How to Make a Documentary — Interview with Michele Stephenson and Joe Brewster

Documentary Filmmaker Interview — We spoke with Michele Stephenson and Joe Brewster about how they make their award-winning non-fiction films.

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INTERVIEW WITH MICHELE STEPHENSON AND JOE BREWSTER

Michele Stephenson and Joe Brewster have made several award-winning documentaries, including "American Promise," "Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project," and "Black Girls Play: The Story of Hand Games." They sat down with StudioBinder to discuss how they go about making non-fiction films, the role docs play in our larger culture, and the responsibility a documentarian has when making a movie.

INTERVIEW WITH DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKERS

First, we discussed Stephenson and Brewster's backgrounds. The two talked about what inspired them to become filmmakers, what works influenced them, and what drew them specifically to documentaries. They got into detail as they outlined their career paths and the steps that led to their success in non-fiction media.

DOCUMENTARY STORYTELLING

The discussion then moved to the broader appeal of documentaries and their creative process. Stephenson and Brewster talked about why documentaries have grown in popularity, as well as their perspectives on balancing objectivity and subjectivity and how they select real-life subjects for their projects. They also shared insights on incorporating emerging technologies like VR (which they have mixed feelings about).

DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING TIPS

We then delved into the unique aspects of directing documentaries, focusing on necessary skills, the writing process, and how a documentary script or outline is created. They explained their use of editing outlines in shaping narratives during post-production. Finally, the filmmakers offered advice for aspiring filmmakers, and they also shared thoughts on effective collaboration, drawn from their experiences working together.

For anyone hoping to work in docs, Stephenson and Brewster's knowledge is indispensable.


#filmproduction #VideoEssay #Filmmaking

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