Episode 208 | What’s Your Focus? w/ Ken Burns - The American Buffalo (Part 1 of 2)

Today, we are honored to host a distinguished figure in the realm of filmmaking, none other than the renowned Ken Burns. With profound admiration for his craft, Christian finds it hard to articulate just how deeply grateful she is for the wisdom and insights Mr. Burns brings to the art of documentary filmmaking.

Our conversation with Ken traverses his illustrious journey, commencing with his ability to channel early setbacks into the driving force behind his enduring success. As a producer, Ken's knack for tackling multifaceted challenges is nothing short of extraordinary, guided by a unique perspective that sets him apart in the industry. Above all, we uncover the power of tenacity, of consistently placing one foot in front of the other.

Delving into the roots of Ken's storytelling prowess, we learn of the profound influence his first family experiences had on him, igniting a passion that would define his career. Ken's remarkable talent lies in his ability to weave expansive narratives into profoundly personal experiences. He also shares a poignant moment with his father-in-law, who posed the thought-provoking question: "Who are you trying to wake up?"

Ken's fascination with the resurrection of history through storytelling comes to the forefront, demonstrating his mastery in infusing emotion to enrapture audiences. With generosity, he provides vivid examples of this craft, drawing from a wellspring of experiences that run deep. This vulnerability, Ken eloquently describes as a form of "emotional archaeology."

A privileged glimpse into Ken's latest endeavor awaits, set to grace screens on October 16 & 17 - "The American Buffalo." He graciously unveils the journey, the meticulous creative process, and the profound emotional investment behind this expansive series. Through his work, Ken not only urges us to connect with the human story but also implores us to unearth our best selves and take meaningful action.

With so much more to uncover in this enlightening conversation, we'll take a momentary pause. Join us in our next episode as we continue our exploration of the wisdom and insights of this extraordinary filmmaker.

While this episode won't feature our DocuView Déjà Vu segment, rest assured, it will make a triumphant return in our next installment.

‌Timecodes:

(00:27) - Ken’s (shortened:) BIO

(04:17) - Producers are problem solvers

(07:07) - How Ken’s origin story influences his work.

(11:40) Resurrecting the past in story telling and using emotion to engage the audience.

(16:32) Vulnerability in storytelling is emotional archeology.

(18:14) - “The American Buffalo” Story

(33:22) - Closing remarks - Stay tuned for the next episode.

#TheAmericanBuffaloPBS https://kenburns.com/films/the-american-buffalo/