Some of my readers have been kind enough to express what they think about the book.
Editor, Denmark
Wauw! What a wise, coherent and funny book.
This is the real stuff, and the book is very missed, valuable and long-wished for.
Mikael shares a unique perspective on the world of documentary film. A perspective that is complex, refined, and sophisticated and yet at the same time as nude as direct cinema.
Director, Malaysia
Thank you because now this book is my bible for every documentary project, I am involved in.
Director, Georgia in Modern Times Magazine
The value of this book very much lies in sharp quotes, which seem to answer complex questions in filmmaking.
Mikael embraces uncertainty and doubt as the driving forces of creativity.
Former director EDN, Denmark in Filmkommentaren
I have a lot of respect for his skills and now that respect also includes … having done this fine work that hopefully will find many readers, who like you and I love documentaries.
Total recommendation from my side.
Editor, Germany
I never had a chance to tell you how much I enjoyed reading “The Uncertainty”! It’s absolutely admirable how you put a lot of knowledge in short chapters while keeping the book personal and accessible for everyone.
Film consultant, Switzerland
Mikael is generously sharing from his extensive knowledge and great experience through many years’ dedicated and hugely valued work in the international documentary industry. His reflections, analysis and stories are absolutely inspiring – and entertaining to read!
Yes, there is a good chance that you will also smile when reading this book. I did.
What’s exiting about the book is the authors search for new concepts, new angels and new ways to the result.
Here’s an example: The suggestion to replace Script with The Documentary Potential. I really liked that. It sets the thoughts free from the letters.
Mikael Opstrup gives us useful, funny, and new angles on demanding tasks.
It is a joyful reading.
Director, Czech Republic
Your book’s embracement of “documentary chaos” gives the reader some subtle but important and self-assuring ground. It examines the possible pitfalls in the creative documentary process while offering the readers some essential navigation and terminology that can be very much helpful for avoiding them.
Producer, Norway
After many years in the documentary business, feeling and living the uncertainty has become a lifestyle. Mikael Opstrup’s book puts words to this uncertainty – and reveals how it’s a necessary and crucial part of the creative process of documentary film making – and gives me a revealing moment of certainty and strength to trust the process.
Director, Georgia
When my life took an unpredictable turn, a dear friend gifted me THE UNCERTAINTY by Mikael Opstrup, which helped me not only with my first documentary film, but also in my personal life. By accepting uncertainty, I became free and allowed the flow to take me on a magical journey.
This very practical book illuminates the path to success.
Director, Belgium on Facebook
Onwards to a new documentary chapter! Solo research, with just one companion: the amazing book by Mikael Opstrup.
Just like the TARDIS of doctor Who, this book is small and humble on the outside, but incredibly rich on the inside. Strongly recommended sailing map!