DIRECTING A DOCUMENTARY DURING A PANDEMIC: VIRTUAL FILMMAKING AS A CREATIVE RESPONSE

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to filmmakers worldwide, particularly those working in documentary filmmaking, which often relies on on-location shooting, face-to-face interviews, and immersive storytelling. Unlike those in fiction cinema, documentary filmmakers typically have less control over their subjects and environments, making flexibility and spontaneity crucial elements of the creative process (Nichols, 2017). The pandemic disrupted these established practices, forcing filmmakers to adopt new methods of storytelling that could function within the constraints of lockdowns, travel bans, and social distancing regulations. In response, virtual filmmaking emerged as an innovative method to continue production remotely. This shift was not merely a logistical necessity but also an opportunity to rethink traditional filmmaking models, expanding storytelling possibilities through digital collaboration.