Acclaimed Documentarians Dive into History in Reddit AMA
Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, co-directors of the upcoming PBS series The American Revolution and longtime collaborators at Ken Burns’ Florentine Films, recently hosted a Reddit AMA. They shared insights into their documentary-making process, their work on iconic films like Jazz and The Vietnam War, and the challenges of telling America’s revolutionary story.
Florentine Films Legacy: Crafting Groundbreaking Documentaries
As key figures at Florentine Films, Botstein and Schmidt have shaped some of the most revered historical documentaries. Their credits include:
– Jazz (2001)
– The War (2007)
– Prohibition (2011)
– The Vietnam War (2017)
– Hemingway (2021)
Schmidt emphasized their approach: “It’s about balancing multiple perspectives while staying true to history. The goal is to honor the voices of those who lived it.” Botstein added that their films thrive on “intimate human stories within grand historical arcs.”
The American Revolution: A Fresh Look at a Pivotal Era
The upcoming PBS series aims to reframe the revolution by highlighting untold narratives:
– Ordinary citizens – farmers, women, and laborers
– Enslaved Africans – their struggles and contributions
– Indigenous communities – their roles and repercussions
– Loyalists – perspectives often sidelined in mainstream history
Botstein explained, “The revolution was a societal transformation, not just a war. We explore what ‘freedom’ meant to different groups.”
Challenges included limited visual records. Schmidt noted, “Unlike The Vietnam War, we relied on letters, diaries, and art to reconstruct the era.”
Lessons from Collaborating with Ken Burns
Botstein and Schmidt reflected on working with Ken Burns:
– Emotional pacing – “He taught us the power of silence and a single image,” Botstein said.
– Patience – “Great docs take time. Rushing sacrifices depth,” Schmidt added.
– Collaborative rigor – Every frame is debated at Florentine Films to ensure it serves the story.
AMA Takeaways: Filmmaking Wisdom & Future Projects
Key Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
- Schmidt: “Focus on universal emotions—fear, hope, love—to bridge past and present.”
- Botstein: “Stay curious. Challenge dominant narratives.”
Most Challenging Projects
- The War (due to its emotional weight)
- Prohibition (for its moral complexities)
What’s Next?
While tight-lipped, Botstein teased: “We’re drawn to stories that upend conventional wisdom.”
Don’t Miss The American Revolution on PBS
For history buffs and documentary lovers, this AMA was a treasure trove of insights. Stay tuned for the premiere and more from these master storytellers!
