Trust is Essential When Making a Documentary

While producing Dovere for Camden, I learned that trust is a key element when documenting a story, an event, a life. I was impressed with Joe Paprzycki's trust in me to tell a story that is so personal to him. After seeing a wonderful play Last Rites during the opening week of the Waterfront South Theatre, a theatre that was constructed where Joe’s Grandfather’s abandoned bar once stood, I approached Joe and told him that I’d like to make a documentary about the theatre, Camden, perhaps him. I wasn’t clear what should be emphasized; however, I believed at the very least an interesting story, and perhaps at the very most and important story, existed. From the beginning, middle and end, Joe said, “tell whatever story unfolds, it’s your movie.” This unconditional trust speaks volumes of his professionalism and self confidence. We found Joe to be generous with his time, his knowledge, and his desire to give credit to folks such as Father Michael Doyle, Helene Pierson, Sister Peg Hines, Heart of Camden, and others who made the theatre a reality. He is a kind, creative, and thoughtful human being. Joe also introduced us to Pepe Piperno and Bruce Curless, both who have important roles in the documentary. Come to the film screening at 7:00 pm on Saturday, February 10 at Rutgers University in New Brunswick to meet Joe and some of the other folks involved with breathing life back into their beloved city and who trusted us to produce Dovere for Camden.