Get ready to be inspired by the stories of Joanie and Steve Wynn and Jeff Sandmann, who sat down with us to share their insights on making meaningful documentaries and finding motivation. Making a documentary is no easy feat, and it can take years to complete. That’s why it’s crucial to be passionate about your material. Joanie and Steve Wynn, a husband and wife team from Bayside Entertainment, know this all too well. They’ve produced a wide range of broadcast and corporate work, but it was an economic downturn that kick-started their current passion for filmmaking.
In 2009, as their corporate work was drying up, they produced a self-funded documentary on a group of women who traveled to Tanzania to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and refurbish classrooms at a school for AIDS orphans. The project aired nationally on public TV and received multiple Emmy nominations. More importantly, it was an awakening for Joanie and Steve. They realized that these were the stories they were meant to tell. The incredible transformations they saw among the participants inspired them, and the stunning locations and fascinating backstories made for great storytelling.
Similarly, Jeff Sandmann of Jumper Productions found his passion right in his home state of Texas. An enthusiast of the vibrant music scene in the state capital, Jeff had spent many a night at the renowned Saxon Pub. When he heard that the pub was in danger of closing due to the city’s economic growth, he decided to document the original place before it went away. He shot musical performances and interviewed the artists, patrons, and staff, capturing the essence of the pub and its importance to the local music scene.
Making a labor of love project happen is no easy task, especially when you’re working with a shoestring budget. Joanie and Steve Wynn and Jeff Sandmann all had to get creative with their resources. Joanie and Steve were fortunate to have the production resources and experience to do most of the producing, shooting, and editing work in-house. They also called in some favors for breaks on rates with music libraries, voice talent, and motion graphics. Jeff Sandmann brought in a producer to help him organize the project and reach out to artists and club owners about participating. With her help and the cooperation of all the folks who make their living at the Saxon, they were able to capture what they needed.
Shooting in third-world countries like Cambodia comes with its own set of challenges. Steve Wynn, who often works as a one-man band, had to consider power issues, backing up all his media, and having redundant equipment in case something got damaged or failed. He also had to be sensitive to the local politics and optics of a Westerner shooting sensitive subject matter in and throughout the towns, villages, and cities. Despite these challenges, Joanie and Steve Wynn and Jeff Sandmann continue to tell these stories, as often as they can. Their passion for filmmaking and dedication to their craft is truly awe-inspiring.When Jeff went to Cambodia, he knew he had to keep a low profile. So, he opted for a DSLR and a Sony EX3 to blend in with the tourists. In sensitive areas, he stuck to the DSLR to avoid attracting attention. To light his shots, Jeff used whatever was available, from reflectors to a white sheet hung on a stand. He even charged his batteries whenever he could to avoid power spikes that could damage his equipment. Jeff backed up his media cards onto two different drives and kept them in different places to ensure he had a backup in case of theft or damage.
When shooting in public areas, Jeff tried to be stealthy to avoid unwanted attention. But sometimes, you just have to jump into the action to get the best shots. Feel the energy, use your instincts, and act accordingly.
For his latest project, Jeff used a combination of interviews, live performances, and vintage footage. Most interviews were shot with two cameras, and live performances were done with three cameras. The archival live footage was provided by the Saxon Pub’s owner, Joe Ables, and archival photos were contributed by local musicians, photographers, and patrons.
Jeff’s advice to anyone starting out on a documentary is to find a subject they are passionate about. Making a film takes a village, so it’s important to bring in good people and be organized. And don’t forget to show works-in-progress screenings to other filmmakers and potential audiences to get feedback.Get ready to dive into the world of entertainment with these captivating industry insights! Join us for a conversation with the talented actor and director Melanie Mayron, hear from the powerful voices of below the line women, and discover the secrets behind animation scoring with The Blasting Company. Plus, get an exclusive look into the horror genre from the editor of “Us” and learn what it’s like to work with the legendary Jordan Peele. Don’t miss out on these fascinating discussions!
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