Ep 236: Narrative Truths: Producing Impactful Documentaries with Nicole Noren
📘 Episode Summary: In this masterclass episode, Damien Swaby is joined by award-winning journalist and documentary producer Nicole Noren, whose two-decade career at ESPN is a case study in investigative storytelling done right. Nicole breaks down how she balances the demands of narrative structure with journalistic integrity — from sourcing vulnerable subjects, to shaping character arcs, to working within the legal and ethical frameworks of a major broadcasting institution. Together, they explore the future of longform investigative media, the creative tension between access and objectivity, and how the democratization of platforms like YouTube is reshaping the business model of high-quality nonfiction.🧵 Topics Covered:Nicole’s process for fusing investigative research with narrative filmmakingEthics and liability in true-story storytellingWhy subject trust is non-negotiable in stories involving traumaBuilding stories that survive legal review without losing emotional weightInternal dynamics of working inside a network like ESPNChallenges of time compression, edit lock deadlines, and character consentHow platforming on YouTube increases reach without compromising quality🎧 Who This Episode Is For:Investigative journalists and editorsDocumentary filmmakers and producersMedia lawyers and compliance editorsCommunications strategists in public interest or nonprofit mediaJournalism educators and students focused on longform formatsW: https://nicolenoren.com/aboutListen full documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYGkIL70TD4&t=3s