A Review of “Rethinking Documentary: New Perspectives, New Practices”

Make Stories That Matter: Innovative Techniques for Teaching Ethical and Inclusive Media-Making

“…This idea of joint exploration and what it means for changing roles has been explored more by Jerry Rothwell, a British documentary filmmaker in his updated article entitled, "Makers and Subjects." (Rothwell, J., 2013) He notes that there is a shift occurring as more footage is being recorded by those outside of the traditional scope of the documentary profession (Rothwell, J., 2008, p.6). He adds that this shift "opens up different kinds of relationships between filmmakers and subjects", often demanding a shared responsibility for the 'the consequences of the filmmaking that go beyond the film itself.'"…”

“…(Rothwell, J., 2008, p.6) Rothwell demonstrates the advantages of co-creation through what he terms as 'video diaries' which allow the "subject [to] give an intimate insight into what is happening to them, particularly at times when it would be difficult to shoot with a crew." (Rothwell, J., 2013) He points out that by involving the subject in the process the maker is able to expand the breadth of the story and add in a more private perspective to which they would otherwise not have access. It becomes, as he states, "more of a process of joint exploration, in which decisions about what remains private are made in the context of an ongoing relationship between filmmaker and subject."…”

“…It becomes, as he states, "more of a process of joint exploration, in which decisions about what remains private are made in the context of an ongoing relationship between filmmaker and subject." (Rothwell, J., 2013) This type of production requires trust and mutual respect and can have the capacity to build a relationship between the maker and the subject that is much deeper than that of other types of production processes. He describes the relationship between Director, Deborah Scranton and five soldiers who sent her self-shot footage over a year: "The final cut is hers, but the decisions she makes are substantially shaped by her accountability to the soldiers themselves, and by their trust in her handling of their material."…”

“…He describes the relationship between Director, Deborah Scranton and five soldiers who sent her self-shot footage over a year: "The final cut is hers, but the decisions she makes are substantially shaped by her accountability to the soldiers themselves, and by their trust in her handling of their material." (Rothwell, J., 2013) He provides a helpful insight that the "key to success of that relationship is that it demands a responsibility for the consequences of the filmmaking that go beyond the film itself. Documentaries have an impact off-screen as well as on."…”

“…Documentaries have an impact off-screen as well as on." (Rothwell, J., 2013) I felt that the way in which a co-creation process could build relationship makes it well suited for engaging youth and providing them with motivation to complete their training.…”