In order to make an impact with a documentary, we want to create an engaging and moving narrative from real life… which is always complex and messy. It could seem like there's an infinite amount of options, but no production has an infinite budget to keep trying things out.
Challenges are thrown up at every stage of the documentary process:
You may have found a great subject, but want to discuss whether it would make an interesting & powerful film. You may be attached to several storylines or characters & are unable to make a decision about where your focus should be. I can come on board right from the start to discuss your project.
I can come on board as you’re going into the edit to discuss how to manage huge amounts of rushes with no clear pathway through the woods. I will help you find a clear narrative, never losing sight of your subject’s truth.
I can come in towards the end of an edit. Several months down the line, with a ton of conflicting demands, director & editor may need some fresh perspective. There may be a cut but everybody senses that there is a more emotionally resonant narrative possible. I can help you find that film.
I am also keen to pass my knowledge to the next generation, particularly those from under-represented groups. Perhaps the director or the editor lack experience & need a mentor to suggest a way forward. In my experience it’s often possible to keep a good but inexperienced editor on a film with some story consultancy sessions. It also saves a lot of time & money lost to passing a project over to a fresh editor.
I have been a story consultant on a number of documentaries & series. I can view your cut twice & provide detailed feedback notes; or spend the day in the edit suite with you.
Please contact me or holly@incrowdagency.com to schedule a free 30 minute call to discuss your project.
Katie Bryer
Film Editor
Katie is a drama and documentary editor who has worked on many award-winning feature films, short films and series.
Her credits include:
'Maiden’, about the first ever all-female crew to take part in the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race. It was one of the top grossing documentaries of 2019. It was shortlisted for an Academy Award, nominated for a BAFTA and winner of the National Board of Review Best Documentary.
‘Virunga’, directed by Orlando von Einsiedel & produced by Joanna Natasegara - Academy Award nominated, Emmy nominated and BAFTA nominated.
‘Superbob’, a rom-com directed by Jon Drever, written by and starring Emmy award winning Brett Goldstein (Ted Lasso, Shrinking). The film was described as a 'modern romantic classic' by Ricky Gervais.
‘Bruce Lee & The Outlaw’, a film built from footage shot by the photographer Joost Vandebrug over the course of 8 years. It received 5 stars in the Guardian and continues to win awards across the world.
'Lost and Found’ and ‘Into the Fire’, short films directed by Orlando von Einsiedel for Nat Geo - Emmy and Grierson nominations.
‘Sophie: A Murder in West Cork’, Netflix series, which the Guardian described as ‘a sensitive and moving attempt to sketch the outlines of horror and grief’.
Katie Bryer
Film Editor
Katie is a drama and documentary editor who has worked on many award-winning feature films, short films and series.
Her credits include:
'Maiden’, about the first ever all-female crew to take part in the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race. It was one of the top grossing documentaries of 2019. It was shortlisted for an Academy Award, nominated for a BAFTA and winner of the National Board of Review Best Documentary.
‘Virunga’, directed by Orlando von Einsiedel & produced by Joanna Natasegara - Academy Award nominated, Emmy nominated and BAFTA nominated.
‘Superbob’, a rom-com directed by Jon Drever, written by and starring Emmy award winning Brett Goldstein (Ted Lasso, Shrinking). The film was described as a 'modern romantic classic' by Ricky Gervais.
‘Bruce Lee & The Outlaw’, a film built from footage shot by the photographer Joost Vandebrug over the course of 8 years. It received 5 stars in the Guardian and continues to win awards across the world.
'Lost and Found’ and ‘Into the Fire’, short films directed by Orlando von Einsiedel for Nat Geo - Emmy and Grierson nominations.
‘Sophie: A Murder in West Cork’, Netflix series, which the Guardian described as ‘a sensitive and moving attempt to sketch the outlines of horror and grief’.
Katie Bryer
Story Consultant
In order to make an impact with a documentary, we want to create an engaging and moving narrative from real life… which is always complex and messy. It could seem like there's an infinite amount of options, but no production has an infinite budget to keep trying things out.
Challenges are thrown up at every stage of the documentary process:
I can come on board right from the start to discuss your project. You may have found a great subject, but want to discuss whether it would make an interesting and powerful film. You may be attached to several storylines or characters, and are unable to make a decision about where your focus should be.
I can come on board as you’re going into the edit to discuss how to manage huge amounts of rushes with no clear pathway through the woods. I will help you find a clear narrative, never losing sight of your subject’s truth.
I can come in towards the end of an edit. Several months down the line, with a ton of conflicting demands, director & editor may need some fresh perspective. There may be a cut, but everybody senses that there is a more emotionally resonant narrative possible. I can help you find that film.
I am also keen to pass my knowledge to the next generation, particularly those from under-represented groups. Perhaps the director or the editor lack experience & need a mentor to suggest a way forward. In my experience it’s often possible to keep a good but inexperienced editor on a film with some story consultancy sessions. It also saves a lot of time & money lost to passing a project over to a fresh editor.
I have been a story consultant on a number of documentaries & series. I can view your cut twice & provide detailed feedback notes; or spend the day in the edit suite with you.
Please contact me or holly@incrowdagency.com to schedule a free 30 minute call to discuss your project.