On location in the Himalayas 2011
Production Values
We believe in allowing the storyline to unfold organically during the shooting process. This allows us to capture the story without bias from the trenches in the mission environment. With that said, we conduct exhaustive research about the organization, the location of the mission, the population and history of the country, etc... in order to have a solid understanding of the culture we are visiting prior to production.
1. We produce our documentaries in first person narrative format. We do not use voice-overs or scripted dialogue to tell the story unless absolutely necessary. This keeps the documentary organic and true to the subject matter. On occasion, translations are necessary and we reserve the right to use a voice over for this purpose. Voice-overs also may be utilized in featurettes that may accompany the primary documentary on the DVD.
2. Accuracy and authenticity is critical to our mission. We do not stage or recreate shots. Interviews are impromptu on location. We do not provide review questions or prompt specific answers. This is non-negotiable. We will offer information such as a broad indication of the subject matter we will be discussing, for instance: the history of the country or how the organization came to be. We allow interview subjects to refer to notes if needed, specifically when discussing statistics of sustainability.
We require complete transparency. We expect to operate without interference. This is non-negotiable.
It will be necessary to confirm the factual accuracy of the script content. CFTWF reserves the right to utilize its own experts to confirm factual accuracy of all information obtained.
We do not want stage or fake an event. Staging is unethical and undermines the credibility of the documentary as well our reputation. To accomplish our goal, we coordinate our travel and shoot schedules to include naturally occurring events. If a reenactment is necessary, it will be clarified in the film. We do everything to avoid including reenactments in our films.
3. Our documentaries are not egocentric. We offer no guarantees of who will appear in the final cut. We avoid individuals who “lobby” for “face time” in our films and will reject pressure from benefactors or volunteers who attempt to interfere in the editorial or production process. We understand the enthusiasm individuals may have for the story to be told, but please trust us to do our work. We will not hesitate to walk away from a project if interference occurs. Additionally, once the film is completed, no changes will be made unless there is a factual error. Do not ask us to add a donor mention.
CFTWF determines the storyline and the participants. All participants will be required to sign talent releases. Please do not ask us to photograph VIPS for marketing purposes. Historically, problems have arisen when donors expect to be given special recognition. We do not allow anyone to interfere with our editorial decisions. The purpose of the film is to produce an accurate film on the subject without influence or interference.
4. We remain neutral in our observations. CFTWF reserves the right to gather information for our research connected to the subject and individuals involved to maintain transparency.
5. We operate in a respectful and unobtrusive manner. We will only photograph events and individuals with permission. We request a team volunteer explain our purpose for shooting. In the event they deny permission, we will respect their wishes. No one will be compensated for interviews.
We believe in allowing the storyline to unfold organically during the shooting process. This allows us to capture the story without bias from the trenches in the mission environment. With that said, we conduct exhaustive research about the organization, the location of the mission, the population and history of the country, etc... in order to have a solid understanding of the culture we are visiting prior to production.
1. We produce our documentaries in first person narrative format. We do not use voice-overs or scripted dialogue to tell the story unless absolutely necessary. This keeps the documentary organic and true to the subject matter. On occasion, translations are necessary and we reserve the right to use a voice over for this purpose. Voice-overs also may be utilized in featurettes that may accompany the primary documentary on the DVD.
2. Accuracy and authenticity is critical to our mission. We do not stage or recreate shots. Interviews are impromptu on location. We do not provide review questions or prompt specific answers. This is non-negotiable. We will offer information such as a broad indication of the subject matter we will be discussing, for instance: the history of the country or how the organization came to be. We allow interview subjects to refer to notes if needed, specifically when discussing statistics of sustainability.
We require complete transparency. We expect to operate without interference. This is non-negotiable.
It will be necessary to confirm the factual accuracy of the script content. CFTWF reserves the right to utilize its own experts to confirm factual accuracy of all information obtained.
We do not want stage or fake an event. Staging is unethical and undermines the credibility of the documentary as well our reputation. To accomplish our goal, we coordinate our travel and shoot schedules to include naturally occurring events. If a reenactment is necessary, it will be clarified in the film. We do everything to avoid including reenactments in our films.
3. Our documentaries are not egocentric. We offer no guarantees of who will appear in the final cut. We avoid individuals who “lobby” for “face time” in our films and will reject pressure from benefactors or volunteers who attempt to interfere in the editorial or production process. We understand the enthusiasm individuals may have for the story to be told, but please trust us to do our work. We will not hesitate to walk away from a project if interference occurs. Additionally, once the film is completed, no changes will be made unless there is a factual error. Do not ask us to add a donor mention.
CFTWF determines the storyline and the participants. All participants will be required to sign talent releases. Please do not ask us to photograph VIPS for marketing purposes. Historically, problems have arisen when donors expect to be given special recognition. We do not allow anyone to interfere with our editorial decisions. The purpose of the film is to produce an accurate film on the subject without influence or interference.
4. We remain neutral in our observations. CFTWF reserves the right to gather information for our research connected to the subject and individuals involved to maintain transparency.
5. We operate in a respectful and unobtrusive manner. We will only photograph events and individuals with permission. We request a team volunteer explain our purpose for shooting. In the event they deny permission, we will respect their wishes. No one will be compensated for interviews.
Yes, we know this sounds way too hard to do. This is why our documentaries rock.