In the case of Sonia Poulton's forthcoming documentary, The Untold Story of Madeleine McCann, many have become disheartened at the length of time the project is taking, but why? Yes Sonia told us that the documentary would be available after the end of March, and every one of us were looking forward to seeing what she and her team would produce. However, delays happen, and for anyone who has followed the case of Madeleine McCann for any length of time will tell you, it would be no easy task to put together a high quality documentary, that combines exceptional credibility, whilst still having all the ingredients to keep the viewer absorbing what is put across.
Simply researching one topic, one small area of the case, just for a post, can often lead down many rabbit holes, so much so, that the original post can be forgotten, as the further you look into something, the more you find out, and the more you are impelled to research and read. Imagine that on a much larger scale, and with many people putting their ideas forward as well.
I have no doubt, that if Sonia and her team are, as they promise, doing their best with this documentary, that the workload, and the vast amount of information they will have had to wade through, will have taken them by surprise. To that end, surely delaying the release, so the documentary can be the best it can be, must only be a good thing. Sonia has nothing to gain, and everything to lose by rushing, and risking ridicule by throwing together a half cocked project.
I recently spoke to Sonia, and had a full and frank conversation about concerns, and hopes for how the documentary might turn out. Upon conclusion of the chat I was immediately more buoyed about the work the team were doing.
Sonia has spoken to many people, and to her credit has taken advice from those who have followed the case heavily since day one. The biggest bit of advice production wise, was to take as much time as was necessary to cover the story in the best possible way. Further to that, as you can imagine, there are many legalities that must not only be covered, but made airtight. This is not, I am told, a simple case of throwing together a youtube video, with, in Sonia's own words "a handcam, and uploading".
"If we want different results than what has come before, then the documentary had to be up to a certain broadcast standard, for MSM, (mainstream media) and broadcast medium"
Sonia went on to say of the legalities:
"We have to go through legal channels which are thorough, because we are up against a litigious group of people"
You have to agree with that statement. Of course the proof will be in the pudding, but surely until then, we should all be giving our full backing to Sonia, and her team. Let the documentary be judged upon merit, and not upon guesswork, or frustration. We've waited 8 years for something that promises to be as big as this to filter its way into the public arena, beyond the hashtag, beyond the forums, and beyond facebook, surely we can wait a little longer for the finished article.
Only last week, we all bore witness to the effects of pulling together, and showing our support for Goncalo Amaral, which has not only lifted all of our spirits, given us hope, but proved just how much can be achieved when we stand as one.
On that note, I would like to wish Sonia and her team the very best of luck, and will be supporting them all the way.
