Creating and Supporting Stories That Will Change the World

/

In their Candid Conversation, Chris Temple and Zach Ingrasci, co-founders of Optimist and award-winning filmmakers behind the Netflix successes Living on One Dollar and Salam Neighbor, spoke about their newest documentary, Five Years North, which was accepted into the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival this spring. They also shared insights into how we can all create and support stories that will change the world. The key is starting now. 

When it comes to the review process and creating a story, Chris shared, “One [technique] is to trust your gut the first time you watch something of how it makes you feel. It’s not about what it was like when you filmed it, because there are so many other factors that happen that aren’t captured on camera. There are past relationships we have. There are other conversations we had with people -- but if it isn’t captured on camera, and it doesn’t move you when you watch that piece back later, maybe it isn’t as powerful to an audience. So you really have to trust your gut on that.” 

When discussing the perspectives shown and the characters they focus on in their films, Zach said "These choices that we make as storytellers or as filmmakers or journalists or whoever of how to tell these stories, and it’s something that we think a lot about because they’re kind of huge decisions that you need to make from the beginning.” He continued, “We look for these stories or people or topics that give us these kinds of like core reactions. Like truly just like in your gut." 

Chris and Zach also discussed:

  • The importance of relationships in documentary filmmaking and how to build and sustain them

  • The impact Five Years North had on their perspective and understanding of immigration

  • Advice for students looking to be documentary filmmakers or storytellers and how to do that, even during the pandemic

Watch Chris and Zach’s Full Candid Conversation!

Additional Resources from Chris and Zach:


CONNECTING WITH OUTSPOKEN AGENCY AND OUR SPEAKERS

If you haven’t had the chance to listen and watch our Candid Conversation videos, we encourage you to take some time and find the video that resonates with you. Other conversations may be viewed on the Candid Conversations page here. Our speakers, who are experts in their fields, outline great advice and contribute real value to modern conversations today through virtual events, workshops and more. 

If you would like to explore how you may host our speakers at your next event, please don’t hesitate to email us.