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From leveraging new tech and tackling industry hurdles to staying true to ethical storytelling, Dom Bush shares what it takes to make an impact as a filmmaker. Read on to discover his take on blending creativity with responsibility and how to craft stories that truly resonate. You can also listen to the full Dom Bush Podcast.
Telling Authentic Community Stories
When it comes to connecting with your community, filmmaker Dom Bush really gets it. Growing up in the countryside surrounded by farmers, Dom had a front-row seat to rural life. This upbringing gave him a unique advantage – he was naturally welcomed into this world, allowing him to share their stories in a genuine and non-intrusive way. According to Dom, this insider’s perspective is crucial for ethical storytelling, where the focus is always on the well-being of the people behind the story, not just making a quick buck.
Dom’s company, Land & Sky Media, works with a wide range of clients, from outdoor brands to big names like The Guardian and The National Trust. What’s great about his approach is that he doesn’t limit himself to just one niche, like adventure filmmaking. Instead, he welcomes a variety of projects, which not only keeps things interesting but also keeps his business thriving. By embracing this diversity, Dom opens up more opportunities to tell richer, more meaningful stories.
A big part of what makes Dom’s work stand out is his dedication to ethical filmmaking. While he believes that outsiders can absolutely tell a community’s story in a respectful way, having someone from within the community on the team takes things to the next level. It ensures the portrayal is both authentic and sensitive. This approach reduces the risk of exploitation and guarantees that the stories being told aren’t just another commodity to be sold.
Take his upcoming project “Refugees Rock,” for example, a project led by The Climbing Hangar. This documentary follows refugees as they learn to climb and build a community, and Dom made sure that the way these individuals were represented was thoughtful and empowering. By actively involving the refugees in the filmmaking process and providing them with opportunities, Dom ensured the project wasn’t just about telling their story – it was about giving them a voice and a platform in a way that benefits them.
In everything he does, Dom proves that storytelling is about much more than just picking up a camera. It’s about empathy, ethics, and giving people the space to share their truth.
Ethics in Documentary Filmmaking
When it comes to documentary filmmaking, ethics aren’t just a side note—they’re at the heart of everything, especially when you’re telling stories about communities you’re not a part of. Filmmaker Dom Bush is a big believer in this. He’s confident that you can make ethical and sensitive films even if you’re not from the community you’re documenting, but there’s a catch: you need someone from that community involved, whether as part of the team or as an advisor. This collaboration helps ensure the story is told with accuracy and respect. Without this ethical focus, Dom warns, it’s easy for filmmaking to slide into exploitation, turning people’s lives into mere content or commodities.
In a conversation with Greg, Dom was asked about the Hollywood debate on authentic casting and whether similar principles should apply to documentary filmmaking. Dom’s take? While it’s not an absolute rule, there’s often a lack of understanding around ethics in documentaries. He was even candid enough to admit that in the heat of creativity, he’s sometimes overlooked the ethical impact on the people whose stories he’s telling. This level of self-awareness really drives home how important it is for filmmakers to constantly reflect on the ethics behind their work.
One of the biggest risks, according to Dom, is what he calls “parachuting” into communities—basically swooping in to create quick content without really understanding the people or their stories. Authentic storytelling, he says, takes time, patience, and a real connection with the community. This thoughtful approach stands in stark contrast to the trend of producing quick, bite-sized content that often sacrifices depth and ethics for convenience.
Dom shared an example from his own work on the film “Nowt But A Fleeting Thing.” While he wasn’t a farmer himself, growing up in a farming community gave him an insider’s understanding that helped him earn the trust of the people whose stories he was telling. He emphasized that it’s absolutely possible for filmmakers from outside a community to tell its stories—but only if they’re grounded in ethics and make sure that the community’s perspective is woven into the entire process.
Ethical storytelling isn’t just about what’s on the screen; it’s about the process behind it, and Dom’s approach is a reminder that responsible filmmaking starts with respect, understanding, and a commitment to doing right by the people whose stories are being shared.
Breaking into Filmmaking
For anyone looking to break into filmmaking, Dom Bush has some invaluable advice that cuts through the noise. First on his list? Build a portfolio. According to Dom, a strong portfolio is far more important than having the latest, most expensive camera gear. “Sack off the expensive camera,” he says, driving home the point that it’s your storytelling that really counts. Whether you’re pitching to clients or collaborators, they care much more about the substance and creativity in your work than what equipment you used to create it.
