A weekly community for documentary filmmakers developing meaningful nonfiction work.
Documentary filmmaking can be one of the most rewarding creative pursuits there is, but it can also be a long and often solitary journey. Projects can take years to complete, momentum can be difficult to maintain, and many of the biggest creative decisions are made without a trusted group of peers to talk them through with.
The Documentary Life Mastermind was created to bring documentary filmmakers together for ongoing support, accountability, creative feedback, and honest conversation. It's a place to discuss projects, work through challenges, gain fresh perspective, celebrate progress, and stay connected to both your film and a community of fellow nonfiction storytellers who understand the journey.
Documentary Story Development
Clarifying themes, structure, characters, emotional direction, and long-form narrative development.
Production Challenges
Field realities, interviews, access, crew dynamics, ethics, and observational filmmaking.
Editing & Structure
Scene construction, pacing, emotional rhythm, and story clarity.
Creative Sustainability
Building sustainable creative practices while balancing filmmaking, work, finances, and life.
Funding & Sustainability
Creative endurance, burnout, balancing work and filmmaking, and sustaining long-term projects.
Accountability & Momentum
Helping filmmakers continue moving projects forward over time.
This group is designed for:
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documentary filmmakers
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nonfiction storytellers
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editors and producers
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emerging filmmakers
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experienced filmmakers developing long-form projects
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filmmakers seeking meaningful creative community
Members may be:
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early in development
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actively filming
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editing
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navigating distribution
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or simply trying to reconnect with the work itself
WALKER HULL, DOC FILMMAKER
I feel so incredibly fortunate to have found it. The Mastermind has empowered me to believe in myself and to fundamentally know, deep in my heart and soul, that I can produce my film and make it the way I've been dreaming. If you're struggling with imposter syndrome or feel anything like I did and don't know how you're ever going to find the money for your film, then I cannot recommend this course highly enough. Take the leap of faith and invest in yourself and your film. You won't regret it!
RICHARD GEDNEY, DOC FILMMAKER
Chris G. Parkhurst is a tried and true documentary filmmaker who has spent years producing both commercial video and documentary film. The Mastermind group is the natural next step in the evolution of the podcast. You will be mentored in the who, what, where and how of becoming a documentary filmmaker. From picking up a camera to pitching and marketing your first documentary. No hype. Just good sound advice from a veteran filmmaker.
SESSION LENGTH
Weekly online sessions lasting approximately 60–90 minutes.
Group Size
Each mastermind is intentionally limited to approximately 5 filmmakers in order to create stronger conversations, accountability, trust, and meaningful engagement between members.
Scheduling
Current sessions are held Mondays at 8PM EST.
If the current session time does not work for you, you are still encouraged to apply. Additional mastermind groups may be added over time to accommodate different schedules and time zones.
Commitment
The mastermind is designed as a 3-month commitment in order to allow relationships, accountability, and long-form project development to build over time.
Payment Options
Members may choose either:
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monthly payment plans
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or upfront payment for the full 3-month session
Environment
The group is designed to be thoughtful, supportive, respectful, and creatively focused — a space where nonfiction filmmakers can discuss projects honestly while remaining connected to a wider documentary community.
The Documentary Life Mastermind is a 12-week experience designed to provide documentary filmmakers with accountability, support, creative feedback, and connection with a community of peers who understand the realities of nonfiction storytelling.
Pay in Full
- 1 PAYMENT OF USD $420
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Full access to all 12 mastermind sessions
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Access to all session replays
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Save $60 compared to monthly option
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Bonus: One 30-minute 1:1 coaching session with Chris
MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN
- 3 PAYMENTS OF $160 USD
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Full access to all 12 mastermind sessions
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Access to all session replays
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Pay over three monthly installments
Refund Policy
We want you to feel confident that the mastermind is the right fit for you.
If, after attending the first mastermind session, you decide the group is not the right fit, you may request a full refund within 48 hours of that session.
The included 30-minute 1:1 coaching session for members who pay in full will be scheduled after the first mastermind session.
APPLICATIONS
The Documentary Life Mastermind is intentionally kept small so that every participant has the opportunity to contribute, receive meaningful feedback, and build genuine connections with fellow filmmakers.
The application is brief and helps me learn more about you, your documentary work, and what you're hoping to gain from the experience. It also helps ensure a group dynamic that is supportive, engaged, and beneficial for everyone involved.
I look forward to learning more about you and the stories you're working to bring into the world.
“Meaningful documentary work is rarely built through constant hustle alone. It is built through observation, endurance, curiosity, sustained practice, and the support of thoughtful creative community.”