The Jynx Process

By Kathleen O’Heron ᐧ 3 min read

I write here when something is worth thinking through. New pieces from Focus and the Jynx Journal go directly to subscribers.‍

Every documentary we have ever made started the same way: someone, somewhere, had a story we couldn't leave alone. Our process takes that story from initial discovery through research, production, and edit to final broadcast delivery: the same discipline, applied to every project, for over twenty years.

We approach every project with a journalistic curiosity that comes from years spent training, learning, and doing.

Typically, our process unfolds like this. We stumble upon a person with a unique story and the fact-finding phase begins. We start by asking an obnoxious amount of questions. This phase may take days or months, but it informs us about the commissioning potential of the project. If it seems filmable and sellable, we create a compelling pitch and present it to our clients. When they recognize the value of the project, we work with them to secure a budget. That's our green light.

At this point, we design a narrative arc based on storylines uncovered during the fact-finding phase. We ask many more questions to confirm that our understanding of the story accurately represents the facts provided by our sources. Once we have the narrative arc mapped out, production logistics begin. We can linger in this phase for a while as we sync schedules, acquire permissions, gain access, book crews, and travel. With diplomacy, savvy, and wizardry from our pre-pro team, those pieces fall into place and we move to production.

This phase brings the most adrenaline, the most uncertainty, the most adventure, and the most fun. It's nerve-racking until the cameras start rolling. Then our talented crews begin to play. They throw drones in the air, make time and space bend with slowmos and timelapses, use specialized lenses to produce gorgeous beauty shots and exquisite closeups. But the most important element for us is always the interview: our not-so-secret weapon that makes our work stand out in a crowded field. Our expert interviewer guides the subject through an orchestrated series of questions, extracting compelling, honest, emotional, and entertaining stories. We do not stop until we have everything we need, and our subjects know it.

The edit phase speaks for itself. You need to watch a skilled editor at work to understand the creative synthesis that produces a coherent, engaging documentary ready for an audience.

After delivery, we move to the next project.

🎬 🎥 🎞️

For almost 20 years of award winning production, Jynx Productions has specialized in presenting life as it unfolds to viewers across the globe. Our team of experienced, production professionals is passionate about telling the kinds of authentic stories that leave a lasting impression on audiences. And, we’re proud to know our our work has sparked curiosity and joy, and has entertained millions of people. 

Our clients cover a spectrum of industry sectors. We're always interested in building new relationships, showcasing our services, and we welcome opportunities to talk about collaborations.