If a documentary maker is looking for a worthwhile project, I strongly suggest Carbondale, PA.
It has it all. Carbondale never really recovered from the end of deep coal mining. It's a city in transition, with new residents, poverty, and some fine middle class neighborhoods. Marcellus shale is on Carbondale's doorstep, so I'm sure that will eventually have a big impact here. There are dozens of aspects to the Carbondale story.
It's nice to see some new construction.
A new hotel on Main Street is nearly complete. It appears they did it right. It fits in with the look of the city. I just hope there's a market here to support it. There is nothing of its type for miles around. It might be a big success.