Viewing trailers may not render a single rule that applies to other projects or filmmakers. Yet there are some common principles that help the filmmaker think strategically about his or her choices. Here are my tips.

POV's Story Doctor Fernanda Rossi has been probing successful filmmakers about their budgets for the last few months. Here's what she's learned...

Fernanda Rossi dissects the making of the documentary David Bromberg Unsung Treasure by Beth Toni Kruvant. Read about the filmmaker's smart moves, memorable moments, and what she vows to never do again.

Fernanda Rossi dissects the making of the documentary Fringes: New Adventures in Jewish Living by Paula Weiman-Kelman and Jonathan Lopatin. Read about the filmmaker's smart moves, memorable moments, and what she vows to never do again.

Fernanda Rossi dissects the making of the documentary Felix Austria! by filmmaker Christine Beebe. Read about the filmmaker's smart moves, memorable moments, and what she vows to never do again.

Justice For My Sister follows one woman's journey through the Guatemalan justice system as she struggles to hold her sister's killer accountable. Read about the filmmaker's smart moves, memorable moments, and what she vows to never do again.

Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia is an entertaining tribute to the iconic writer Gore Vidal. Read about the filmmaker's smart moves, memorable moments, and what he vows to never do again.