No interpreter between the crew and the people in front of the camera: what it changes for interviews, for trust and for the edit.
Papua New Guinea is one of the most linguistically diverse countries on Earth, with hundreds of languages spoken across its provinces. What links them is Tok Pisin, one of the country’s three official languages alongside English and Hiri Motu. Millions of Papua New Guineans use it every day, from the markets of Port Moresby to the most remote villages.
Talking directly changes everything
When the fixer speaks Tok Pisin, nobody stands between the crew and the people they are filming. Questions are understood the first time, jokes land, and contributors answer in their own words rather than in a stiff second-hand version. Many of the most natural moments in a documentary come from these direct conversations.
Trust before the camera
Access in Papua New Guinea is negotiated with communities and clans, often at length. Explaining a project in Tok Pisin — who you are, what you will film, where it will be shown — is the best way to be understood and to obtain real consent. It also avoids the misunderstandings that can stop a shoot overnight.
And for local languages?
In many villages, people also speak their own language. We work with local interpreters from the community when needed, and use Tok Pisin as the bridge between them and the crew.
In the edit
Our work does not stop when the cameras do. We translate interviews and rushes and deliver transcripts ready for the edit, so that what people really said reaches the screen.
What this means for your production
— Interviews run directly, without a third person
— Consent explained clearly, in terms everyone understands
— Local interpreters for village languages when needed
— Translated rushes and transcripts for post-production
Planning interviews in PNG?
Tell us who you want to meet — we prepare the conversations with you.