Rough Cut Trust Through Transparency: Rethinking Pay and Power in Documentary
Sep 9, 2025
Sweta Vohra, a producer at Multitude Films focusing on marginalized communities, and Emma Alpert, head of people and partnerships, explore innovative changes in the documentary filmmaking industry. They discuss the importance of sharing production budgets to establish fairness and foster trust among crew members. Topics include enhancing payment transparency, advocating for ethical pay practices, and reshaping budgeting philosophy to prioritize care in filmmaking. Their insights challenge the status quo and promote a culture of sustainability and equity.
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Abundance Over Scarcity In Budgets
- Multitude frames budgets with an abundance mindset, prioritizing robust support over trimming costs at every corner.
- This approach preserves safety, sustainability, and story quality while acknowledging real funding limits.
Compensation Beyond Money
- Compensation includes non-monetary support like sustainable schedules, accessibility, and benefits, especially for freelancers.
- Thinking of workers as whole people expands what fair compensation can look like on production.
Adding A Swing To Save Shoot Days
- While shooting Filming Power, Sweta negotiated adding an unbudgeted swing for the lighting team to meet shoot demands without blowing the budget.
- She reprioritized line items after consulting gaffer and grip to protect schedule and crew support.