Summary
The PBS series “Frontline” faced a significant challenge when President Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race, forcing the filmmakers to pivot quickly from a documentary focused on a Biden-Trump matchup to one featuring Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee against Donald Trump. With only weeks to adapt, the team, led by producer Michael Kirk, utilized pre-existing research on Harris and conducted extensive interviews to create a nuanced portrait of her political biography.
This unprecedented shift required the filmmakers to not only condense their original four-hour documentary into a two-hour special but also to balance the narratives of two candidates with vastly different backgrounds and political histories. The documentary, titled “The Choice 2024: Harris vs. Trump,” explores Harris’s upbringing, her controversial decisions as a prosecutor, and the struggles she faces as a Black, South Asian woman in politics. In contrast, the film also revisits Trump’s past, linking his upbringing and experiences to his current political persona, particularly in light of the events surrounding January 6. The filmmakers aimed to provide an impartial view of both candidates, focusing on their life lessons and how these experiences shape their approaches to leadership.
Filmmaking Process
- Timeline Compression: The production timeline was drastically shortened from months to approximately nine weeks, with the team shooting in two weeks and editing in five weeks.
- Research and Interviews: The filmmakers quickly gathered material on Harris, tapping into her close friends and associates who had never before participated in interviews about her life.
Narrative Structure
- Juxtaposition of Candidates: The documentary employs a narrative technique that contrasts Harris’s story against Trump’s, emphasizing their differing backgrounds and life lessons.
- Focus on Personal Struggles: The film highlights the personal and political struggles both candidates have faced, framing these experiences as central to their identities and approaches to governance.
Challenges in Portrayal
- Limited Historical Archive for Harris: Unlike Trump, who has a long history in the public eye, Harris’s political biography required the filmmakers to dig deep into her past to construct a compelling narrative.
- Maintaining Balance: The filmmakers sought to avoid creating a false equivalency between the candidates, acknowledging the complexities of their respective histories and public perceptions.
Through this adaptive process, “The Choice 2024” aims to offer viewers a comprehensive understanding of both candidates ahead of the election, providing a platform for informed decision-making.
Sep. 24 / Deadline / Ted Johnson's coverage in Deadline focuses on the logistical hurdles faced by the "Frontline" team and the unique insights gained from interviewing Harris's friends. It provides a balanced perspective on both candidates, yet lacks the narrative depth found in the other articles, making it feel more like a straightforward report. “ When Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race on July 21, it left PBS Frontline ‘s The Choice with a big gaping hole. The documentary of the two major...
How 'Frontline' filmmakers scrambled to make 'The Choice' about Harris vs. Trump
Sep. 24 / L.a. Times / Meredith Blake's piece in the L.A. Times provides an insightful behind-the-scenes look at the rapid adaptation process of "The Choice," highlighting the challenges faced in profiling Kamala Harris against Trump. The interview format with Kirk offers depth and clarity, making it a valuable resource for understanding the documentary's unique context. “ Every four years since 1988, the team behind the PBS series “Frontline” creates a film called “The Choice,” exploring the political biographies of the...
The challenge of "The Choice"? Figuring out Kamala Harris, fast
Sep. 23 / Salon / Melanie McFarland's article in Salon emphasizes Michael Kirk's innovative narrative techniques while exploring the complexities of portraying Harris and Trump. It effectively captures the urgency of the production process, revealing the inherent challenges and triumphs in crafting a dual biography under tight deadlines. “ -- Shares Facebook Twitter Reddit Email One would think “The Choice 2024” would have been, if not easier for “ Frontline ” producer and director Michael Kirk...