For 15 years, Eidolon Films has been driven by a singular passion: telling compelling non-fiction stories that resonate deeply with audiences. Our journey has been one of constant evolution, marked by a relentless pursuit of efficiency, speed, and above all, a distinctive storytelling aesthetic. While we’ve honed our craft in every facet of production, the most significant transformation has been scaling our operation from a hands-on, wear-every-hat model to a sophisticated system where our vision guides every frame, even when we’re thousands of miles away.
From Doing It All to Directing It All
In our early days, the belief was that our unique aesthetic could only be achieved if we personally filmed every scene. We wanted our projects to carry a distinct visual signature, an intimate and authentic feel that we felt only we could deliver. However, a wise business mentor challenged this notion, suggesting that our limitation wasn’t artistic, but operational: we simply hadn’t yet mastered the art of hiring, training, and communicating our vision to a wider pool of talent.
This insight arrived at a crucial juncture. The demands of constant travel meant we were often out of the office, leading to a mounting backlog in the edit suite and an inability to efficiently manage multiple projects. Then, the world changed.
The Pandemic Pivot: A Global Need for Local Talent
The onset of COVID-19 brought an abrupt halt to our traditional way of working. Within days, all our existing contracts were cancelled, and the prospect of future projects involving international travel became impossible. Yet, the need to tell non-fiction stories from around the globe remained. We faced a stark choice: cease operations or innovate. We chose the latter.
This unprecedented challenge became the catalyst for a fundamental shift in our approach. We began to actively seek and collaborate with talented crews in locations like South America, Africa, and Asia, regions where travel restrictions prevented our physical presence. This wasn’t merely about finding local talent; it was about meticulously identifying individuals who could not only operate a camera but also intrinsically understand and deliver on the unique visual and narrative style that defines Eidolon Films.
The Eidolon Lens: What We Look For in a Crew
Finding the right crew is a nuanced process. We’re not searching for crews accustomed to sleek commercial shoots. Our focus is on capturing the raw, authentic essence of non-fiction storytelling. Here’s what sets an Eidolon Films crew apart:
- Intimacy and Authenticity: We seek cinematographers who are comfortable getting close to their subjects, capturing nuanced emotions and interactions. We’re not interested in distant b-roll; we want immersive, personal footage.
- Nimble Storytelling: The ability to capture beautiful interviews on the fly, often in remote and challenging locations, is key. We look for crews who can find the story in everyday life and present it compellingly.
- Technical Versatility with a Storyteller’s Eye: While gimbal and slow-motion capabilities are valued, the ultimate skill is the ability to capture a scene comprehensively. This includes thoughtful wide establishing shots, poignant close-ups, and smooth tracking movements that serve the narrative.
- Collaborative Spirit: Beyond technical prowess, we value crews who are flexible, proactive, and problem-solvers. Red flags for us include individuals who boast about their associations rather than demonstrating their work, or those who present barriers instead of offering creative solutions. We operate on a “yes, and…” principle: “Yes, we can do that, and we’ll need X or Y, or a bit more time.”
Ultimately, the deciding factor often comes down to that initial conversation. There’s an intangible quality – a shared understanding, a passion for the craft – that quickly tells us who we want to collaborate with.
The Blueprint for Success: Our Detailed Call Sheet
Once we’ve identified a promising crew, the real work of communicating the vision begins. Our call sheet is at the center of this process, a meticulously crafted document that ensures every member of the team understands the project’s goals, logistics, and artistic approach. The call sheet is more than just a schedule; it’s a comprehensive guide:
- Essential Contacts: All crew and subject contacts clearly listed at the top.
- Locations: Every filming location is listed for easy reference.
- Detailed Schedule: A thoughtful, hour-by-hour breakdown of activities, carefully accounting for travel, setup, breakdown, and, of course, lunch!
- B-Roll Breakdown: Specific descriptions of desired b-roll, highlighted for special requirements (slo-motion, drone, gimbal, tripod). This allows shooters to systematically capture and cross off each element.
- Filming Specifications: Precise framing guidelines for interviews, often identifying specific rooms or spaces and their optimal setup.
- Translated Interview Questions: A comprehensive list of questions, translated into local languages if needed.
This living document is continuously updated in Google Docs, reflecting new details right up until the shoot day. Prior to filming, we conduct a thorough review, ensuring the crew can ask questions and clarify every detail. We also share the written treatment for the project, allowing them to visualize how their segment will seamlessly integrate into the broader narrative.
The Power of Remote Direction and Lasting Partnerships
Embracing remote direction has dramatically expanded our capacity. We can now manage multiple projects simultaneously, with shoots unfolding across different continents while maintaining robust pre-production and post-production workflows.
Crucially, this model has allowed us to build a growing roster of trusted, talented crews worldwide. We prioritize repeat collaborations, providing constructive feedback after each project, which continuously refines their understanding of the Eidolon Films aesthetic. This iterative process fosters strong, lasting partnerships, transforming our global network into an extension of our core team.
The Unwavering Importance of Being There
While remote direction has revolutionized our business, it hasn’t diminished the importance of being in the field ourselves. Consistently engaging with subjects in their own spaces, understanding the core of their lives remains the fundamental basis of the work we do and why we remain committed to it. Our own field experience sharpens our skills, evolves our narrative approach, and ultimately makes us better directors.
The result? We’re telling more stories than ever before, bringing diverse narratives to audiences worldwide, all while maintaining the unified, intimate, and authentic vision that is true to the work we do.als, saving you time and money while amplifying your authentic message.
Contact us today for a consultation and let’s explore how we can help tell your global stories.
