While documentaries deal with real-life people, places, and events, they are not easy to make. Sometimes, the work and planning it takes to make a really good documentary can be more than it takes to make a heartwarming drama or funny comedy. Therefore, the writing phase in making a documentary is very important and; Not only must you choose an intelligent, controllable focus for your documentary, but you must also plan (and sometimes script) the shoot, while ensuring your documentary achieves its overall objectives.
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Method 1 of 3: Selecting a Topic
Step 1. Solve civic or social issues that are still hot
Some documentaries try to convince the viewer to have a certain feeling about current problems in society by presenting information that proves the opinion of the creator. The classic approach to documentary writing gives you the benefit of virtually guaranteeing a relationship, as the public may already have a strong opinion on the topic. Plus, the controversy that can result from these types of documentaries can give you the added bonus of publicity.
As an example of this type of documentary, ton ton one of Michael Moore's early documentaries, Roger & Me. In this documentary, Moore paints a tragic picture of corporate greed and the devastating effects of large corporations' actions on local communities by investigating the closure of GM's Flint, Michigan plant that resulted in approximately 30,000 job losses. No matter what you think of the controversial filmmaker, it's impossible to deny that the film does take the status of modern American capitalism seriously
Step 2. Focus on the little-known branches of culture
Some documentaries aim to focus on a small or relatively unknown group of people whose communities are unique, strange, gripping, or amazing. The branch of culture that is the topic of this documentary can be made up of people with the same hobbies, similar life circumstances, similar backgrounds, or other relationships. There's no limit to the types of stories you can tell with a documentary like this; some are funny, some are sad, some are interesting, and some are a mix of all three.
As an example of this type of documentary, watch The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters. The film dives into the strange world of “video game” players by following the story of a newcomer who hopes to take the place of champion. This documentary is able to create an interesting story of the actions of a small group of people who, for most people, are not important at all; quite an achievement in making a documentary
Step 3. Show the intimate side of famous people
Several documentaries about the lives of famous or influential people who have shaped the world. These documentaries often seek to expose the trials and tribulations behind the scenes of someone with a great reputation in the public consciousness. The best types of documentaries use extensive research and interviews with experts or people close to the topic of the documentary to show viewers a side of this person they don't know.
One good example of this type of biographical documentary is the film Tupac Resurrection. Using home films and interviews with many people who know the rap idol (including the rapper himself), this documentary humanizes a character who has become a legend, showing him as a sensitive, intelligent, and sometimes conflicted individual
Step 4. Record important events as they occur
Some documentaries give viewers an inside view of important events with live footage and interviews with people who were directly involved with those events. Sometimes, for this type of documentary, the filmmaker embeds himself with the people who participated in the events. For example, for a documentary about war, the filmmaker might travel with a platoon of soldiers, filming daily life at the location and filming dangerous confrontations with enemies as they occur.
However, be aware that this type of documentation doesn't have to be about grim and serious events. For example, a concert documentary like Stop Making Sense simply records a band performing on stage (in this case, The Talking Heads). If well-crafted, these types of documentaries can be just as interesting
Step 5. Reveal the dirty secrets of people in power
Some documentaries aim to counter the current state of politics or status by exposing the corruption, hypocrisy, and evil actions of powerful people or organizations. This opening documentary generates outrage by showing how the stated goals of powerful people differ from the actual results of their behavior. Oftentimes, these documentaries will use stories of people who were negatively affected by the actions of powerful people to show the harm caused to powerful people or organizations. These types of documentaries can be very difficult to produce because people in power will use their resources to refuse to be seen as greedy, stupid, or evil. However, with determination, lots of research, and bold reporting, it's possible to create a documentary that causes audiences to rage for justice.
For an example of this type of documentary, watch Hot Coffee. This documentary investigates the famous story of the woman suing McDonald's after spilling hot coffee on her and several other stories to show how the media, wealthy corporate interests, and the politicians she supports financially work together to diminish the power that ordinary citizens have in the civil justice system
Step 6. Dig up new information about historical events
Some documentaries talk about historical people, places, and events, not the most recent or recent. Because the subject matter of these documentaries is often gone, this type of film relies more on research and interviews with experts (such as professors, writers, etc.) than other documentaries. However, it is still possible to tell an interesting story about the past that is still important in the present by illustrating the connection between the two to the audience.
One of the good documentaries is the 2012 film The Act of Killing. This documentary makes a strong statement about the human capacity to commit evil by showing the efforts of filmmakers to make criminals a murder in Indonesia to reenact the massacres they committed
Step 7. Show the world something it's never seen before
Some documentaries are simply trying to capture something very unique. This could be an event that many people are not aware of, a person who is not famous but has an interesting life story, or a history that has disappeared with time. These types of documentaries are best at making statements using their unique subject matter to illustrate a big point about how the world works or the human state.
A good example of this type of documentary is Grizzly Man by Werner Herzog. By telling the story of Timothy Treadwell, the man who chose to live in the Alaskan wilderness with a grizzly bear and was eventually killed by the bear, Herzog paints a picture of a man's strange relationship with nature that resonates with audiences who would never do the same
Method 2 of 3: Planning and Writing Scripts
Step 1. Use research to build the basis of your documentary
The first step in writing your documentary is to educate yourself on your subject as much as possible. Use books, online writing, and especially primary sources (which have the benefit of providing direct information from the people involved in the subject of your documentary) to become an expert on the people, places, and things that are the topic of your documentary. Knowing all about your subject makes it easy to find interesting “corners” to take your documentary. Also, having a good knowledge of your reference material will allow you to know what information you want to present in your documentary (and the sources you should include in it).
