A small caveat: These “rules” apply to MY KIND of Filmmaking, not necessarily yours. These rules don’t apply to a polemic ala Michael Moore or Panama Deception or a Nick Broomfield film – just to name one other popular genre.
1.) Gotta love people. Be Curious.
If you don’t, you’re probably in the wrong business. You’ve got to be endlessly fascinated, amused, and intrigued by people.
2.) “We’re Having a Conversation Here.”
Just relax, talk to me as if we’re in a bar.
3.) Spend as Much Time as Possible With Them.
Think 5:1 ratio – contact time: shooting time. Calling, stopping by, visiting, going to social events… Think of them as new friends. Off-screen time = on-screen results.
4.) Know That Persona/Veneer/Defensiveness is Part of Their Story.
Used wisely, it can tell as much about a person as their deepest truth. Defensiveness & guardedness might be the essence of their story. Example: politicians, corporate PR people…
5.) Model the Behavior You Seek.
If you want vulnerability, be vulnerable yourself. Share yourself with them. Example: “I just broke up with my girlfriend today.” “I had a lot of struggles as a teen: drugs, sex, no sense of self, fights with parents…”
6.) But…
Don’t be afraid to challenge them. Play devil’s advocate. Probe.
7.) Listen Compassionately.
What is their POV? Your job is to understand each person’s motivation as fully as possible. Be a “Compassionate Witness.” Hold a space for people to unfold. Don’t jump in and fix it! Be comfortable with silence and feelings! Listening deeply is an act of honoring. (Buddhist meditation is a HUGE gift for practicing this.)
8.) Silence is Golden! Let silence fall often after someone finishes speaking… they’ll fill in with even more, and be even more revealing.
9.) Relationship & Trust Will Grow Over Time. Longevity = More authenticity and trust.
10.) Ask “What,” “How,” and “Why” Questions.
NOT questions that can be answered “yes-no.”
11.) Converse with People. Don’t Just Ask Questions.
Respond meaningfully to what they say. Make it a Discussion, as if together you’re mutually exploring ideas.
12.) Know that Whatever You Shoot, It Will Take Time to Sort Out What is “True” & What is Not.
Returning again and again to subjects often over the same issues, you’ll get different answers. Trust your gut. And know that truth is often complex and often contradictory.
13.) Once You Have Permission, START SHOOTING RIGHT AWAY.
Get them used to the camera. Tell them it’ll take time. Not to worry.
14.) Play With Them!
(With long-term verite subjects, NOT interview subjects!) Gently bump up against them, stick it in their face, make funny noises. Make them laugh and feel comfortable. Plant the idea: Shooting is Fun!
15.) “Forget the Camera.” “Pretend It’s Not There.” NONSENSE.
It’s there. It’s reality. Seek the alchemy: The camera = ME. It’s not cold and impersonal; it’s the reminder that I’m there, and because I’m there, it’s SAFE!
Your Ultimate Job: Tell the deepest truths you know…
…whatever they look like.
