The Switch from Docs to Narrative

Hi Roger,

I’m about halfway through Reflections at the moment and finding it a really fun and informative read – thank you to James and yourself for putting together such an incredible book. I’ve marvelled more than once at the print quality for the price!

I’m keen to hear more about your experience of the change from documentary to narrative, as that’s something I’m navigating myself at the moment. I’ve spent the first 6-7 years of my career making wildlife and nature documentaries with the BBC and Nat Geo, and I’m very confident the skillset and sensibilities I’ve learned translate across but am struggling to communicate this.

I was curious whether you know specifically what it is that you prefer about narrative, and whether you had doubts about the change. What things do you miss from documentary, and what sensibilities and skills do you think documentary gave you that helped your narrative career?

Thank you for your time!