Ted Alkemade on Crafting Documentaries and Commercials with Heart
Ted Alkemade is the director behind 'Thunderdome Never Dies,' a documentary that earned 'Crystal Film' status in the Netherlands.
Ted’s talent isn’t just limited to documentaries; he also excels in commercial directing, where his human-centric approach and deep connection to his subjects stand out. We spoke with Ted about the artistry of documentary filmmaking, his working methods, and how his experiences influence his commercial work.
What is it about documentary filmmaking that you enjoy so much?
“Creating a documentary feels like sculpting. It’s very much in the moment. You start with a vision of the final product and all the conceptual ingredients, then you chip away everything that’s noise. You mold the story in an iterative and intuitive way until the story tells you it’s finished. That journey is addictive.”
Do you have a personal method that helps you in the process? How would you describe ‘your way’ of working?
“I stay very close to the research and deeply connected to the main characters, even without the camera. Additionally, I like to be able to explain the concept of the production in one sentence. This helps me always remember the power of the basic idea, especially when deviations threaten to creep in.”
What was it like to make a docu-series for the Ministry of Defence?
“In the preliminary interviews and casting with the participants, I discovered a layer of vulnerability within this alpha world that felt very genuine. The cliché image of camaraderie gained much more depth when I truly spoke with the military personnel. It felt very urgent and not staged. That eye-opener became a goal for me to share with others through these films.”
How do you ensure that everyone is so open in front of the camera? The world of the armed forces seems like a closed world, especially when it comes to emotions.
“Entering a room with true interest in others is half the work, then I really listen closely to the things they have to say, big or small. Try to place yourself in their perspective. But, in this case, I wanted the so-called buddies to interview each other. After all, what’s more honest than talking about friendship, when you have to ask it to your best friend yourself? I provided only a bit of direction.”
Does making documentaries influence your process as a commercial director?
“Yes, in part by being very involved at the script level to ensure that the simplicity of a certain idea can be captured in a spontaneous environment where the people in front of the lens feel comfortable. I try to maintain that energy on set. It’s taught me that this approach yields the most gifts, which I can then continue to sculpt with.”
If you had to choose: would you make commercials or documentaries?
“Haha, that’s an impossible dilemma. I wouldn’t give up either of them for anything!”