When approaching narrations for a documentary ....

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dcmhutch

Member
I have a question about the proper process in doing narrations for a documentary or film. In my case, I'm doing a travel documentary.

When collaborating with a narrator that already has a script for the doc, is the "right process" to let them see the footage so they can do their job in the studio or should they just go into the studio and read their script without the footage?

I ask because if they have the script, why do they need to see the footage? I may end up changing around the footage sequence anyway. So I never want them to fall love with what they're looking at in general.


As an editor, Am I wrong for feeling this way?

What is the professional way in doing this process?
 
If it was me, I would do it in a studio, I would show them the scene once, then have them do the narration, then move on to the next scene.

That way, you have narration for each scene, and they have seen it and can properly time what they are saying to what is actually being shown.

But really, you can do it however you want.
 
I guess I'm asking because folks that aren't "seasoned" or professional narrators ask me why I wouldn't let them see the footage before hand. For them it doesn't make sense.

For me, I'd like to space it out creatively if needed. I tinker with footage a lot and what they'll see in the draft might not be the final cut anyway. A lot of times, I cut to the rhythm of the person's voice and dialog.

I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm more creative visually if I have the narrative before hand. :)
 
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dcmhutch said:
I guess I'm asking because folks that aren't "seasoned" or professional narrators ask me why I wouldn't let them see the footage before hand. For them it doesn't make sense.

For me, I'd like to space it out creatively if needed. I tinker with footage a lot and what they'll see in the draft might not be the final cut anyway. A lot of times, I cut to the rhythm of the person's voice and dialog.

I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm more creative visually if I have the narrative before hand. :)
Click to expand...

All you can do is explain to them your method. If they will work with you, than great. If not, then find someone else.
 
Okay, So I'm not creatively wrong for feeling this way.

Since I have the script, I'll probably record myself and put it into post just as reference. Make life easier. :)
 
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