The Documentary Process


When you call Christopher Davenport’s office, he’ll be the one to answer the phone.  If he is out filming, he will be the one to call you back.  He will ask you about your vision, what you want to accomplish, how you want your viewers to feel when they finish watching your film, who your viewers are, and how you want this distributed (if required).   Once Chris has a good feel for your project, and you have a strong sense of the quality and depth Chris offers, you will move on to the next phase of production planning. 

Usually only one or two meetings or phone conversations are needed to establish a production schedule. Once you discuss and clarify the details of your project including pre-production, filming, editing, duplicating, and deadline, you can relax.  Your job is done.  

Filming with Christopher and his crew is always a memorable experience.  Whether it is a thirty-minute shoot or thirty-day shoot, you will laugh often and smile more.  Chris and a small crew will arrive at the specified location and promptly begin setting up the lights and camera.  Then you and/or your guests can share memories, experiences, and dreams.   The interviewer will prompt, encourage and entice further remembrances, and all-important details.  Often the crew will share your triumphs and sometimes your tears.  You will have left them, and others, with the treasured gift of your story.  Once these irreplaceable moments are captured on film, Chris and crew pack up the gear with a smile and a wave. 

After the filming is complete, Chris begins the long and solitary process of editing your footage.  First, every second of film must be watched and categorized.  Hours of raw film can take days and weeks to organize.  Then comes the fun and challenging part, putting the footage into a cohesive and compelling story with the right music, pauses, and punctuation.  Christopher will tell your story so that everyone who sees your film will know and remember you, share your vision, value your experience, and appreciate your influence.

Once editing is almost complete, Chris will show you a rough draft of the piece to get your insights and suggestions before the final editing takes place. When the final editing is finished, your video will be turned into a DVD or another format ready for viewing.

Now as the lights are dimmed, you get to take your audience on an unforgettable journey.





Contact Christopher Davenport



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