Establishing clear goals and intentions is crucial when making a documentary film. These will guide your creative process, decision-making, and help maintain focus throughout the production. Your goals define what you want to achieve, whether it’s educating, inspiring, or shedding light on an important issue. Your intentions reflect the deeper "why" behind your project—what emotional or intellectual impact you hope to have on your audience. Why do you want your film to be seen? What do you want to achieve? How will your film impact the viewer?

Money plays a crucial role in documentary filmmaking, yet many filmmakers struggle with their relationship to it. This mindset can impact both fundraising efforts and personal finances. Before seeking funds, assess your “money mindset”—how you view money and your beliefs about it. Are you energized and confident about raising funds? Or do you feel uncomfortable asking for support?

Imposter syndrome is the feeling that you’re not good enough or don’t deserve your success. It’s a common experience for many filmmakers, especially when creating a documentary for the first time or working on a project outside your comfort zone. You may feel like you're not “qualified” or that others might discover you don’t have the skills or knowledge they assume. This feeling can be overwhelming and may lead to procrastination, self-doubt, or even second-guessing your creative vision. However, it’s important to recognize that imposter syndrome often emerges when you’re stretching yourself—growing, experimenting, and pushing beyond familiar territory. Do you ever struggle with imposter syndrome and worry that you're not able or capable of making your documentary film? Have you found ways to overcome this feeling and do the work anyway?

Time management is essential for documentary filmmakers. Without it, projects can spiral out of control, leading to missed deadlines, overspending, and unnecessary stress. A well-organized schedule helps keep the budget in check by reducing costly last-minute decisions and unplanned additions. Additionally, poor time management can take a toll on personal relationships, as long hours and tight deadlines often lead to neglecting loved ones. What time-related obstacles or challenges do you foreseeing needing to overcome to make your film?

Community and support are vital for documentary filmmakers. The journey of making a film can be long and challenging, but having a supportive network makes it more manageable. Surrounding yourself with people who are genuinely passionate about the subject of your film can make a huge difference. Additionally, a community helps combat the isolation often felt during the filmmaking process. Collaborating with like-minded individuals, especially other filmmakers, can spark new ideas, prevent burnout, and remind you why you started in the first place. Who do you have in your corner for when times get tough or you have a challenge that seems insurmountable? How can they best offer you support?

Making your documentary film is a journey, and while the planning and preparation are vital, the most important thing you can do is start. It’s easy to let procrastination, self-doubt, or overwhelm hold you back from taking that first step. But the reality is, the only way to bring your film to life is to dive in. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Just start, keep going, and trust that you’ll figure it out along the way. What is one action you can take today to make progress on your film?