The Ten Rules of Personal Documentary Filmmaking - Rule #6

This next rule is a subtle one but I think gets to the heart of why some people are so resistant to certain first-person docs.

Rule #6: Don't make yourself out to be better than your other main characters.

By that I mean don't prove to us how sensitive you are.  Don't be the pillar of wisdom. Don't go on about how much you've learned in the course of your "journey".  And by all means don't make yourself seem heroic at the expense of others.  Should you manage to influence Wal-Mart's ammunition policy for the better, kindly refrain from grandstanding photo ops with Columbine shooting victims. 

Ok, I never said my rules were everybody's rules.

The flip side of Rule #6 is you should be ready and willing to look worse than anyone else in your film.  Especially if you're dealing with your family.  As mentioned previously, no one comes off well using a camera to get even with their parents. That's not to say there's no place for anger, but not when it's used to air old grievances or get revenge.  It's doesn't play well because you have an unfair advantage.  You're the one doing the editing.

Instead, smart personal filmmakers are often bumbling or self-effacing.  Curious, perhaps, but confused.  Self-doubting.  Uncertain.  Vulnerable.  And because they are, audiences are far more willing to go along with them for the ride.

As an aside (I just can't refrain myself):  We know full well that most first-person docs are about personal journeys.  That's why well made ones are so fascinating.  But, trust me, don't ever use the phrase "my journey" in your narration unless we see you in a plane, train or automobile.

Comments

[Robin Franzi]

It was interested to browse your website. I am a first time filmmaker - of a first person documentary entitled "Susan for Now". The first review of the film was recently posted on badlit.com. Ironically, his review speaks to many of your points, as did my experience with it. I struggled with the extent of or existence of the first person POV as the film evolved, and decided that it was necessary and valid, but how much? So far I've received some interesting feedback on that very point, and is in fact the one common area of feedback across the board - everyone asks for more backstory. It is good that they want to know more. It is the second project. However, it would not be the same movie had I put in that much and still provided the information to the audience that I had obtained during my research for this project. I am planning a second project, essentially of the backstory in much greater detail personally and in terms of subject matter (my intent initially). Anyways, thanks for posting - it was good to read, very validating indeed.