The Filmmaker-Participant Relationship Unpacked
This extensive study of over 675 U.S.-based documentary filmmakers and 175 participants, provides key insights on how documentary production teams are and should be crafting relationships with the individuals participating in their films to tell their stories. The study tracks the evolution of the relationship from pre-production through distribution and impact campaign work and includes honest feedback from participants and filmmakers about their experiences.
While the data in the study shows that the overall majority of participants stated they would agree to be a participant in their film again if given the opportunity, the report also includes guidance on the tougher parts of building these vital relationships. The main takeaway is that much progress has been made recently to improve the experiences of participants, but more collaboration is still needed to achieve meaningful changes to the system.
For funders, the study recommends interrogating how the power dynamics of the funder-film team relationship affects the film’s participants, in particular when it comes to production and distribution timelines, impact campaign goals and budget sizes.
Use This Guide to:
- Get feedback from documentary filmmakers and participants about real-life relationship dynamics in the filmmaking practice you support
- Investigate what parts of your grant agreements and reporting requirements may influence how the film team works with the film participants
- Get recommendations on how to provide film teams with the tools needed to improve the overall filmmaking experience for all stakeholders
Suggested Content:
- Beyond the Impact Report
- The People of Color Documentary Ecosystem: Engines for a New American Narrative
- Global Impact Producers Alliance
Featured Members:
Source: ITVS