Producing & Directing a non-fiction film involves researching and developing a great story worthy of a documentary, constructing and overseeing the budget, fundraising, hiring experienced video crews, casting and conducting the interviews, writing the script, supervising the editing, choosing the music and/or working with the composer. When the film’s editing is finished, it’s the producer’s job to secure distribution and support its promotion. Our role may be some or all of the above. Projects include storytelling for streaming, cable or television broadcast distribution.

Writing for a documentary film is a different process than writing a fiction movie. It’s an essential part of the creative process during pre-production, when conceptualizing the story outline and the key elements needed for the film.

Writing a treatment about how you see the story is the starting point, which outlines the initial structure for the film. The treatment becomes a living document that will grow and develop as your reporting and production develop -and evolves into various drafts of the script. The treatment serves as a tool to keep the production team on the same page – and to cover the essential story points, key interviews and related elements that will inform the style and shape of the film.

Non-fiction or documentary storytelling involves the multiple logistical aspects of production all related to the organization of the project, from pre-production, location scouting, permits, releases, hiring the best crews and logistics. We emphasize the importance of pre-production where we can help develop the story, produce content, as well as supervise post-production.

Post-production is the editing of audio and visual materials to create a film. The editor follows the outline and assembles footage to support the script written by the director. The director-editor team will decide on the music (either original or licensed) and incorporates other visual and sound effects. These elements are woven together to create a multisensory experience we call a documentary or a movie. We have a network of editors we work with, locally or in New York and L.A.

Catalyst Media principal Glenn Silber is an experienced film consultant and “script doctor” for non-fiction films. We are here to help producer/directors meet their deadline and make their documentary the best film it can be. Catalyst Media is also an experienced messaging consultant for businesses, non-profits and political campaigns who need to focus their message. We can craft your “bumper sticker”-- and draft press releases to highlight your goals and plans for success.

All media strategies must have specific goals and an audience in mind. However, a strategy created and implemented to raise awareness of a non-profit issue or service is different than a strategy to promote the upcoming release of a movie or product.

A PSA or political ad can create awareness for an issue campaign or focus a message for a candidate. Promoting a documentary requires producing a strong trailer to expand the potential audience for the film. Whether a product, service, message or campaign, social media marketing and branding is necessary to expand your audience and increase the impact of your message.

We work with clients to create a customized approach to every project.

Developing and deploying an internal cross-platform communication strategy is what gives context and meaning to your mission or company initiative. A strategic communication plan sends a focused, clear message to motivate employees or members and brand change within organizations.