narrative documentary production unit 2 study guides

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Narrative documentary a non-fiction film that tells a story, often focusing on a specific person, event, or issue
• Pre-production the planning stage of a documentary project that precedes filming and includes research, budgeting, and logistics
• Treatment a concise document that outlines the story, characters, and structure of the documentary
• B-roll supplementary footage used to enhance the main story and provide visual variety
• Talking head an interview shot featuring a close-up of the subject's face, typically used for expert commentary or personal stories
• Cinéma vérité a documentary style that emphasizes candid, unscripted moments and minimal intervention from the filmmaker
• Archival footage pre-existing video or film material used to provide historical context or illustrate past events
• Release form a legal document signed by participants granting permission to use their likeness and contributions in the documentary

Research Methods and Sources

• Primary sources firsthand accounts, original documents, and direct observations that provide the most authentic information for a documentary
  • Interviews with experts, witnesses, or people directly involved in the story
  • Historical records (letters, diaries, official documents)
  • Photographs and video footage captured by the documentary team
• Secondary sources published works that analyze, interpret, or summarize information from primary sources
  • Books, articles, and documentaries related to the topic
  • Online databases and archives
  • Media reports and news coverage
• Fact-checking verifying the accuracy of information gathered through research to ensure the documentary is truthful and credible
• Oral histories recorded interviews that capture personal experiences and memories related to the documentary subject
• Site visits traveling to locations relevant to the story for firsthand observation and gathering visual material
• Background research exploring the broader context and history surrounding the documentary topic to inform the narrative and provide a comprehensive understanding

Developing the Documentary Idea

• Brainstorming generating potential ideas for a documentary through group discussions, mind mapping, or individual reflection
• Narrowing the focus identifying the most compelling and feasible aspect of a broad topic to create a specific, manageable story
• Identifying the target audience determining the demographics, interests, and needs of the intended viewers to guide content and style decisions
• Crafting a unique angle finding a fresh perspective or untold story that sets the documentary apart from existing works on the subject
• Evaluating the idea's potential assessing the story's impact, relevance, and ability to sustain viewer interest throughout the documentary
• Researching the competition analyzing similar documentaries to identify gaps, opportunities, and ways to differentiate the project
• Defining the central question articulating the main inquiry or problem the documentary seeks to explore or answer
• Considering access and feasibility assessing the practicality of obtaining necessary interviews, locations, and materials for the chosen story

Pre-Production Planning Essentials

• Creating a production schedule outlining the timeline for research, filming, and post-production tasks to ensure efficient use of time and resources
• Assembling the crew identifying and hiring skilled professionals for key roles (director, cinematographer, sound designer, editor)
• Scouting locations visiting and evaluating potential filming sites for visual appeal, acoustics, and logistical suitability
• Obtaining permits and permissions securing necessary authorizations to film in specific locations or feature copyrighted material
• Developing interview questions crafting thoughtful, open-ended prompts to elicit insightful and emotionally resonant responses from subjects
• Gathering equipment and supplies ensuring the team has access to high-quality cameras, microphones, lighting, and other essential gear
• Creating a contact list compiling names, roles, and communication details for all participants, crew members, and relevant parties
• Establishing a communication plan determining the most effective methods (email, phone, messaging apps) for keeping the team informed and coordinated

Ethical Considerations and Permissions

• Informed consent ensuring that all participants fully understand the purpose, process, and potential consequences of their involvement in the documentary
  • Providing clear, written explanations of the project's goals, distribution plans, and any risks or benefits
  • Obtaining signed release forms from each participant
• Protecting vulnerable subjects taking extra precautions when featuring minors, trauma survivors, or individuals with limited capacity to consent
• Respecting privacy and boundaries avoiding undue pressure or intrusion when gathering sensitive or personal information from participants
• Maintaining objectivity striving to present a balanced, impartial perspective on the story, even if the filmmaker has a personal stake or opinion
• Securing music rights obtaining legal permission to use any copyrighted songs, compositions, or recordings in the documentary
• Fact-checking and accuracy verifying the truthfulness of all information presented and correcting any errors or misrepresentations
• Considering the impact on subjects being mindful of how the documentary's portrayal may affect participants' lives, relationships, or reputations
• Seeking expert guidance consulting with lawyers, ethicists, or relevant professionals when navigating complex legal or moral issues

Budgeting and Resource Allocation

• Identifying funding sources exploring grants, investors, crowdfunding, or personal finances to cover production costs
• Estimating expenses creating a detailed breakdown of anticipated costs for crew, equipment, travel, post-production, and other necessities
• Prioritizing resources determining which aspects of the project are most essential and allocating funds accordingly
• Negotiating rates and contracts securing fair, transparent agreements with crew members, vendors, and service providers
• Contingency planning setting aside a portion of the budget (typically 10-20%) to cover unexpected expenses or emergencies
• Tracking expenses maintaining accurate records of all payments, receipts, and invoices to stay within budget and facilitate financial reporting
• Seeking in-kind donations pursuing non-monetary contributions (equipment loans, discounted services, volunteer labor) to stretch the budget further
• Adjusting the scope being prepared to modify the scale or ambition of the project if funding falls short of initial expectations

Storyboarding and Visual Planning

• Creating a shot list detailing each scene's desired camera angles, movements, and compositions to guide filming and ensure coverage
• Sketching key frames illustrating pivotal moments or visual ideas to communicate the intended look and feel of the documentary
• Establishing a visual style defining the overall aesthetic (color palette, lighting, camera techniques) to create a cohesive and immersive viewer experience
• Planning transitions and montages determining how to smoothly connect scenes and incorporate multiple images or footage for emotional impact
• Identifying visual motifs selecting recurring visual elements (objects, symbols, locations) that reinforce the documentary's themes or narrative arc
• Considering pacing and rhythm varying the tempo and intensity of scenes to maintain viewer engagement and evoke desired emotional responses
• Incorporating text and graphics planning the placement and design of titles, captions, or animated elements to convey information or enhance storytelling
• Collaborating with the cinematographer discussing the storyboard and visual plan to ensure technical feasibility and creative alignment

Team Roles and Responsibilities

• Director the creative leader who oversees all aspects of the documentary, from concept to final cut
  • Communicating the vision and guiding the team to bring it to life
  • Making key creative decisions about story, style, and tone
• Producer the logistical manager who handles budgeting, scheduling, and coordination of the production process
  • Securing funding, permits, and resources
  • Hiring and supervising crew members
• Cinematographer the visual artist responsible for capturing the documentary's footage
  • Selecting and operating cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment
  • Collaborating with the director to achieve the desired look and feel
• Sound recordist the audio specialist who captures high-quality sound during filming
  • Monitoring levels, placing microphones, and troubleshooting audio issues
  • Ensuring clear, intelligible recordings of interviews and ambient sound
• Editor the storyteller who assembles the raw footage into a compelling, cohesive narrative
  • Selecting the best shots and takes
  • Creating a rough cut and refining it based on feedback
• Researcher the fact-finder who gathers and verifies information to inform the documentary's content
  • Conducting interviews, accessing archives, and compiling background material
  • Providing context and fact-checking details
• Subjects the individuals whose stories, experiences, or expertise are featured in the documentary
  • Sharing their perspectives through interviews or observational footage
  • Collaborating with the team to ensure accurate representation