Most documentaries aren’t one big story—they’re dozens of smaller stories nested inside each other. This post breaks down my Nested Arcs framework and shows how thinking in smaller stories can help you shoot smarter, edit faster, and build stronger documentary scenes.

Most filmmakers don’t need more B-roll. They need better coverage. Learn how to anticipate action, capture reactions, vary your shots, and build documentary sequences that actually work in the edit.

Documentary DP John Benam shares practical lessons on vérité filmmaking, from building subject trust and tracking storylines to preparing gear and recognizing the moment before it disappears. Drawing from his work on The Keepers, The Body Politic, and National Geographic productions, these insights reveal what it really takes to stay ready when the story starts moving.