THE PSYCHOLOGY OF RETIREMENT

Behind the Scenes: Turning Vision Into a Theater-Ready Documentary

At Triarch Creative, we understand that making a documentary is no small task. It requires strategy, adaptability, and a team that knows how to navigate every twist along the way. In our latest behind-the-scenes series, we shared how we supported our clients through each step of the production process—from pre-production to post—to bring a powerful vision to life.

Planning & Production

We kicked off in Washington, D.C., with a nimble lighting setup and permits in hand to capture exterior scenes. On the final day there, we filmed with David Walker, using minimal lighting to maintain visual quality while staying flexible in the field.

Next, we moved to our home base in Denver. There, our local crew took on a fast-paced day of filming 20 real-life interviews in just 10 hours. Over the next two days, we captured four expert interviews in a single location—using thoughtful lighting shifts and background changes to create variety. To stay on budget, we flew in only two of the four experts, demonstrating how smart logistics can stretch production value.

On our final Denver day, we filmed three interviews and a full program walkthrough—all in a single day. Managing one budget across 10 production days required careful planning, scaling up where necessary and keeping lean when possible.

Visual Design & Location Work

Documentaries aren't just filmed—they're designed. We partnered with Fruitful Design & Strategy to develop custom title graphics, lower thirds, and animations that elevated the final product. These elements made the story not only more cohesive but more accessible.

Then it was off to Snoqualmie Pass near Mt. Rainier to film with bestselling author Morgan Housel. Filming on location presented new challenges, but the natural beauty and authenticity of the environment gave the documentary a deeper sense of place.

Post-Production

Back in the edit bay, we teamed up with Stacks Creative to manage 30 terabytes of footage, 300 hours of content, and a 30-day deadline. With precision editing, we shaped the story, then handed it off to Pinto Pictures for color and sound—trusted partners we've worked with for nearly a decade. Their expertise brought our visuals and audio to cinematic quality.

Your Story, Made Easy

Throughout every phase, we kept the process smooth and stress-free for our clients. If you're ready to create a documentary that connects, inspires, and lasts—we're ready to help make it happen.