It’s hard to beat the feeling that comes from knowing you’ve created a film with the power to engage and move an audience. But getting there is rarely straightforward, and the challenge of overcoming creative and editorial roadblocks can take its toll on your schedule and budget – as well as the quality of your work.
Through 25 years at the frontline of factual filmmaking, I’ve developed approaches to keep projects away from trouble at all stages of production. So whether you’re an established production company or an emerging filmmaker, I can keep you moving forward with confidence. Always focused on crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences and critics alike.
Nic Guttridge, Story Consultant
“His input on structure and the crafting of complex narrative layers helped create a very strong and thought-provoking film, that has now been picked up by Netflix.”
PRODUCTION SUPPORT
Whether you’re looking for a safety net for your project across the entire timeline of production, or a quick solution to a specific problem, I’m available in a consultancy, troubleshooting, or rescue capacity - working face to face or remotely. Providing all the reassurance you need at all points of the creative process, without the expense of a full-time executive producer.
Pre-Production Support
The road to success starts before you’ve recorded a single frame. Without robust planning, story mapping and script development, you’re at risk of costly setbacks down the line.
Filming Support
Successful shoots are the backbone of a successful film, but unpredictable contributors and unexpected plot twists can derail the best-laid plans.
Post Production Support
The cutting room is where the magic happens. But navigating rushes, nailing structure, and engaging an audience is challenging - and wrong turns can be damaging for your film and budget.
“Nic is one of the few rare talented gems who get the power of storytelling. ”
MENTORING
A thriving documentary world is one that empowers the widest range of voices and visions. Whether working with first time directors, supporting rising talent, or collaborating with established filmmakers and production companies, mentoring is at the heart of what I do.
In addition to giving focused support within specific projects, I run a number of workshops to help sharpen skills, boost confidence and develop reputations.
Become a Self-Shooting Director
Run in conjunction with Directors UK and DV Talent, this is an immersive three-weekend course that provides thorough technical and editorial skills development to self-shooters of all levels. Through a combination of in-person training, practical exercises and virtual masterclasses, by the end of the course all participants will be delivering strong story-focused rushes that will enable the edit to build engaging and good-looking sequences.
**Applications now open for 2024**
The course takes place in Belfast, Bristol, Glasgow, London and Manchester.
Shooting for the Edit
Without workable rushes, great stories can struggle to see the light of day. Now in its tenth year, this highly regarded course arms filmmakers with the knowledge they need to deliver outstanding content to the cutting room. Ideal for production companies looking to get the best from their shooting teams, and individuals wanting to build their confidence and visual storytelling skills.
Duration: 8 hours
Compelling Storytelling
This workshop provides an essential guide to creating stories that engage and hold an audience – lifting the lid on many of the methods I’ve developed throughout my career. Structured around the key stages of a film’s evolution, we explore techniques for storytelling best-practice, and identify strategies for navigating the pitfalls that prevent so many films from reaching their full potential.
Duration: 3 hours
Interview Masterclass
Whether studio-based or grabbed on the move, interviews are the lifeblood of many factual films. From question research to location selection, the power of body language to the art of empathy, this seminar works through ’20 Top Tips’ that will arm you with the tools to put your contributors at ease and produce honest and powerful content.
Duration: 3 hours
“Nic has been of invaluable service to three feature length films I’ve been involved with. He’s an extremely generous collaborator… a huge help in solving difficult structure and story problems. His cool, calm and logical head is a consistent godsend. ”
NIC GUTTRIDGE
Mentor, Documentary Campus Masterschool
Mentor, Campus Istanbul
Broadcast Award nominated ‘Single Documentary’
BAFTA short-listed ‘Single Documentary’
BAFTA Scotland winner ‘Factual Series’
BAFTA nominated ‘TV Features’
Grierson Award short-listed ‘Science Documentary’
Over the last 25 years I’ve honed my storytelling skills across the broadest range of documentary and factual productions. So whether you’re creating emotive observational films or populist formats; working with high-profile stars or extraordinary civilians; sensitive access or complex logistics; high-budgets, low budgets, or painfully tight schedules; and whether you’ve a vast team spread around the world or you’re a lone operator filming people making plaster casts of their genitals in the back of the chimpanzee enclosure at Dudley Zoo (yes, really), I’ve walked in your shoes.
As a director, series producer/ show runner, and executive producer I’ve made over 70 hours of critically acclaimed peak-time television for all major UK (and many international) broadcasters. And as Story Consultant I’ve helped shape everything from Netflix documentaries to documentary features for cinema release, international TV docuseries and short-form content for online and digital platforms.