[Tim Wolochatiuk]

 

By Erin Taylor

Tim Wolochatiuk has met Israeli assassins, former KGB officers and ex-CIA spies.

“Sometimes you see things you don't want to see,” Wolochuatiuk, a documentary filmmaker," says about his experience shooting in Israel when bombs on buses and crowded supermarkets were a part of every day life.

He speaks about the documentaries he has written, directed or produced as if each took him on an enlightening personal journey. It's clear his work isn't just about making films, it's about learning and exposing people to insight he's gained along the way.

He describes his work as “emotionally draining" on Impact of Terror – a documentary that explores the impact an Israeli pizza joint bombing had on the lives of the people involved.

“Bar none, it was the toughest film I have ever made. What made it extremely important to me was the people in the film thought it was honest and truthful.”

The film was shown in 200 countries around the world.

Wolochatiuk warns one of the biggest challenges of documentary filmmaking is gaining access to people directly involved in the controversial topics he prefers to cover.

“If you have a great idea but can't get access then all you have is that idea, no film. We gain access to people through other people we interview. You need to go out for coffee with people, let them warm up to you so they will open up without even knowing it.”

In 2004, Wolochatiuk was nominated for a Gemini for best direction in a documentary series for his work on the docu-drama Betrayal –- a television show created for History Television and Alliance Atlantis about espionage and treachery.

Wolochatiuk says he likes working out ideas before mapping them out on paper.

“I read a lot of non-fiction books to get possible documentary topics.”

He says he's now at a stage in his career where people call him to work on projects. But it hasn't always been that way.

When asked what it takes to be successful, Wolochatiuk explains perseverance, passion and dedication are essential for making it as a documentary filmmaker.

“People that are hungry will end up doing this as a career.”

“If you want to meet interesting people and see amazing places you can. Just remember, passion has to outweigh the salary. Most of my friends make more money than I do but I love my job, they don't.”"

Wolochatiuk warns newcomers not to invest their own money in a production if it can be avoided.

“Try to hook up with a production company that a broadcaster like CNN or CBC knows and trusts. Convince the producer of your idea, so that they come out saying, ‘What can I do to help this get going, it's a great idea'.”

He explains the best thing you can do to get recognized in the industry is to learn every single aspect of production from filming to editing, writing to directing.

“Keep chipping away. The key is to remember this is all about storytelling. You have to be passionate about the story.”