At 2 AM, in a fit of insomnia, I was struggling to write an introduction to the new website I was creating; my ideas were tumbling out in a disorganized jumble. I needed help. I turned to AI.
The following is the raw, unedited transcript of the (our?) session.
The session:
You said:
TikTok for grownups
ChatGPT said:
Are you thinking about TikTok alternatives that cater more to mature audiences, or ways to use TikTok itself in a way that feels less chaotic and more aligned with adult interests? There are platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Clapper that offer similar short-form video experiences but tend to have different vibes or demographics.
If you’re aiming to use TikTok itself effectively as a grownup, focusing on niche communities, thoughtful content, and curated feeds can really shift the experience. There’s a whole side of TikTok dedicated to music history, gear demos, and even in-depth storytelling that could fit well with your documentary work.
You said:
I have started a website pocketdocs,net for that purpose.
ChatGPT said:
That’s fantastic! Are you focusing on music documentaries specifically, or are you aiming for a broader range of topics with PocketDocs?
You said:
Broader range that would appeal to a broad and diverse audience.
ChatGPT said:
Memory updated
That sounds great. Are you planning to focus on a particular storytelling style — like character-driven pieces, visual essays, or maybe experimental formats — or are you keeping it flexible?
You said:
No, pure observational documentary cinema verite that are true and trustworthy.
ChatGPT said:
Memory updated
That’s a powerful approach. Observational cinema can be incredibly impactful, especially when it allows stories to unfold naturally. Are you thinking of featuring longer narratives broken into segments or tighter, standalone pieces?
You said:
A mixture because the length should depend what the content requires. My preference would be short, but I don’t want to edit much because that sometimes compromises authenticity.
ChatGPT said:
Reasoned about observational documentary style for a second
That’s a well-thought-out strategy. By letting the content dictate its own length, you maintain the authenticity that’s at the heart of cinéma vérité. Minimal editing can help preserve that raw, genuine feel, even when the pieces are brief. How are you planning to balance the need for narrative structure with the observational style?
You said:
I am a very experienced filmmaker and will do the camera work myself. I will let the story be the story. Not get in the way. But i know to keep it interesting is sometimes challenging.
ChatGPT said:
Reasoned about observational documentary style for a couple of seconds
It sounds like you have a clear vision—using your own camera work to let stories unfold naturally while ensuring they’re engaging. Even with minimal editing, there are techniques you might employ to maintain that balance. For instance, focusing on pacing, letting ambient sound and natural pauses work in your favor, or even choosing moments that naturally build to a narrative arc without overt manipulation can be effective. Do you have any particular methods in mind for capturing those subtle shifts that keep the audience hooked, or are you still exploring options?
You said:
I have a lot of experience with that. I have been making documentary films since 1963. I will also use binaural and stereo sound to capture ambiancece.
ChatGPT said:
Reasoned about observational documentary style for a second
With such an extensive background, it’s clear you have a deep understanding of both the art and technical aspects of documentary filmmaking. Your approach of using binaural and stereo sound to capture ambiance adds a rich layer to the observational narrative, enhancing the immersive experience. Balancing the authenticity of the unedited moment with subtle techniques to maintain audience engagement is a nuanced craft that your decades of experience will undoubtedly inform. It sounds like PocketDocs is set to offer a refreshing, genuine take on storytelling that respects the integrity of the subject while still drawing viewers in with immersive, real-world soundscapes. Is there any particular project or topic you’re most excited to explore first on the platform?
You said:
I have lots of projects in mind as well as an archive of video on hand that I will repurpose. Can you write a compelling summary of our chat that could explain pcketdocs to the public?
ChatGPT said:
Reasoned about PocketDocs project summary for a second
PocketDocs is a new online platform dedicated to authentic, observational documentary filmmaking. Founded by a filmmaker with decades of experience—dating back to 1963—the site offers a blend of original projects and repurposed archival footage that speaks to a broad and diverse audience. Embracing a cinéma vérité approach, PocketDocs minimizes editing to preserve the raw, unfiltered truth of each moment, while leveraging techniques like binaural and stereo sound to fully capture ambiance and immerse viewers in the scene. With a commitment to letting each story unfold naturally and engagingly, PocketDocs promises a compelling, genuine exploration of real life as it happens.
You said:
Wonderful! That will help me!
ChatGPT said:
I’m glad you found it helpful! If you’d like to expand on any ideas, shape the tone differently, or highlight specific themes, I’m here to help. PocketDocs sounds like a meaningful project, and I’m excited to see how it develops.
You said:
Where can I find the copy of the summary I just saved.
ChatGPT said:
I don’t have a way to save content directly for you, but you can easily copy the summary from our chat and paste it wherever you’d like. If you’d like me to refine or expand it further, I’m happy to help!
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Reason
ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.
Here is the finished product. It took less than half an hour.
Like A TikTok for Grownups
PocketDocs is a new online platform dedicated to authentic, observational documentary filmmaking.
Founded by a filmmaker with decades of experience—dating back to 1963—the site offers a blend of original projects and repurposed archival footage that speaks to a broad and diverse audience.
Embracing a cinéma vérité approach, PocketDocs minimizes editing to preserve the raw, unfiltered truth of each moment, while leveraging techniques like binaural and stereo sound to fully capture ambiance and immerse viewers in the scene. With a commitment to letting each story unfold naturally and engagingly, PocketDocs promises a compelling, genuine exploration of real life as it happens.