyone a shot behind the camera. No fancy film degree required! ...2022-08-0212 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastS2 Ep. 24 Why a format will help you make better videosFormat. Now that word probably sounds about as sparkly to you as ‘spreadsheet’. Or ‘data analysis’. Or – shudder – ‘budget’ But please don’t click pause! I promise you that the context I’m about to use the word format in can excite you. Because in this blog post I’ m steering my focus to video formats. Why? Well, I firmly believe that crafting a video format is one of the best ways to woo your audience and keep them coming back to your content. I employ a format for almost every video I create – from 2 minute shorts for my compa...2022-07-2611 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastS2 Ep.23 How to make your videos more creative Part 4Can you believe I’ve reached the fourth and final instalment in my mini series on creative video techniques. Time flies when you’re making movies, right!?While I’ve already considered performance, lighting, graphics, camera angles and a variety of other techniques in parts one, two and three, there’s actually a few more creative tactics that you can utilise to push your video story forward. Things like location, set dressing and wardrobe. I promise that all three can really enhance the overall production value of your video. Listen now to find out what I...2022-07-1915 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastS2 Ep.22 How to make your videos more creative Part 3Lights! Graphics! Music!Ok, so that’s not exactly the cue you or anyone in the business of filmmaking is used to. Lights! Camera! Action! Is what most of us in the industry screech at the beginning of a take. But lately I’ve been challenging myself – and you! – to think outside the film canister. If you’ve been playing along at home, you’ll know that I’m getting to the pointy end of this mini series, which is all about helping you produce creative and engaging videos that will leave your audience wanting...2022-07-1214 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastS2 Ep. 21 How to make your video more creative Part 2 S2E21It's time for part 2 of my capsule series which is all about helping you make more creative videos. If you missed part one, you can catch up now by scrolling back in your feed and listening to episode 20. I'll leave a link in the show notes. Last time, I covered the clever camera angles, camera movements and speciality shots that you can incorporate into your next video to keep it more interesting for your viewers to watch (and more interesting for you to make!). But this week, I’m delving into on-screen performance, narrati...2022-07-0509 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastS2 Ep. 20 3 ways to get more creative with your camera Part 1Recently, I've been thinking about how to make my videos more creative videos. Because I'm time poor and I don't want to waste any precious hours producing – let alone watching – boring ones.So how do you make more engaging videos? Well that’s I'm unpacked in this week's episode. Actually, I'm dedicated a whole capsule series of the show to this very topic. Because it’s not really something you can nut out in 10 minutes or less. Since launching Moonshine Agency almost 12 years ago, I've mastered a few tried and tested techniques...2022-06-2811 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastS2 Ep 19. How to turn one video into multiple pieces of contentAre you struggling to make enough content? Between YouTube, Facebook, your website and Instagram, there’s a lot of platforms you need to be seen on. Not to mention LinkedIn (your professional and company pages), Twitter, Pinterest and ReddIt. It can feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of content creation and distribution. And oh boy – it can be exhausting. But what if it was actually way less time-consuming than you thought? What if you could simply take one piece of content and turn it into many? Sounds like magic, doesn’t it? Guess...2022-06-2117 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastS2 Ep18. What should come first – the content or the audience?Should you create content for your audience, or find an audience for your content? This dilemma feels a lot like the chicken or egg predicament that harks back to ancient times. And it seems to baffle content creators just as much as the latter torments scientists! So today I’ve decided to unpack this little conundrum …starting with the answer (well, what my answer is at least). Mike Hill – my co-host on the Moonshine Moonshot series – and I disagree on the whole content-before-audience or audience-before-content debate. In Mike’s words: “You really need to f...2022-06-1409 minThe Documentary Filmmaker PodcastS2 Ep. 17 Should you niche down to find an audience for your film?This week I’m asking if defining your audience can help you connect with the right people – or if niching down is actually limiting your film’s reach. Because I’ve found that a lot of people out there – filmmakers and film-lovers alike – think that “great” films appeal to everyone. And in the early days of my career, I was one of them. I distinctly remember sitting in front of a commissioning editor with a new project I was incredibly excited about. When they asked me who it was for, I said “My project is SO important! I know...2022-06-0710 min