Netflix producer proposes summer vacation to build bond with documentary subjects

Producer Ye-ji proposed a summer vacation to Mi-ok and Ho-seok, who have not been able to travel for several years, to foster emotional communion. The trip, which will include Sang-woo and Ye-ji, aims to build a relationship through shared experience rather than forced interviews.

The attitude a documentary producer adopts toward their subjects is a crucial factor that determines the depth of a work. In a video released by Netflix Korea, a producer making a documentary revealed efforts to build an emotional bond with the cast, a couple named Mi-ok and Ho-seok, by proposing a summer vacation.

"Power comes from the subjects": The philosophy of a documentary producer

In the video, the producer suggested a summer vacation to Mi-ok and Ho-seok, implying that this trip is more than just simple rest, but a process of building a relationship with the subjects. The producer mentioned that the power of a documentary comes from the people who are the subjects. Therefore, the core principle of documentary production revealed by the producer is that one must love the people who are the subjects.

The producer emphasized an attitude of trying to identify oneself with others. They expressed that the process of believing oneself to be the same as others and trying to feel their hearts is an attitude a documentary producer must possess. This is interpreted as the producer's will to not treat subjects merely as objects of observation, but to draw out true stories through emotional communion.

Ye-ji's proposal and the couple's decision to join

This vacation began when Ye-ji first proposed it to Mi-ok and Ho-seok. Ye-ji mentioned quiet and comfortable resorts, suggesting they go on a vacation to a place better than most foreign tourist destinations. In particular, she requested to spend time together, noting that Mi-ok and Ho-seok have not been able to go on a summer vacation for several years.

The producer was considerate so that the cast would not feel burdened regarding whether interviews would be conducted during the vacation. Expressing the wish for the cast, who have lived diligently, to get sufficient rest for the first time in a long while, the producer stated that interviews would be conducted only if they wanted to, and would not be forced. Consequently, Mi-ok and Ho-seok accepted the proposal and decided to go on the vacation together.

The producer joyfully accepted this accompaniment, stating that spending time with the cast is a pleasant thing. This vacation is expected to be a journey where the couple Sang-woo and Ye-ji travel together with Mi-ok and Ho-seok.

Source: original video (YouTube)