THE PSYCHOLOGY OF RETIREMENT

At Triarch Creative, we know that making a documentary is no small feat. It takes strategy, flexibility, and a team that can handle anything thrown their way. Over the past few weeks, we’ve taken you behind the scenes of our latest project, showing how we guided our clients through every step of the filmmaking process with ease. From pre-production to post, here’s how we turned a vision into a theater-ready film.

Pre-Production & Planning

Every great documentary starts with a plan. Our journey began in Washington, D.C., where we kicked off production with an efficient, mobile lighting setup, securing permits for exterior locations, and working with an incredible crew. On our final day, we filmed with David Walker, honing in on minimal lighting techniques to keep our visuals dynamic while staying adaptable on location.

From there, we moved to Denver, where we executed a high-volume shoot—conducting 20 real-life interviews in just 10 hours. Efficiency was key, and our team ensured every setup was prepped and ready to go, maximizing our time without sacrificing quality. Over the next few days, we filmed with four experts in a single location, strategically shifting backdrops and lighting to create distinct looks. Budget-conscious decisions, like flying in only two of our experts instead of four, helped us maintain high production value while staying cost-effective.

Our final day in Denver was an intense one—three interviews and a full program walkthrough in just one day. A major challenge was managing the project’s 10-day budget, ensuring we scaled up when needed and kept things lean when possible. Our experience in structuring budgets for long-term shoots allowed us to stretch every dollar to maximize production value.

Designing the Visual Story

A documentary isn’t just about the footage—it’s about how it’s presented. To bring our visuals to life, we collaborated with Fruitful Design & Strategy, crafting custom title graphics, lower thirds, and animated elements that seamlessly tied the story together. These assets didn’t just enhance the film’s aesthetic—they played a key role in making the information clear and engaging.

Filming on Location

Our next stop was Snoqualmie Pass near Mt. Rainier, where we filmed with New York Times bestselling author Morgan Housel. Shooting in natural locations presents its own set of challenges—changing light, unpredictable weather, and dynamic environments—but it also adds a level of authenticity that can’t be replicated in a studio. Morgan’s insights, paired with the raw beauty of our surroundings, helped shape a compelling visual narrative.

Post-Production: Editing, Color, and Sound

Once production wrapped, it was time to bring it all together. Partnering with Stacks Creative, we tackled 30 terabytes of footage, 300 hours of content, and a 30-day editing timeline—all in preparation for the big screen. The final steps involved color and sound, working with Pinto Pictures, a trusted partner for nearly a decade. Their expert color grading transformed raw footage into a cinematic experience, while precise sound mixing made sure every moment resonated.

OUR Process

Through every stage of this production, our team ensured that our clients had a smooth and stress-free experience. From budgeting to on-location problem-solving, we handled the complexities so they could focus on the story.

Want to bring your vision to life? Let’s talk about how we can help you create a documentary that captivates audiences and tells a story that lasts.