大象传媒

What is more important, story or character?
Character is a vital element to all films, as is historical and contemporary context, but for me the guiding light for feature documentaries must be story. Without being drawn into a story and continually surprised, audiences feel they鈥檙e being 鈥渢alked to鈥� rather than going on a journey, which is what I appreciate about my favourite films.

What made you first want to explore the subject?
Evel Knievel was a childhood hero of mine, as he was to so many of my generation. But I grew up with a certain ambivalence towards him after his legal troubles and fall from grace.听 This film is an attempt to reconcile those disparate feelings.

How long did it take to get the film off the ground?
About 40 years, since its been brewing in my head!听 No, actually this film happened relatively quickly. I partnered with The History Channel / A&E and the film was in production within months.

What were you most surprised to learn in the course of production? 听
I think the most surprising thing is how the people who loved Knievel the most were the most brutally honest about their relationship with him and the people with the most cause for grievance were actually the most generous to him. I think that speaks to Knievel鈥檚 complicated character.

What have been the differences in reception to the film in countries it has now travelled to?
I have not seen the reaction in other countries yet. I鈥檝e heard that it's been very well received in Australia, which has a daredevil culture of its own and from where one of our contributors, Robbie Maddison hails.

Which documentary has most inspired you?
There are new documentaries which inspire me all the time. Most recently, the film Lambert & Stamp really made an impression on me. But of all time, my two biggest favourites are Hoop Dreams and American Movie.

Favourite Website/blog?
I keep up with the IDA and Indiewire for film news but for story ideas, the New York Times and 大象传媒.

Person you鈥檇 most like to interview (living or dead?)
Steven Soderbergh.

Best piece of filmmaking advice you鈥檝e ever been given?
Don鈥檛 wait for anyone to say yes. They rarely will.

Best piece of filmmaking equipment you can鈥檛 live without?
Sennheiser 416 microphone and boom pole鈥�.cameras come and go but good sound has been the same for decades.

If money was no object, what is your dream documentary subject?
The earth鈥檚 growing population and whether it is sustainable.

Favourite film of all time?
Sex, Lies, and Videotape.

Most difficult access?
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in my 大象传媒 Storyville film, .

Best recent read?
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind听by Yuval Noah Harari.