Documentary film production is one of the most challenging forms of film production. It requires a certain type of director, crew and actors who are willing to take risks and trust in their instincts. And apart from all that, it’s also not an easy business to run either. Documentaries require an endless stream of funding, which means that profitability isn’t guaranteed. With all this in mind, it makes sense to learn as much as you can about documentary production before getting involved. Think of it as your chance to be savvy rather than just jump right in with both feet. Doing your research will help you make smarter decisions about what kind of documentary you want to produce and how much time and money you’re willing to invest.
What is documentary production?
A documentary is a specialized form of filmmaking that is used to explore unusual or controversial topics by using real-life interviews and authentic footage. In contrast to popular fiction films, documentary films don’t attempt to tell an entertaining story or deliver a moral message. Instead, documentary films attempt to use facts, interviews, and footage to explore the human condition. Documentary directors and producers often use a “direct, personal style of storytelling” that is free of narration and dialogue. The goal of a documentary is to present the audience with a series of facts and footage that engage the audience and help them process information in new and meaningful ways.
What are the different types of Documentary
There are two main types of documentaries. One is a traditional approach in which a single director and crew spend months or years following a single person’s journey across the country or across the world. Then there’s the type of documentary that uses a large cast of people who come together to tell a story that’s bigger than any one person could do alone.
Can you make a documentary with no budget?
Some of the world’s most prominent documentary filmmakers started out by making documentaries that had no budget at all. But, the truth is, you can’t make a documentary without a budget. You can’t pay actors or buy equipment. In fact, the majority of the money you spend on a documentary will go to paying your crew, either as wages or as a portion of their fees. If you decide to make a documentary without any budget, you’ll have to be incredibly resourceful and creative. You’ll have to think of inventive ways to shoot and edit your film that doesn’t cost a penny.
How do you find funding for documentary production?
There are many ways to find funding for documentary production. Some of the most common funding methods for documentary producers include:
Sell equity in your idea: If you have an idea for a documentary, you can sell equity in that idea. This is risky because no one knows whether your idea will be a hit, but it can be a good source of funding if you have an idea that’s already in the public eye.
: If you have an idea for a documentary, you can sell equity in that idea. This is risky, because no one knows whether your idea will be a hit, but it can be a good source of funding if you have an idea that’s already in the public eye. Crowdfund your project
: If you manage to raise enough money through crowdfunding, that money can be used to fund your documentary.
: If you manage to raise enough money through crowdfunding, that money can be used to fund your documentary. Partner with a media company
: Many media companies are interested in funding documentaries and are willing to provide funding for projects that fit with their corporate image.
: Many media companies are interested in funding documentaries and are willing to provide funding for projects that fit with their corporate image. Partner with a private investor
: If you don’t meet any of the funding sources above, you can always try to raise money from private investors.
Which software should you use to create your film?
When it comes to selecting documentary film-making software, the most important thing is to choose software that meets your specific documentary needs. There are tons of different documentary production software options on the market, and a lot of them will feel really dated after a few months of use. Before you make your final software selection, take some time to research the features and pros and cons of each software option to ensure you make the right choice.
Tips for editing your documentary film
When you’re editing your documentary, you want to edit with a few key principles in mind. First, you want to edit quickly and efficiently. This means editing with a focus on clarity, rather than on style. You also want to focus on storytelling, rather than on being “arty.” And last but not least, you want to edit with the end goal in mind: to tell a story that will educate your audience and draw them in.
Conclusion
Documentary filmmaking is one of the most challenging forms of film production. It requires a certain type of director, crew and actors who are willing to take risks and trust in their instincts. And apart from all that, it’s also not an easy business to run either. Documentaries require an endless stream of funding, which means that profitability isn’t guaranteed. With all this in mind, it makes sense to learn as much as you can about documentary production before getting involved. Think of it as your chance to be savvy rather than just jump right in with both feet. Doing your research will help you make smarter decisions about what kind of documentary you want to produce and how much time and money you’re willing to invest.
