Focusing the Story

after laying out youur lists, you try to focus your story. this means knowing your story is about and where you are going with it. in most character stories this is relatively easy, and you should be able to answer your question of story and focus in one or two sentences. for example:

1. mountains of the moon: this is about two men trying to find the sources of the Nile. Its focus is on their rivalry in the quest for fame.

2. Diana; Her True Story: this is about a young girl finding her inner strength as she battles both her husband and accepted social behavior in the British Royal Family.

(ALAN ROSENTHAL, writing, directing, and produsing documentary film and video)