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The DocFix Documentary Storytelling Podcast

The DocFix Documentary Storytelling Podcast

Written by: Nigel Levy
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About this listen

Are you struggling to turn your idea into a great documentary story? This podcast takes you through the steps that world-class documentary makers use to create compelling documentaries from real-life ideas.

Whether it's for Netflix, The BBC, or Amazon, or you are just starting out, great storytelling is what your audience craves - it's the foundation of every successful documentary.

Those skills aren't down to talent or desire - it's simply a matter of knowledge.

Award-winning documentary maker Nigel Levy goes behind the scenes to discuss the key story skills behind some of the most successful documentaries and factual series screened, including those in which he's had a key role.

These include the Netflix hit F1: Drive to Survive, Natural History - writing for Sir David Attenborough - numerous feature documentaries and his TV docs The Language Master and Fatal Attractions.

You'll hear from writers, directors, and creatives working at the highest level in the industry. Ideas are easy; stories are like magic. Listen and understand why. There's really no need for any of this to be a mystery anymore.

© 2025 The DocFix Documentary Storytelling Podcast
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Episodes
  • The Supersize of Me of Black Magic...the Making of 'A Cursed Man' with director Liam Le Guillou
    Mar 25 2025

    Black magic is not something I ever expected to explore deeply, but when filmmaker Liam Le Guillou approached the DocFix with his idea, I was delighted to help. His premise - could he persuade practitioners of Black Magic to curse him, to see what it could teach him about the true nature of magic?

    On today's episode, we discuss the process Liam went through to create his documentary, "A Cursed Man." This episode is not just about magic; it's about the hard work needed to craft a narrative that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth.

    Filmmaking, especially the documentary kind, is not for the faint-hearted. Liam shares some intense behind-the-scenes moments that shaped his creative journey, whether it was filming in a bat-infested cave in Mexico or encountering a mysterious black magic practitioner in India. We navigate through the trials of keeping him and his team safe while ensuring the story's integrity and explore the fine balance between the two.

    Liam's dedication to reaching a Netflix-level standard reveals the challenges of independent filmmaking, from financial hurdles to the rigours of the edit. It's a testament to pushing creative boundaries while staying true to one's vision, no matter how unpredictable the journey.

    And for those interested in a program like The DocFix, Liam talks about the impact of the support he had in crafting a compelling narrative, and the importance of collaboration and community in filmmaking.

    You can watch in now, on Amazon and Apple TV

    Are you interested in joining the DocFix program and working with Nigel?

    Get started with our complimentary case study that shows you how the method is used in high-profile documentaries and to see if you are a good fit for what we do and how we work.

    Instagram: @nigel.levy.stories
    Facebook: Nigel Levy - The Doc Fix

    Incidental music composed by Birger Clausen

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    34 mins
  • The director of the Michael Jackson doc “Leaving Neverland", Dan Reed, on the art of exposing truth in documentary filmmaking
    Mar 12 2025

    What if the most impactful stories aren't about the events themselves but the human experiences they evoke?

    Dan Reed’s documentaries have earned 22 major nominations and 18 wins—for good reason. In this episode, I talk to Dan, the director whose hugely important films include the Emmy-winning Leaving Neverland, which investigates the sexual abuse allegations against Michael Jackson, and his Terror In… series, which explores the experiences of victims of terrorism. His body of work also includes numerous other acclaimed and award-winning documentaries that never fail to capture attention.

    He does this by creating compelling narratives through firsthand experiences, motivated by the importance of authenticity and empathy in storytelling.

    This episode focuses on the subjective lens of storytelling, revealing the disjunction between life before and after catastrophic events and the emotional depth it brings to the viewer experience. We also delve into the wider skills of documentary filmmaking, where we discuss the portrayal of complex characters and the narratives they create to justify their actions, shedding light on their motivations and emotions.

    Dan also talks about the power of collaboration between filmmakers and editors and how their broader interests and perspectives significantly enhance storytelling's emotional depth. Learn about the challenges and aspirations faced in documentary filmmaking and how building trust with subjects ensures truthful narratives. Our discussions also touched upon the broader impact of long-form documentaries in providing verifiable truth-telling in an era of commoditised information.

    From capturing the raw experiences of individuals during the tragic events of October 7th - One Day in October - to the ethical considerations of documentaries like Leaving Neverland this episode sheds light on the complexities of crafting impactful stories.

    This is a fascinating conversation with someone who has created his own documentary style, driven by a clear mission and purpose. Please have a look at the chapter markers to dig deeper into the lessons this episode provides.

    Dan Reed on IMDB

    Dan's 18 wins and 22 nominations

    Are you interested in joining the DocFix program and working with Nigel?

    Get started with our complimentary case study that shows you how the method is used in high-profile documentaries and to see if you are a good fit for what we do and how we work.

    Instagram: @nigel.levy.stories
    Facebook: Nigel Levy - The Doc Fix

    Incidental music composed by Birger Clausen

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    1 hr
  • How 'The Gladiator' cinematographer John Mathieson thinks about film, a unique perspective from one of the greats.
    Nov 28 2024

    When we sat down to talk, John Mathieson and just returned from shooting Gladiator 2 with Ridley Scott in Malta. He was part of the orignal team, having wenty-five years earlier shot the original iconic film.

    Afer that first collaboration he was the cinematographer for numerous films for Scott, including Kingdom of Heaven, Hannibal and Robin Hood. He also photographed the superhero film closest to being art, the Wolverine film 'Logan'. Other projects include The Man From UNCLE with Guy Ritchie, Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness with Sam Raimi, and many, many more.

    John began in documentary and pop videos, and in talking with him this conversation became a lesson in how an Oscar-nominated cinematographer thinks; he opens up about originality in filmmaking and the pressures that Hollywood puts on the process as it actually happens on set.

    While not directly related to documentary making there are tips about shooting your own films, shooting for the edit, capturing atmosphere on your locations and a lesson in his influences as a young filmmaker in the 1980s that made him one of the most revered cinematographes in the business.

    John Mathieson at IMDB

    Are you interested in joining the DocFix program and working with Nigel?

    Get started with our complimentary case study that shows you how the method is used in high-profile documentaries and to see if you are a good fit for what we do and how we work.

    Instagram: @nigel.levy.stories
    Facebook: Nigel Levy - The Doc Fix

    Incidental music composed by Birger Clausen

    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
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