Criminal Law Consulting
​For Writers & Filmmakers
  • Home
  • About
  • Services
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Free eBook

Documentary Filmmaker Emphasizes Need to Understand Legal Background and Framework in Murder and Mystery Films

12/8/2011

2 Comments

 
Joe Bailey Jr., the director of an award-winning documentary, "Incendiary," told CNN that legal knowledge gave him confidence in the choices they made when making the film. 

Bailey's film, "Incendiary," explores the legal, scientific, and political impact of a Texas arson murder case.  Cameron Todd Willingham was executed in 2004 after being convicted of murder in the house fire deaths of his three young children.  The film questions the scientific accuracy of arson investigations and the legal ramifications of a death sentence.

Bailey describes the film as "equal parts murder mystery, forensic investigation and political drama.  What we found so fascinating about the case and the story was the way that law and science and politics collide in this story in a really kind of life and death struggle."

Bailey had a law degree, which he found helpful in exploring the case.  Despite his law degree, Bailey consulted with his wife, who is an attorney, as well as law professors, to help him understand and portray his subject in depth. 

"I feel that a lot of people who are making films about legal things occasionally get things wrong, and it's really frustrating," Bailey told CNN.  "But more often they'll gloss over the process and the legal meat of a subject because they're afraid of it."

That's the essence of why I consult with writers and filmmakers.  I remove the doubt and fear out of criminal law topics, and help you get it right.  You don't have to be a lawyer to create authentic and knowledgeable crime and legal projects.  But it helps to have a knowledgeable, experienced criminal lawyer in your corner. 

Contact me for a free initial consultation.  Or sign up to receive my FREE Writer's Guide:  Top 7 Mistakes Made by Writers of Crime, Mystery and Legal Drama.
2 Comments
Tenafly webcams link
9/7/2012 08:53:24 am

First time here at your blog and wanted to say hi.

Reply
Blythe
9/7/2012 02:22:18 pm

Hi. Thanks for checking out my blog. Let me know what you think!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Get your FREE E-Book revealing The Top 7 Mistakes Made by Writers of Crime, Mystery and Legal Drama:
    Send My Free E-Book!

    Author

    Blythe Leszkay is a successful and experienced criminal attorney, criminal law professor, and consultant to writers and filmmakers.  See About Me.  This blog is intended to answer common criminal law questions, dispel misconceptions, and explain misunderstood criminal law concepts.  It is also a place to discuss any crime or law related topics of interest.  Contact me for a free initial consultation on your film or writing project.

    Categories

    All
    Appeals
    Burden Of Proof
    Celebrity Crime
    Common Questions
    Constitution
    Consulting Services
    Courtroom
    Crime In The News
    Crime Novels
    Crime Tv
    Death Penalty
    Defenses
    Evidence
    Extortion
    Hate Crimes
    International Crime
    Juvenile Crime
    Legal Comedy
    Legal Definitions
    Legal Drama
    Manslaughter
    Movies
    Murder
    Search And Seizure
    Serial Killers
    Sex Crimes
    Supreme Court
    Trial
    True Crime
    Writing Tips

    RSS Feed

      Get Email Updates

    Join!
    Loading
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.