What makes a good documentary film? The essential element of a good documentary is simply, the story. The audience must have an intellectual and emotional tie to the film. The audience must have a “pull” to get to the end of the film, not an excuse to get away from it.
The story must be found and that is not always easy. It’s the single component that the film hinges upon. Once the story is identified, the filmmaker has to compose it accurately. It’s not as easy as it sounds.
http://www.documentarytube.com/articles/what-makes-a-good-documentary-film
The documentary genre has radically evolved in recent years and so it's not a surprise that there may be some confusion about "what exactly is a documentary!".
A documentary is a broad term to describe a non-fiction movie that in some way "documents" or captures reality.
Documentaries are often used to reveal an unusual, interesting or unknown angle. Topics are limited only by one's imagination.
Documentary filmmakers are often motivated to make their films because they feel a particular story or viewpoint is not being (adequately) covered by mainstream media.
http://www.desktop-documentaries.com/what-is-a-documentary.html
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"Documentaries bring viewers into new worlds and experiences through the presentation of factual information about real people, places, and events, generally -- but not always -- portrayed through the use of actual images and artifacts. But factuality alone does not define documentary films; it's what the filmmaker does with those factual elements, weaving them into an overall narrative that strives to be as compelling as it is truthful and is often greater than the sum of its parts." --Sheila Curran Bernard, Author of Documentary Storytelling |
Tell a story you care about- Start with a subject that excites you.
Research- Learn everything you can about your documentary subject.
Make a Plan- Create an outline.
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”. Depending on the complexity of your project, you may or may not need to create a budget.
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 organising it into a script.
Begin Editing- First you'll need to choose your video editing computer and video editing software.
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.
Distribute!- Of course, now that you’ve done all the work making your documentary, you want people to see it, right?
http://www.desktop-documentaries.com/making-documentaries.html
Questions to consider
Another way to find great documentary ideas is to pay attention to the news. Read your local newspaper, follow blogs in your areas of interest, follow thought leaders on Twitter. Keep an eye out for odd bits of information or a nuggets of a story that could lead to something bigger.
http://www.desktop-documentaries.com/documentary-ideas.html
