When filming a humanitarian project in a crisis, it starts with putting the camera down and developing a relationship with your characters. 

This week, Tim Wolfer, humanitarian filmmaker, shares his secrets of capturing compelling stories in the midst of chaos. In this episode he talks with Tanya about how he sneaks into foreign countries, ethics as a filmmaker, and capturing the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6. 

Tim's recent film, The Right Girls, follows three transgender women as they make their way to the US in the 2018 migrant caravan.

Listen to Tim share how putting the camera down and developing relationships with your characters can help you capture better stories.

Key points:
1:17 - Why he decided to become a filmmaker
3:00 - Getting into foreign countries
5:37 - What you won't learn in film school
7:17 - Why specialize in humanitarian films
10:55 - The Right Girls Film
15:37 - Ethics as a humanitarian filmmaker
16:20 - Steps to distribute docs
19:50 - January 6 Capital Insurrection 
23:57 - The market in Baltimore
26:58 - Favorite Gear
30:10 - Building a good team

Links:
Wolfer Productions
The Right Girls
Film Freeway
Sennheiser MKH 416
Tascam DR-10L
Stella Pro Lights

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Connect with the Practical Filmmaker
Follow The Practical Filmmaker on Instagram
Watch more episodes on YouTube
Find more filmmaking resources