The production process is an integral part of creating any form of creative content, regardless of its length or medium. It’s a structured system designed to guide creators, especially documentary storytellers, through the journey of crafting their narrative. This process becomes particularly crucial when you delve into stories that are not inherently your own. Venturing into unfamiliar communities to tell their stories can indeed be daunting. However, understanding the production process can significantly ease this challenge.

The documentary storytelling process consists of four key stages: research, planning, documenting, and editing. Each stage features clear milestones that, when completed, indicate when you are prepared to move to the next step.

Shoot. Capture. Subject. Take. Trigger.

These words are starting to feel uncomfortable.

We used to love using them. They made us feel special. These words and others are the coded language we could speak, signaling to others ‘in the business’ that we belonged.

Yet, these words are inherently violent…

Storytelling is a powerful tool that can be used for good or for harm. As storytellers, we have the power and the responsibility to tell stories in a way that respects the dignity and autonomy of the individuals whose stories we share. By collaborating with these individuals, we can create media that is authentic, compelling, and inspiring. And by doing so, we can help to create a world where everyone’s stories are heard and valued.