W&M Libraries Events

When wielded correctly, the power of documentary storytelling can unite generations, change minds, influence hearts, and motivate action. But how do you craft videos that communicate clearly, effectively, and in a relational way that sticks with your audience?

It starts in the way we approach, foster, and honor natural dialogue in the interview process. From the way you choose your interviewees to the way you ask a question, moving beyond the constraints of standard interview sound bites and hollow jargon will elevate the experience and quality of your production from beginning to end. In this workshop, we’ll focus on concepts and strategies for crafting effective interviews. Workshop attendees will learn what questions we always ask, and they’ll engage in critical discussions and exercises on how to unearth powerful stories and share them ethically.

ABOUT CATHERINE ORR ’05

Catherine Orr is the co-founder of StoryMine – a production company that creates documentary-style videos for mission-driven organizations and partners with media outlets and independent producers on documentary projects. StoryMine videos do more than just talk about an issue. They capture real stories and human moments that connect people to a cause and show them why they should care. Catherine received a BA in American Studies from William & Mary and an MA from the University of North Carolina School of Media and Journalism. Her individual and collaborative work has been featured in The New York Times and National Geographic and recognized by SXSW Interactive, the Grantham Prize for Environmental Journalism, World Press Photo, and the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, among others.