How to Make a Documentary: Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

• Documentary filmmaking can be an overwhelming journey, especially for beginners.
• This guide presents 12 essential steps filled with practical advice to help transform an idea into a compelling documentary film.
• Author shares personal experience and has established a Documentary Film Academy.

Getting Started

• No prior experience is needed to start making documentaries.
• Beginners can access free filmmaking training resources.

12 Essential Steps for Documentary Filmmaking

1. Documentary Research

• Importance: Choose a story that excites you and has interesting characters.
• Action: Research online, in libraries, and by watching other documentaries.

2. Choose a Documentary Narration Style

• Options: Interview-led, Presenter-led, Observational-led, Narrator-led.
• Advice: Mix styles to best tell your story.

3. Use a Three-Act Documentary Structure

• Structure: Divide into Setup, Development, and Climax & Resolution.
• Purpose: Helps introduce characters, develop conflicts, and resolve the narrative.

4. Find Your Documentary Crew

• Need: Assemble a team with necessary skills such as editing, sound recording, cinematography.
• Action: Choose people passionate about your topic.

5. Create a Documentary Treatment

• Purpose: Outline central focus and narrative, including key themes and characters.
• Outcome: Serves as a roadmap for filming.

6. Create a Documentary Schedule & Budget

• Action: Break down production into tasks; budget for equipment, personnel, legal fees, etc.
• Tip: Include a 10% buffer for unforeseen costs.

7. Choose Camera Equipment

• Advice: Master filmmaking skills rather than relying on expensive equipment.
• Resource: Free camera guide available.

8. Start Shooting Your Documentary

• Technique: Use the 5-shot rule for variety in footage.
• Key: Capture enough material to tell a compelling story.

9. Write a Documentary Script

• Types: A/V script or paper edit.
• Purpose: Organize footage and structure the story.

10. Begin Editing Your Documentary

• Process: Import footage, build structure using three-act model, refine editing.

11. Colour Grade, Choose Music & Design Soundscape

• Steps: Enhance film with color grading, choose appropriate music and sound effects.

12. Market & Share Your Documentary

• Strategies: Use social media, email blasts; submit to festivals or streaming platforms.

Additional Resources

• Checklist: Available to help organize filmmaking process.
• Courses: Documentary Fundamentals course offered at the Documentary Film Academy.

Conclusion

• Begin with a compelling story idea and use available resources and guidance to create your documentary.
• Even solo filmmakers can succeed with passion and the right techniques.

Good luck on your documentary filmmaking journey!