The Checklist

Toronto and Yellowknife-based filmmaker Lesley Johnson shares insights from producing "And Still I Sing," a documentary following young Afghan singers under pop star Aryana Sayeed's mentorship as the Taliban returned to power. She discusses the unique challenges of coordinating international productions in politically volatile situations, from establishing safety protocols and crisis management st...

Bob Moore, Co-President and Creative Producer at EyeSteelFilm, shares insights from producing over 40 award-winning international co-productions including "Yintah" and "Twice Colonized," discussing how to evaluate project suitability, navigate different funding systems and tax incentives, and establish the essential legal frameworks before cameras roll. He walks through the critical intellectual p...

Guggenheim Fellow Danae Elon draws from nearly three decades of documentary filmmaking to discuss navigating pushback when creating work about polarizing subjects like identity, family, and contested spaces. She explores how filmmakers can maintain creative integrity while facing hostile reactions, the difference between provocative storytelling and mere controversy, and practical strategies for c...

Award-winning filmmaker and DOC National interim Executive Director Maya Bastian draws on 15 years of experience in conflict journalism and teaching filmmaking in war zones to discuss how to center well-being on documentary productions. She shares practical strategies for protecting both filmmakers and subjects when handling traumatic material, from supporting families fleeing violence in "Arrival...

Filmmakers João Vitor Corrêa and Nadine Valcin share their expertise on navigating the complex world of archival research for documentary projects, from knowing where to begin your search to managing rights clearances across institutional and community-based collections. They discuss how to balance your creative vision with available materials, budget effectively for archival footage, and avoid co...

Documentary filmmakers Nova Ami and Velcrow Ripper discuss the challenges and protocols of filming in dangerous environments, drawing from their experience creating "Incandescence," an immersive NFB documentary about increasingly intense wildfires. They share essential insights on establishing safety boundaries with crews, navigating restricted zones and building relationships with authorities lik...

Line producer Nicole McKechnie and documentary producer Lisa Valencia-Svensson tackle one of the most critical yet overlooked aspects of filmmaking: managing your production cashflow. They share practical strategies for navigating funding gaps, delayed payments, and unexpected expenses across different formats—from feature documentaries to series productions—while working with both domestic and in...

Acclaimed Canadian filmmaker Liz Marshall discusses how to develop effective marketing strategies for purpose-driven documentaries, drawing from her experience with award-winning films like "The Ghosts in Our Machine" and "Meat the Future." She shares insights on adapting marketing approaches across different distribution channels—from theatrical releases to Netflix—while balancing educational con...

Haida (Skidegate Eagle Clan) and Cowichan Tribes film producer Rosie Johnnie-Mills of House of Copper Films discusses what Indigenous Narrative Sovereignty means in documentary filmmaking and how to put it into practice. She shares insights on balancing authentic cultural representation with broader accessibility, navigating protocols for incorporating traditional knowledge, and the specific barri...

Emmy award-winning investigative journalist Habiba Nosheen and filmmaker Amar Lohana discuss their documentary "Bodies for Rent," which exposes the exploitative world of paid clinical drug trials. They share their essential checklist for creating investigative documentaries, covering everything from finding compelling subjects and navigating ethical representation to managing legal challenges like...