Dom is also quick to remind aspiring filmmakers that this career is a long game. He recalls advice from a seasoned adventure filmmaker who told him it could take up to 15 years to really find your footing in the industry. Dom knows this from personal experience—having run his own production company for over a decade while also supporting a family. He warns against the tempting promises of overnight success you often see in online courses or from influencers. In reality, it takes grit, perseverance, and what he calls a “bloody-minded” pursuit of excellence.
Another major challenge in filmmaking, especially for working-class creatives and those from underrepresented backgrounds, is funding. The industry has tightened in recent years, and Dom points out how hard it can be for those without financial backing to keep their careers afloat. He advocates for targeted funding and positive discrimination to help level the playing field, ensuring that people from all walks of life get a fair shot at success in the industry.
Dom’s advice offers a well-rounded guide for those eager to enter the world of filmmaking. His focus on building a portfolio, committing to the long haul, and pushing for more inclusive funding structures is a powerful message. For new filmmakers, it’s not just about honing your craft, but also about staying resilient and ensuring that the industry opens its doors to a more diverse range of voices.
Technological and Industry Challenges in Filmmaking
When it comes to overcoming the challenges in filmmaking, Dom Bush is full of insights, especially on how technology has changed the game. He points out how, just 40 years ago, the cost of getting started in filmmaking was sky-high. A single camera was out of reach for most aspiring filmmakers. Fast forward to today, and the landscape is completely different—now you can shoot an entire film on a smartphone. This tech evolution has opened up opportunities for more diverse voices and stories, making filmmaking more accessible than ever before.
But while technology has made it easier to create films, the industry itself remains a tough nut to crack. Dom describes it as “brutal”—even high-end professionals often struggle to make a living, and the hurdles are even steeper for working-class creatives and women. His advice? Focus on building a strong portfolio rather than chasing expensive equipment. It’s not about having the latest camera; it’s about showing you can tell a great story. For Dom, storytelling is what makes an impact, not the gear you use.
Beyond the usual challenges, politics and AI are also reshaping the industry in significant ways. Funding for the arts is vulnerable to political shifts. Then there’s AI, which is both a challenge and an opportunity. While Dom is cautious about how AI might change certain roles in filmmaking, he also sees its potential as a helpful tool, particularly in editing and streamlining production tasks. Still, he firmly believes that the heart of filmmaking—crafting a meaningful narrative—will always be something uniquely human that AI can’t replicate.
In the end, Dom’s advice is simple but powerful: storytelling is timeless. While technology and industry trends will keep evolving, the ability to create authentic, compelling narratives will always be in demand. And as filmmakers, staying true to ethical storytelling—especially when representing communities we don’t belong to—is key to navigating the industry’s ups and downs. By sticking to these core principles, filmmakers can overcome the challenges and continue creating work that truly matters.
The Essence of Storytelling: Truth, Honesty, and Ethics
As Dom Bush wraps up his thoughts on storytelling, he emphasises one simple but essential truth: every great story follows a structure. It needs a beginning to introduce us to the characters, a middle that takes us on a journey or shows a transformation, and an ending that ties it all together, leaving the audience with something to reflect on. This isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about creating a connection between the viewer and the characters, making the journey feel real and relatable.
Honesty is the foundation of any compelling narrative. Dom’s film “Red Needle” is a perfect example of this—he approached the story with openness, allowing the truth to shine through. As Dom points out, while many storytelling devices might seem familiar, they resonate because they tap into something universal in human nature. The transformation, whether it’s the character’s, the audience’s, or both, is what sticks with people long after the credits roll.
Of course, none of this means much without ethics. Dom has learned through his career just how vital it is to approach storytelling with care, particularly when dealing with sensitive subjects or vulnerable communities. He admits that in the past, he wasn’t always as mindful of the ethical side as he is now. Today, he’s committed to including people from the communities he’s portraying, ensuring that the storytelling remains genuine, respectful, and avoids any sense of exploitation.
In the end it’s all about the integrity of a story—its truth, honesty, and respect for the people involved—is what makes it stand the test of time. Technology may change, trends will come and go, but a well-told, ethically grounded story will always resonate.
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