ABSTRACT
Starting research, one has little idea whether a film is possible, still less what it might say or what part any individual might play. Be clear with those you contact that your inquiries are to gain understanding, and that filming only emerges from what you learn over time. Be clear, too, that a documentary is not the realization of a script, but a tale winnowed from a great mass of material whose final form emerges in editing. Be sure participants understand that we shoot ten times more than we use. This lowers the fear that they won’t be able to “perform” adequately and forewarns them that you may or may not use their contribution.
