Documentary Mini-Masterclass 1 - Ethics, Research and Interviewing

This is the first in a series of Documentary Mini-Masterclasses that will cover a variety of subjects related to documentary filmmaking.

In this one I cover three subjects. Ethics, Research and Interviewing skills.

The first lesson looks at the ethics involved in filmmaking, looking specifically at a filmmaker's relationship with viewers, film participants and then also of course their own production ethics. Making factual films demand that what is presented to the viewer is accurate and reflects reality. Furthermore factual filmmakers are charged with reflecting their participants truthfully and must not transgress any trust they place in the filmmaker. This demands that filmmakers develop a production ethic that meets both viewer and participant expectations.

The second lesson covers the importance of sound research practices in factual filmmaking and how to avoid the trap of fake information in your films. With the escalating numbers of people posting information on the internet, fact checking, is more crucial now than ever. This lesson takes a look at how facts should be checked to be able to distinguished between what is an opinion and what is a fact.

The third and final lesson is about interviewing skills and how to secure a good outcome through building a sound relationship between interviewer and interviewee.

Successful interviewing depends on the rapport that an interviewer established with the interviewee. And this is no easy task. There are clear guidelines that, if followed correctly, will deliver a deeper and more meaningful interview.

In addition to the lessons there are also handouts and exercises attached to each lesson.

I trust you will enjoy and benefit from these lessons.