A quick note on our look...
I’d love to option a slightly elevated approach that immediately sets this apart from the typical talking-head PSA.
For me, anything outside the emotional intimacy of our subjects, the letters themselves, and the objects they bring is supplementary.
My goal is a focused, portrait-driven visual language (similar to our Union Dads interviews) that keeps the emphasis on our subjects, their experiences, and the letters, objects, or photos that anchor their stories.
Since we’ll also need to maximize two house locations for different spots, this approach takes pressure off the background and keeps attention where it belongs — on the interviews rather than the setting.
As for references, my preference would be:
A minimal, locked-off approach — no camera movement.
Close-up, softer, vintage lenses with a narrow depth of field.
Still-life objects, photos, and letters that give us cutting points and story details to weave between subjects and shape pacing.
Looking forward to talking more.