Behind the Scenes: Giving "Beyond Books" Depth

By Jamie Benjamin

A Library Patron on Her Way to The Library Photo: Jamie Benjamin

When I first saw the brief for the 10-12 minute interview documentary assignment, my approach and topic was completely different. When I read the brief further, the more I thought about what I really wanted my subject matter to be focused on. I became fueled by some of my journalism interests as well as a healthy bit of nostalgia. I believed that something as quietly powerful as public libraries needed attention. The libraries within the Western Cape are no longer just for accessing books. They're are essential lifelines for their communities. Once I made that decision, the process of making the documentary came with both its highlights and challenges.

Origins and Early Choices

I considered "Your World" to be an assignment prompt that was open to interpretation. Which made the decision to filter it through the lens of library services all the more enjoyable. Libraries seem easy enough. You go in to get books and then you leave. In reality, they're a balancing act between digital access, literacy programs, social outreach and more. I initially considered having multiple voices in my documentary: librarians, patrons, the youth. I eventually scrapped the idea. The scope and time constraints would weaken the documentary's focus. I narrowed it down to one voice of authority. Michelle Hendricks, an Assistant Director for Western Cape Library Services, provided the documentary with an institutional perspective. This gave the documentary grounded depth and cohesion.

The Interview Process

On interview day, it's about making sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Having the right equipment, checking audio levels and keeping the vibe open and conversational. Rigid Q and A's might not always be the best approach. I picked my questions based on the flow of the conversation and what was within my interviewees scope to answer. The interview's purpose wasn't just to add authority to my findings, but to develop a more nuanced perspectives from the top down.

Production and Visuals: Filling the Gaps

I made use of Canva slides, my own sourced B-roll and public-domain resources. The slides themselves served as visual "breathers" between the soundbites. I structured my documentary to have piece-to-camera segments for my introduction and conclusions. Using the information I gathered as context and exposition, I weaved in my interviewees soundbites that discussed a wide range of relevant library topics from funding constraints to digital-literacy workshops.

Reflections and Surprises

Technically, I wished I’d had access to more on-site b-roll, but working around that constraint taught me creative problem-solving: a simple map animation or a still photo with a voice-over can be just as compelling as live footage.

If I did it again, I’d try to film at least one library exterior—just a quick establishing shot—so viewers could feel the scale of these buildings in context. I’d also experiment with natural sound—maybe the quiet hum of computers or the rustle of turning pages—to add more visual depth.

Final Thoughts

By the end of this project, I understood that making a short documentary is like solving a puzzle—balancing interviews, visuals, pacing, and time. “Beyond Books” may not have blockbuster visuals, but I’m proud of how it highlights a vital topic under tight constraints. Most importantly, I learned that sometimes the coolest stories hide in plain sight—right behind those library doors. Below is a link to an audio voicer summary of this blog post: https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2148836/episodes/17289399-summary-of-my-behnind-the-scenes-documentary-assignment

Below is the link to my documentary available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bnakX65xfC8