Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to some of the questions you might have about the methodology, how it works and whether it's a good fit for you. Please ask if you'd like to know more.

In December '21 I was interviewed for the World Congress of Science and Factual Producers. I went through some of the ideas behind The Doc Fix, and how they were used in a David Attenborough documentary and the Netflix series Formula 1: Drive to Survive. If you want to join us and see how this approach can work for you, please go here to get a case study that outlines our methods.

https://apply.thedocfix.com/apply-now

All the best - Nigel

What's Different About This Method?

23.05.2020

It's probably worth reading my longer post on my approach, but in essence, while having some concepts in common with storytelling approaches borrowed from drama, this system is tailored to factual programming. You will be able to control a story's structure, so it becomes straightforward to control the meaning of the story and how you want it to impact your audience.

Is It Right For Me?

22.05.2020

The principles behind this method are universal and apply to all stories. Once you understand and are interested in the fundamental structural approach to story, then you can very quickly take those concepts and apply them to any type of factual programme that exists.

How Quickly Can You Apply this Method?

22.05.2020

Like any skill, it takes time and practice to acquire the techniques, but within a few hours of learning these methods, you will start seeing all stories in a new light. From then on, it is about practising the techniques in as many ways as you can to refine your ability to understand and recognise the weakness in a story.

What about instinct & the edit 'process'?

22.05.2020

When viewing an edit that isn’t working, and the production is worried (which is when I’m often called in), then it would be dangerous to rely solely on my innate talent as a writer and director to find the solutions to what is on the screens. That can be very elusive and can be harder to find when the pressure is on.

Does it Work with Any Format or Genre

20.05.2020

It does.

My experience with these methods includes history and science documentaries, feature documentaries in music, art and history, as well as sports, entertainment and natural history. There are blog posts (Jack of All Trades, Hard Science ) where I talk about how using these methods has opened me up to working on stories in any genre.