To Create Fearlessly, Assess Risk First: Risk Assessment with Colin Pereira

There are many reasons a filmmaker might choose to pursue a long-form documentary: a desire to expose a truth, address an injustice, or illuminate a real-life event or person that has been overlooked. Yet it’s not uncommon for individuals or organizations to have a vested interest in keeping certain stories from coming to light. Given these competing interests, filmmakers must consider a wide range of safety concerns, including those involving their crew, participants, materials, and themselves. This process can feel overwhelming and may even deter someone from taking on the project altogether. We want to be sure that this does not happen to you.

Colin Pereira—an experienced risk and journalist-safety expert with more than 20 years in the field—breaks down how to assess risk for your documentary projects. While much of the process may seem like common sense, asking deliberate questions about your environment, your team, and your communication methods ensures that the risks you take are calculated and intentional.

There is no way to guarantee absolute safety, but when the truth is important enough to share, many filmmakers and participants decide that thoughtful, informed risks are worth taking. Developing a risk-assessment plan helps foster clear communication within the team and outlines what is needed to complete the project responsibly.

Please enjoy here, Risk Assessment with Colin Pereira.