What I Do As A Director For Global Branded Films

My proven 5-step approach has built my reputation as a director and landed me multiple jobs in the branded & commercial space creating documentary series for global companies like Nike, Red Bull and The Olympics.

My Proven 5-Step Approach

1. Create a director's treatment

For most branded sports docs I've worked on, the client pre-determines the format (overall concept) of the series. 

They will then reach out to have me create a director's treatment based on that concept.

My director treatments typically include a rendition of the following:

• Title Page
• Logline & Synopsis
• Format 
• Talent & Descriptions
• Stakes & Story Arcs
• Approach & tone
• Look & feel
• Interview & scene locations
• Shot list & references
• Crew picks including: director of photography, editor, and colorist

I customize the content of my treatments based on the project, client, and feedback. 

There is usually a bit of back and forth between myself and the client until we lock in the final version. 

It's not unusual to update the treatment throughout different stages of the production process. 

2. Conduct pre-interviews & write interview questions

For most branded sports docs I've worked on, the client also pre-selects the talent ahead of hiring me. 

In my experience, they will select talent from their own pool of sponsored athletes and ambassadors.

I always ask to have 1 hour of time minimum to meet with talent so we can get to know each other ahead of shooting.

This call is typically supervised by the client and the athletes' agent or manager if they have one. 

The more time you can get the better! But athletes are busy and these branded gigs are usually pretty quick turnaround.

Then, Google and YouTube are your BFFs.

It is essential to dedicate time for detailed research in order to write interview questions and scene work.

Once I write out my interview questions, I share with my client for approval.

Pro-tips:

• Organize your interview questions chronologically (i.e. past, present, future)
• Bold each section by topic so it's easy to follow (i.e. early life & upbringing, personal life, career, goals)
• Start general and then get into specifics
• Ask open ended questions
• Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no'

3. Direct my talent & crew

As a director, it is important to have a good relationship with your talent. 

You don't need to be best friends, but it's good to be on the same page and get along even at a surface level. 

I work with my producer to communicate the schedule, shoot plan, and expectations to the talent. 

Often times, my clients have a designated liaison who serves as the middle person between my team and the talent. 

It's our job to ensure the talent is comfortable and taken care of on the shoot.

It's also our job to make sure our crew is aligned with the approach and vision.

On the production side, I will select the key creative roles on set and in post-production. 

Your producer should offer you this option, if not, you can ask for it.

In my experience, the most important roles to select are the director of photography, editor, and colorist.

These roles are key to fulfilling my creative vision on any project.

4. Take field notes

Believe it or not, taking solid field notes has been the number one thing that sets me apart as a director. 

Field notes can be used to record and share information about shoot days. 

They help me remember specific details & standout moments to communicate to my producer, editor, and client.

But field notes are extremely timely.

If I wait any longer than 1 day post-shoot to write them, I often forget important information that can make or break the post-production process.

5. Formulate edit plan & paper cut/edit

As a director, one of the most important skill sets I have is editing.

While knowing how to edit isn't a requirement, it can differentiate you from other directors in the post-production process. 

My edit plan includes writing a paper cut/edit, which is a written version of the film's structure.

I write my paper cuts based on my interview and scene work transcripts, and field notes.

• Requesting & reviewing transcripts from interviews and scenes
• Selecting quotes (with timecode) to use
• Arranging those quotes in order 
• Adding notes about the visuals, b-roll, and music 

Your editor will love you forever if you take the time to do the above.

Action Steps & Summary

Here's my proven 5-step approach to directing branded films & doc-series:

1. Create a director's treatment

2. Conduct pre-interviews and write interview questions

3. Direct talent & crew

4. Take field notes

5. Formulate edit plan & paper cut/edit