This Masters Exegesis is a creative practice exploration of the ordinary/extraordinary life of Andy Stankovich: a scrap metal yard worker, a world-class boxer, and an Elvis Presley performer. The King is an observational documentary that follows the journey of Andy and his partner Glenys as they embark on their first New Zealand tour. The narrative of each social actor is constructed around the lead character (Andy Stankovich), framed through the perspective of the director (Ursula Grace). Certain themes emerged that were integral to the construction of the documentary narrative. Three themes, in particular, recurred throughout the crafting of this thesis: responsible representation, building trust/rapport, during reciprocal processes of listening and self-disclosure, and retaining authenticity during performance and representation. These ideas prevailed throughout all stages of conceptual and practical development.
