Question
In-universe, who authorized and signed the contract for the document crew to come film the Scranton branch of Dunder-Mifflin, Inc.? Did Corporate authorize it? Or was this one of Michael's blunders and Corporate had no choice but to just let it slide and try to utilize it as free PR?
Was this ever alluded to in-universe? Out-of-universe, did the directors ever allude to this?
Answer
It's never explained
The only thing we know is why Dunder Mifflin was picked:
During The Office Convention in 2007, some of the show's writers took part in a Writer's Block Q&A session. The panel, which can be found on the season 4 DVD, shed light on why Dunder Mifflin was filmed for a documentary. The writers claimed that after one of the Scranton employees committed suicide, the film crew picked Dunder Mifflin to document how the office handled the situation. Those in charge of the documentary then changed their focus when they realized the day-to-day lives of Michael Scott and his employees was much more interesting.
In my opinion, Michael authorized it because it's Michael, he loves the spotlight, and Corporate authorized it because it could serve as one big advertisement for Dunder Mifflin.
Answered By - Gustavo Gabriel
