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| Documentary Research: In Search of the Truth By Staff posted Nov 4, 2009, 08:27 |
Check out this article in the print edition of StudentFilmmakers Magazine, October 2008. Click here to get a copy and to subscribe >>
Documentary
Research
In Search of the Truth
by David Kaminski
A few quick tips for when you conduct research for your documentary.
Never Take Something As Simple As a Person�s Name for
Granted.
Recently, I discovered that my documentary subject was not only
named after an uncle, but that he also carried the middle name
of his grandfather. Surprise? Even his living relatives did not
know it was true. A passport and some other documentation settled
the matter.
Do Not Trust Your Subject to Tell the Truth.
An article printed 50 years ago in a newspaper included the wrong
date for a land sale. December 1937 was �rounded� to 1938, and
the amount of money land was bought for was likewise inaccurate.
The source? The person who bought the land, and the subject of
the documentary, a scrupulously honest man. Even though he died
decades ago, the myth has persisted in print, has been photocopied,
and is even on microfilm. Only the land deeds, found in the county
courthouse shed light on the truth.
Find It In Print? In Writing?
Finding a fact in print in a state document may not be enough.
Look for hand-written journals, see if there are misspellings,
unclear handwriting, abbreviations, variations in spellings, misprints,
changes, or omitted material. When you see it hand-written in
ink from 1837, it is probably true. Let�s hope so.
Points of View? Facts?
Being a documentary filmmaker is sometimes more like being a lawyer.
But you do not have to say it out loud in court, or shout to make
your point. The facts � right or wrong � will have their day on
a big screen when you finish. Your editing will say it all.
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Check out this article in the October 2008 print edition of StudentFilmmakers magazine, page 40. Click here to get a copy of the October 2008 Edition, so you can read and enjoy all of the excellent articles inside.
About the Author:
David Kaminski teaches TV Production/Media at Clarkstown
HS North in New City, NY about 25 miles north of New York City.
His students have earned five Telly Awards and over 50 national
awards for their work. They also have screened their films more
than 200 times in festivals across the country and internationally.
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