There is so much investment in it of people's labor time…
“There is so much investment in it of people's labor time that it will never make money. But there are other documentaries that you might make that are sort of on assignment for television that turn around in three to six months. Then the margin can be much be better for you because you're not spending three-and-a-half years on it. So I think if you're doing documentary films, that's sort of the way to look at it.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Long‑term documentaries often cost more time than they return financially; shorter TV assignments can be more profitable.
In simple terms: Long projects cost time, short projects earn money.
Key Takeaway
Choose shorter, assignment‑based documentaries for better margins.
Themes
film production
budgeting
time management
Mood
pragmatic
analytical
Type
advice
industry insight
When to use this quote
- TV documentary pitches
- production planning
- budget reviews
Key Concepts
economics of media
project scope
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance depth with efficiency?
- What compromises are acceptable for profit?
A Different Perspective
Shorter projects may limit creative depth or storytelling breadth.