Case Study: A Story with Heart
As part of our commitment to ethical storytelling we want to share with you real world examples of how we apply the concepts that we believe in.
Tamara and I have formed a unique partnership, one that combines my 20 years of journalism experience with her research and analysis of the social issues involved. Together we are applying the concepts to our work with nonprofits and developing a set of actionable steps to further this cause.
Our most recent film was created for the American Heart Association and MolinaCares, highlighting their program called “Live Fierce. Be Well.”
“Live Fierce. Be Well” has developed a set of pre-planned lessons to support youth groups run by traditionally black churches. The lessons support positive emotional development in youth, a group of people who are currently struggling, especially in light of the pandemic.
Investing in more time and more hands.
In order to create the conditions for ethical storytelling to occur, one must invest in more time and more hands on set.
In my past experience in the news business, time was something we were almost always short on. I aimed to develop a rapport with the people involved very quickly so I could get the job done by deadline.
But in reality, if someone cannot give another person a proper amount of their time and attention, there’s a limit to how much goodwill will be generated.
I have always cared deeply for the people that I document. But I didn’t always show it well.
After consulting with Tamara on the importance of time, I really slowed down. I brought in extra support on both days of filming so that we could more fully engage with the story participants.
As a filmmaker on set there is a lot to do. There is equipment to manage, a long list of things to remember and, don't forget, one must also engage your creativity.
But this time I took a deep breath and trusted my team to do their jobs so I could more fully engage with the story participants.
I spent extra time just talking with people, connecting with them human to human and answering questions.
Assisting Autumn on Sunday’s assignment at Saint Mathew Christian Church was a wonderful experience. I noticed that the parishioners took the time to learn and use our names. They were very helpful and ensured that we had what we needed to have a successful film day. My task that day was to ask people to complete appearance releases. A couple of elders in the church helped us announce our presence. Most of the releases were signed promptly, leaving me time to assist Autumn as needed. I could not help but to listen to and enjoy the message myself. Repeatedly, we were mentioned by the church during the service, making us feel very welcome. It was nice to be invited and take part in communion as well. My perception of the experience is that the church members felt safe and that they treated us like family. - Tamara Knox
This is not rocket science. It’s actually just good manners.
In retrospect, being hidden behind a camera and laser focused on my work, I have neglected this aspect.
The people I met at Saint Matthew Christian Church were wonderful, and I am certain that even if I had come in my usual work-focused state, they would have hosted me graciously, as so many other churches have done for me in the past.
But this time was different. On this bright Sunday morning, we were more than just observers. Tamara had the time to join in the singing herself. I was overcome by the music at one point and just stopped to take it in for awhile. We answered every question, leaned in and really sought to connect and understand.
At the end of the service, Pastor Sheppard asked me if I would like to take the mic and make a comment. I thanked parishioners for allowing us as “strangers” into their space.
“You’re not strangers anymore,” the pastor said. “You’re family.”
