It's a temptation that all documentary directors face sooner or later...the feeling of superiority that accompanies insight possessed by you, but not shared by the subject of your film. As you research your topic and interview experts and witnesses, you will begin to amass knowledge and expertise that may, if not checked, lead to feelings of self-importance. Resist this feeling at all cost. Remind yourself that without the aid and cooperation of your participants, you have no story to tell and no business trying to pretend that you do. But your humility must be sincere...false humility can be detected from across the room and is just as deadly as arrogance. Many documentary directors have slipped over the line and have taken cheap shots at the expense of the people appearing in their films...and while they might get a few laughs, the long-term effect works against them.
Another factor that can lead to this same feeling of superiority is the power imbalance that comes from your position behind the camera. As the one asking the questions and deciding who ends up on the cutting room floor and on the screen, you hold amazing power. Don't let it go to your head. Again, without the trust and confidence of your participants, you've got "nuttin!" So keep your ego in check and don't forget to treat your interviewees and participants with the courtesy and respect that they deserve. No one ever looks big when they make other people look small.
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