Friday, May 11, 2012

Guidelines for Making a Documentary

  • Tell a story you care about

Start with a subject that excites you. Make a documentary you're passionate about and makes sense to YOU. There will be plenty of people who don’t “get” your idea. But if YOU get it, that’s what counts. 
  • Research

Learn everything you can about your documentary subject.  Gather facts and search for leads on interesting characters and story lines. 
  • Make a Plan

Create an outline. Think about HOW you’re going to tell your story. What’s the structure? The style? Is there existing footage or photos that help tell your story or will everything need to be shot brand new? Who is your primary character(s)? What are you core story points? What are the elements of your story that are compelling and/or make you “tingle” with intrigue? How can you create that intrigue for your audience? Is there some existing situation you can film or do you need to create the moment?

  • Create a Shot List

This is a list of the footage and interviews you’ll need to make your movie. Think of it as your list of “ingredients”.

  • Start Shooting

Are you making documentaries for the web, mobile devices, television, theater? Maybe a combination? Keep in mind HOW your movie will be viewed because that can dictate your shooting and storytelling style.

  • Write a Script

Once all of the footage is shot and you’ve gathered the various production elements, time to start organizing it into a script.
  • Begin Editing

It’s like putting together a great big puzzle!

  • Check Legal and Copyright Issues

Even though this is near the end of the list, it should actually be something you keep in mind from the very beginning and throughout the ENTIRE filmmaking process.

Source:  http://www.desktop-documentaries.com/making-documentaries.html

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