Sep 10, 2023

Five steps to a successful
documentary film project.

We unpick five key elements to ensure your documentary film project reaches its full potential.

Essential
elements.

Documentary films have the power to inform, inspire, and provoke thought. They can shed light on untold stories, explore complex issues, and leave a lasting impact on both filmmakers and audiences.

However, creating a successful documentary film requires careful planning, storytelling prowess, and a deep understanding of your subject matter. In this blog, we’ll walk you through five essential elements to ensure your documentary film project reaches its full potential.

Documentaries are the voice of the people, and through them, we can inspire change.

CHRIS HEGEDUS

Compelling
logline.

The foundation of any great documentary film is a strong concept that can be succinctly expressed in one sentence or less—a logline. This logline should capture the essence of your documentary, pique the audience’s interest, and convey why your project matters.

It’s your film’s elevator pitch, and it will guide you throughout the filmmaking process. Make sure it’s clear, concise, and emotionally engaging. For example, the logline for the documentary “Blackfish” is simply: “A documentary following the controversial captivity of killer whales.”

Unique
characters.

Compelling characters are the heart and soul of a successful documentary. Seek out individuals or groups who offer a unique perspective on your subject matter. These characters should not only be interesting but also relatable to your audience.

Their stories, experiences, and insights should draw viewers into the narrative. Whether it’s a remarkable individual, a community, or an organisation, ensure that your characters have depth and can effectively convey the larger themes of your film.

Multiple
Layers.

A great documentary film is more than just a surface-level exploration of a topic; it delves deep into the subject matter, uncovering layers of meaning and nuance. Conduct thorough research to unearth new angles, perspectives, or information that haven’t been extensively covered before.

Your documentary should be a journey of discovery, leaving your audience with fresh insights and a deeper understanding of the topic. Challenge preconceptions and invite viewers to question their own beliefs.

Audience
driven.

Documentaries should respect the intelligence and curiosity of the audience. Instead of spoon-feeding information, give viewers room to think and form their own opinions. Use a narrative structure that encourages engagement and critical thinking.

Pose questions, present contrasting viewpoints, and allow the audience to draw their own conclusions. When viewers feel like active participants in the storytelling process, your documentary becomes a more immersive and memorable experience.

Story of
change.

One of the most powerful aspects of documentary filmmaking is the potential for transformation—both for the characters within the film and the audience watching it.

Documentaries that incorporate a story of change demonstrate the evolution of their subjects, whether it’s a personal journey, a societal shift, or a change in perspective. Show how your characters and your audience can grow and learn throughout the film. This emotional arc adds depth and resonance to your documentary.

Recent journal entries.