Introduction
The rich tapestry of history is woven with countless
stories, some etched in books, while others come to life on the big screen. The
decision of whether to share your history through a book or a documentary film
is a critical one, and it is not to be taken lightly.
Organizations like labor unions and family-owned businesses,
as well as individuals such as former congressmen or titans of industry, often
grapple with this choice. The decision goes beyond mere storytelling; it's
about legacy preservation, connecting with the audience, and leaving a lasting
impact.
In this blog post, we'll explore the pros and cons of both
mediums and emphasize the importance of structuring your preservation
storytelling with the end in mind. Moreover,
we'll strongly recommend considering the services of a professional
storytelling filmmaking company for a seamless and impactful journey.
Part 1: The Power of Storytelling
Before diving into the book vs. movie debate, it's crucial
to understand the power of storytelling in preserving history. Whether it's an
organization's journey, a family's legacy, or an individual's experiences,
storytelling is the thread that connects the past to the present and the
future. Stories have a unique ability to engage, educate, and inspire
audiences, making them a valuable tool for preserving history.
1.1 The Essence of Books
Books are timeless vessels of storytelling. They offer an
in-depth, immersive experience that allows readers to step into the shoes of
the storyteller. For organizations and individuals looking to preserve their
history, a well-crafted book can be a repository of knowledge, emotions, and
insights. Books provide a space for in-depth exploration, detailed
explanations, and a thorough examination of events and experiences.
1.2 The Power of Movies
Documentary films, on the other hand, are a dynamic way to
share history. They combine visuals, sound, and motion to create an emotional
connection with the audience. The power of film lies in its ability to bring
history to life, making it a compelling medium for organizations, families, and
individuals who want to engage viewers and leave a lasting impact.
Part 2: The Pros and Cons
Now that we've established the significance of storytelling,
let's weigh the pros and cons of both books and documentary films when sharing
your history.
2.1 Books
Pros:
- Detailed and in-depth exploration of events and
experiences.
- Allows for nuanced storytelling and character development.
- Readers can engage with the material at their own pace.
- Cost-effective to produce, especially with self-publishing
options.
- Simple way to monetize by selling digital downloads or
print on demand books
Cons:
- Limited reach compared to films.
- May not engage younger, visually-oriented audiences.
- Requires strong writing skills or the assistance of a
professional writer.
- Readership may be limited to those interested in reading.
2.2 Documentary Films
Pros:
- Visually engaging and emotionally impactful.
- Appeals to a wider audience, including younger
generations.
- Incorporates interviews, real footage, and music for a
more immersive experience.
- Potential for broader distribution through film festivals,
streaming platforms, and television.
Cons:
- Requires more significant upfront investment.
- Dependent on the availability of skilled filmmakers.
- Limited to a specific runtime, potentially restricting the
depth of storytelling.
- Can be a complex production process.
Part 3: Structuring Preservation Storytelling with the
End in Mind
Before diving into the book or film production, it's crucial
to start with the end in mind. What are your goals for preserving your history,
and who is your target audience? Answering these questions will help you make
an informed decision. This is the fundamental
starting point in our conversation with new clients at STORYSMART®. “Begin with the end in mind” is sort of a
mantra for us. Doing that on the front
end brings maximum benefit.
3.1 Define Your Goals
Whether you are a labor union, a family-owned business, or
an individual, your reasons for sharing your history can vary. It could be to
educate, inspire, raise awareness, or even pass down knowledge to future
generations. Clearly define your objectives, as they will guide the
storytelling process.
3.2 Know Your Audience
Understanding your audience is paramount. Different mediums
cater to different demographics. If your goal is to connect with a broader,
visually-oriented audience, a documentary film may be the way to go. However,
if you seek to provide a comprehensive account for scholars or a more immersive
experience for readers, a book could be the better choice.
3.3 Planning for Preservation
Once your goals and audience are defined, the preservation
storytelling process can begin. For books, this means structuring your
narrative, researching extensively, and crafting a compelling story. For
documentary films, it involves planning the visuals, conducting interviews, and
creating a captivating script. Regardless of the medium, meticulous planning is
key to a successful preservation project.
With our client work with STORYSMART®, we are big advocates for building
a digital archive that helps with your storytelling regardless of whether you
plan to do filmmaking, video marketing or publishing. The
value of organizing your collection comes into play from a fact verification
standpoint, as well as sharing beautiful visuals in your filmmaking and publishing.
Part 4: The Case for Professional Storytelling Filmmaker
If you're leaning toward creating a documentary film to
preserve your history, it's highly recommended to seek the services of a
professional storytelling filmmaking company. Here are some compelling reasons
why:
4.1 Expertise and Experience
Professional filmmaking companies bring a wealth of
experience to the table. They have the skills to handle the intricacies of
video production, including scripting, shooting, editing, and post-production.
Their expertise ensures a high-quality and engaging final product.
4.2 Resources
Filmmaking requires access to equipment, technology, and
personnel. A professional company has all the necessary resources at its
disposal, sparing you the time and expense of acquiring them yourself.
4.3 Creative Vision
Filmmaking companies have a knack for storytelling that
extends beyond the camera. They can help you develop a creative and impactful
narrative that resonates with your audience. Their creative vision can
transform a mundane story into a gripping, emotionally resonant film.
4.4 Efficient Project Management
Producing a documentary film can be a complex and
time-consuming process. Professional filmmakers excel in project management,
ensuring that your story is delivered on time and within budget. They can
handle logistics, scheduling, and coordination seamlessly.
4.5 Distribution Channels
A professional filmmaking company can guide you on
distribution strategies, ensuring that your documentary reaches a wide and
relevant audience. This includes submission to film festivals, online streaming
platforms, and television networks, helping your story gain the exposure it
deserves.
Part 5: Final Thoughts
In the age of digital media, there are numerous avenues to
preserve and share your history. Whether you choose a book or a documentary
film (or both in tandem), the key is to structure your storytelling with the
end in mind. Define your goals, know your audience, and plan for preservation.
Each medium has its pros and cons, and your decision should align with your
objectives.
While books offer depth and nuance, documentary films
provide a visually engaging and emotionally impactful experience. When it comes
to filmmaking, enlisting the services of a professional storytelling filmmaking
company can make all the difference. Their expertise, resources, creative
vision, and efficient project management can elevate your story to new heights.
In the end, the choice between a book and a documentary film
is a personal one, guided by your history, your goals, and your audience. Please
also know that you can do both and planning to do both in tandem provides the
maximum benefit.
Regardless of your decision, remember that the power of
storytelling is in your hands, and it has the potential to shape the way your
history is remembered for generations to come.
At STORYSMART®, we specialize in helping organizations with documentary
filmmaking to preserve their stories as a timeless legacy, as well as using
cinematic storytelling to help market their brand online. If you are interested
in learning more, please schedule a FREE storytelling filmmaking consultation
now.
About STORYSMART®
You have a story to bring to the screen, but you don't have
the time, talent, or resources to do it yourself. Telling your story well with
a film can be hard. Few can produce a do-it-yourself (DIY) video we want to
watch, much less a beautiful film we will always remember.
To do justice to your story on screen, you need a
professional filmmaker with the right skills, equipment, time, money,
storytelling, and filmmaking talent.
That is why STORYSMART® developed our premium filmmaking
storytelling service. We help discerning clients tell their story in the
amazing cinematic way they deserve with a proprietary done-for-you filmmaking
storytelling service unlike any other.
