Documentary filmmakers are some of cinema’s greatest artists, but so rarely is a lens turned toward them. That’s why Jessica Edwards sought out some of the greatest documentarians of our time for her new book, Tell Me Something: Documentary Filmmakers, which includes portraits of bold-faced names like Martin Scorsese, Errol Morris, Barbara Kopple, and Michael Moore. Not only do the filmmakers allow themselves to be the subjects for a change, they also give advice to aspiring artists on how they’ve completed their famous and influential work. After the jump, check out a selection of the portraits included in the book, as well as a piece advice from each filmmaker.
Photo credit: Jessica Sample
“Create your own mythology.” —Brett Morgen
Photo credit: Mauricio Gonzalez
“Documentary is fishing, whereas fiction is hunting” —Luis Ospina
Photo credit: Graham MacIndoe
“One of the greatest things a person can do is change his mind.” — Eugene Jarecki
Photo credit: Greg Jacobs
“Act on light bulb moments — they don’t happen very often.” —Marina Zenovich
Photo credit: Jon Pack
“When you go to people for advice, expect the worst.” —Errol Morris
Photo credit: Johan Rutherhagen
“An ambitious failure is preferable to a mediocre success.” —James Marsh
Photo credit: Gary Howe
“The first rule of making a documentary is, don’t make a documentary. Make a movie.” —Michael Moore
Photo credit: Jessica Sample
“In documentary, you always miss 99% of everything you think you need.” —Lucy Walker
Photo credit: Andrew Walker
“Always listen to your instinct and always follow your heart.” —Barbara Kopple
Photo credit: Alejandro Rojas
“Make a film you really care about.” —Kim Longinotto
Photo credit: Jessica Yu
“Fifteen minutes before screening your rough cut for the first time, pour a glass of wine.” —Jessica Yu
Photo credit: Jon Pack
“Do what you say you are going to do.” —Morgan Spurlock
Photo credit: Rommel Demano
“Enjoy the journey.” —Stanley Nelson, Jr.
Photo credit: Gary Hustwit
“There are three kinds of documentaries about current events: an emphatic examination of life, a journalistic inquiry, and advocacy. It is very important to know which you are doing and not to blur the important lines between them.” —Sebastian Junger
Photo credit: Brigitte Lacombe
“The only thing you need to make a film is to not be afraid of anybody or anything.” —Martin Scorcese
Photo credit: Alejandro Rojas
“Question why you want to work with people and choose your collaborations carefully.” —Eva Weber
Photo credit: Aleysa Young
“If you want to make documentary films, do yoga.” —Ron Mann
Photo credit: Jon Pack
“Authenticity is at the core of good documentary.” —Albert Maysles
Photo credit: Sally Montana
“Longevity is the toughest filmmaking challenge.” —Shola Lynch
Photo credit: Greg Jacobs
“Ultimately, it’s not about you. It’s about your story.” —Doug Pray