If you are unsure where to start, try going to a local university and contacting professors who are experts in your documentary subject. While they may not know everything you need to know about your subject, they can usually tell you where to look for this information
Step 2. Express your opinion with a pressurized and logical progression of information
In its own way, documentaries tell stories using characters, settings, and plots, much like a narrative film. Your documentary should have a beginning, middle, and end that work together to convey a logical message or opinion to the audience. In short, your audience should tell a “story” as accurately and quickly as possible. This means deciding in what order you want to present information to the audience.
For example, if you are making a documentary about drug exchanges between the U. S. and Mexico, you may want to start by setting a background for your documentary; discuss the creation of U. S. Drug War regulations, for example, or show the path that cocaine travels from South America through Central America and Mexico to the U. S. You shouldn't start with a boring professor interview; Just like regular films, documentaries should try to capture the audience's attention from the start
Step 3. Create a storyboard of your film's progress
Although documentaries usually don't have a script, they must be well planned. Having a storyboard for the story you want to tell using your documentary can help you plan and schedule shooting and give you purpose and direction. A storyboard can also help you visualize the types of images you want to use for your documentary. Like ordinary films, documentaries can use visual storytelling techniques to convey opinions to the audience.
While storyboards can be an excellent tool for documentary filmmakers, keep in mind that, for some documentaries, some of your footage may come from events that spontaneously happened in front of you. Be open to the possibility of taking pictures without a plan; Surprise moments captured on camera can make a documentary
Step 4. Write down a regular schedule
Like regular films, most documentaries require a schedule to ensure that shooting remains organized and that all of the filmmaker's goals are met. Your schedule should include all the trips you'll need to take to complete the recording as well as an outline of the important events you'll need to attend.
Your schedule should include time for any interviews you wish to have. You will need to contact the person you are interviewing with as soon as possible to have the best chance of getting the time, so plan all interviews ahead of time when you plan to start shooting
Step 5. Write any narrative scripts that will be used for the film
One part of the documentary that is written in the form of a script is any narrative in the film. Voiced narrators need scripts that clearly and efficiently explain information that the documentary cannot visually convey. Even non-voted text narrations need to be scripted in advance so that your editor or animator will know what was included in the text.
Step 6. Write any re-scripts
Some documentaries, especially those about historical figures or events, will accompany remakes featuring actors. If this re-enactment contains any dialogue, actors will need a script in advance so they can practice delivering dialogue. If there's no dialogue in your reenactment, your actors still need stage direction, which you'll need to write as well.
Step 7. Be a merciless editor
Don't be afraid to cut out anything that doesn't help your documentary prove its point as effectively as possible. If your audience is bored with your film, they will not understand the message you are trying to convey and may not pay attention. Make sure your documentary is as short, sharp, and clear as possible. Anything you cut can be included in the deleted scenes of your film on DVD publishing, so choose wisely what to include and not include!
Know that documentaries don't have to be long. With the internet, documentaries that are too short for theatrical viewing can still be offered as “streaming” or download videos, ensuring that your film continues to reach audiences
Method 3 of 3: Giving Your Documentary a Purpose
Step 1. Tell a story with your documentary
As said above, the best documentaries tell a story that is just as engaging as you might find in a regular film. This way of storytelling can be used to great effect no matter the subject of your documentary. The way you write, shoot, and edit your film will affect how your audience sees your character and reacts to your plot. Use your film's narrative to prove your point to the audience. Try asking yourself the following questions as you write and plan your documentary to make sure your film tells the story you want it to tell:
- “How do I want the audience to feel about the people and events I am describing?”
- “What kind of message am I trying to convey in each scene?”
- “What is the best order for my scenes to get the message I want delivered?”
- “How can I use the sound and visuals of my film to convey my opinion?”
Step 2. Create a goal to persuade the audience
Ideally, your documentary should inspire your audience to act or feel differently than they did before they saw it. Even relatively light documentaries can benefit from taking this persuasive approach, so never forget what kind of reaction you want to create in your audience.
For some documentaries, such as those that cover controversial social issues, the type of persuasion you're aiming for is usually clear. For others, it may be more hidden. For example, if we're writing a documentary about a strange subculture of people who hang out and pretend to be unicorns, we can make it a goal to convince the audience that while these people's hobbies are weird, it still gives them a sense of community that they don't. find somewhere else
Step 3. Attack emotions
When you get the chance, strike the hearts of the audience! Proving your point with logic is, of course, highly desirable. However, not all members of the audience would understand the emotionless logic. Even members of your audience who agree with the logic of your film can be further convinced if they get a serious emotional reaction from the film. Look for opportunities to show tragedy or humor in the events you present. A good documentary will engage the audience's heart as well as their mind.
For example, the example from earlier when we made a documentary about the U. S. drug trade. - Mexico, we might include a sad story of someone who has lost a family member to drug-related violence at the border. It gives a human face to the opinion we are trying to convey by showing that someone's real life has been influenced by the subject of our documentary
Step 4. Sell the subject matter to your audience
Remember, your subject matter is important, although, in the grand scheme of things, it really isn't! You're making a film about something that has excited, intrigued, or captivated you, so make it your goal to affect the audience in the same way the subject matter affects you.
