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How do filmmakers choose which events or experiences to include in a biography film?

Kim O'Hern

Filmmakers face a daunting task when it comes to creating biographical films. This is because they have to make choices about which events or experiences to include, which can take them down different paths. The final product shapes how the subject of the film is perceived, and this is crucial in biographical films.

The selection process for the events or experiences to include in a biographical film can be achieved through various approaches. However, it mainly relies on the filmmaker's vision and research. The filmmaker must identify the subject's unique characteristics, life-altering moments, and essential themes that will contribute to shape and drive the story. They must create a cohesive narrative that includes the critical points while maintaining the biographical integrity and authenticity.

Filmmakers who make biographical films go through an extensive research process to explore the subject's life. This process involves reading books, conducting interviews with people who know the subject, and searching through archives. It helps the filmmaker to identify the vital moments that will shape the subject's story. By gathering comprehensive information about the subject, the filmmaker can identify sequences and parts of the story that are essential to the story.

Another consideration that filmmakers take into account is the audience. The filmmaker must ask themselves, "who is the audience and what do they want?" The answer to this question guides the director's decisions regarding the choice of events to include in a biographical film. The filmmaker would need to consider their audience's knowledge of the subject, whether they have prior experience or not. This can guide the storytelling style, depth, and complexity.

The filmmaker must also consider the limited time available to them to tell the subject's story. A biographical film has a specific runtime, and the filmmaker must work within that time limit. The filmmaker must pick the key events that represent the subject's life while keeping the narrative concise. They choose what stories are necessary and can work around those stories to fill in the remaining time with events that represent the subject's life.

In conclusion, filmmakers determine which experiences or events to include in a biography movie through extensive research, the audience, and the limited time at their disposal. It is crucial to identify the fundamental moments that shape the subject's life and maintain the biographical integrity of the subject. The choices the filmmaker makes substantially shape the story they want to tell and impact the viewers' interpretation of the subject's life. A biographical film should be an accurate representation of the subject's life, while at the same time being entertaining for the audience.