Film Quote by Ken Burns
“When a documentary filmmaker, working in the style that I do, suggests that there has been a shooting ratio of 40 hours to every one hour of finished film, that doesn't mean that the other 39 are bad.”
About This Quote
Source Documentary Filmmaking: Interview, 1990s
A high shooting ratio doesn’t imply wasted footage; it reflects the creative process of selection.
In simple terms: Lots of footage, but only some used.
Key Takeaway
Embrace extensive filming for better editing choices.
Themes
filmmaking
creativity
process
Mood
analytical
instructive
Type
educational
professional
When to use this quote
- documentary production
- creative workflow
- budgeting
- storytelling
Key Concepts
Narrative construction
editing discipline
Questions to Reflect On
- How does excess footage improve the final product?
- When is a lower ratio preferable?
A Different Perspective
High ratios can strain budgets and schedules.
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