Ken Burns tells Jimmy Fallon how he picks documentary topics, shares importance of 'emotional archeology'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ken Burns, the acclaimed documentary filmmaker renowned for his distinctive style and in-depth explorations of American history, recently graced 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' to offer insights into his craft and methodology.

During the conversation, Burns shared his intriguing process for selecting documentary topics, shedding light on the significance of what he termed "emotional archeology."

Ken Burns says 'good stories' pick him

Known for his extensive and profound works covering various aspects of American history, Burns has consistently delved into captivating narratives, capturing pivotal moments with profound depth and storytelling finesse.

When asked about his approach to choosing subjects for his documentaries, Burns articulated his methodology, saying, "The glib answer is they pick me. I mean, literally, if it's a good story."

He emphasized, "I wanted to do... not just excavate dry dates and facts of the past, but have an emotional archeology so that you're feeling these and you don't treat the people of the past as if they're long gone." 

The esteemed filmmaker explained, "I search for topics that not only bear historical significance but also possess an emotional core that can resonate deeply with viewers."

He delved into the concept of "emotional archeology," describing it as a method that involves "unearthing and revealing the emotional essence of historical events and figures."

Burns highlighted the human element in history, stating, "I aim to connect audiences to the past by unearthing the emotional depth within it."

Ken Burns likes to do more than just 'excavate dry dates and facts of the past'

'The Dust Bowl' director's commitment to unraveling the emotional intricacies of historical narratives underscores his pursuit of creating documentaries that resonate on an emotional level while presenting historical significance. 

Through his approach, Burns aims to evoke empathy and forge a personal connection between viewers and the subjects of his documentaries.

By intertwining personal stories with historical events, he constructs narratives that transcend mere facts and dates, making history more relatable and compelling.

He emphasized, "That's you. I think that what I wanted to do in all the programs, beginning with my first one, is not just excavate dry dates and facts of the past, but have an emotional archeology so that you're feeling these and you don't treat the people of the past as if they're long gone."

Burns passionately described the staggering decline in the population of buffalos from 70 million to under 1,000 by 1885, calling it "the largest slaughter of wildlife in the history of the world, and that's on us."

Acknowledging the collective effort to save them from extinction, Burns pondered the future, questioning, "What are we going to do about it?" He posed alternatives for their fate – zoo captivity or free-roaming – lauding initiatives like American Prairie, aiming to create spaces for their freedom.

He celebrated their resurgence, calling it "a great story," emphasizing the buffalo's significance as the national mammal and the largest land mammal in North America, which he captured in his decades of filming across various regions.  

Notably, Burn's latest docu-series 'The American Buffalo' revolves around the topic. On the PBS website, it's described as a "two-part, four-hour series, takes viewers on a journey through more than 10,000 years of North American history."