Filmmaking Guide Part 4 - Documentary interviews

I am Zacharias Kunuk, an award-wining filmmaker from Igloolik, Nunavut. I share my first steps in filmmaking and why the medium is so important for preserving Inuit culture.

I discuss what is unique to Inuit filmmaking such as the small crew size and the consultation with the elders throughout the process.

I explain how I come up with an idea and the importance of exploring a subject in depth from all angles, like a detective.  

I share some of my interview techniques: being clear with people why I am filming this story;  asking the same questions to all the people I interview; filming beauty and action shots to edit with the interviews.

I share how we encourage actors to get into character, the little games they play, and some of the challenges for the director.

I talk about how building a crew in the North is different then in the South and discuss some of the crew dinamics and the challenges of being a director.

I encourage filmmakers to play with their material and use the freedom that new technologies allow them. To me editing is similar to the process of carving a sculpture.

I put Inuit audience in first place and urge filmmakers to ensure that what is presented on screen is realistic to Inuit.

I give advice to aspiring filmmakers and encourage them to follow what is interesting to them and use their own style.