We make documentary films because we find a subject that is so compelling, we have to create a film about it, and usually our passion is so great that we want to jump in and start filming right away.  Sometimes this is necessary, there is an event happening that is so timely we have to begin production right away, but most often the best course of action is to take a deep breath, and remember the 6 things every documentary filmmaker should know:

1. Do Your Research: The best way to begin a documentary film is by thoroughly researching your subject.  This can include:
   1. Online searches and reading any books or articles
   2. What other films, if any, have been produced on this same or similar subjects
   3. What pictures & video footage is available – this could be home movies, newscasts, personal photos, material in the public domain
2. Decide on the final length of your film: Based upon your research how much screen time will you need to cover the subject in a cinematic and compelling way? Also, consider where will your film seen – the web, at film festivals, in theaters, or in the classroom.  It should be noted that this can change once you start production – a short film can evolve into a feature or a vice versa.
3. Pre-interview: Take the time to pre-interview the main people you will be filming on-camera. This should be done without a camera or recording device, with the goal of creating stronger rapport with your subject and aiding in crafting the right interview questions for filming.
4. Write a Project Proposal: Most documentaries usually don’t follow scripts (though some certainly do – think historical, lyrical or voice over driven docs), but that doesn’t mean you start filming without a plan.  A documentary films’ project proposal includes story synopsis, topic summary, artistic approach, audience engagement strategy, key personnel, and more.  Your documentary will evolve over the course of making it, but you MUST have a strong starting point and intention at the beginning.  A proposal is also essential to fundraising and the Sundance Institute has a terrific proposal checklist for you to review.
5. Create a Sample Reel: Unless you are producing a short film, you will need to create a sample reel.  The sample reel is essential for fundraising and generating other support for your film (crew, advisors, etc.).  A good sample reel should be 4-5 minutes long and not only highlight the main subject of your film, it should also capture the look & feel (artistic approach) of your final film.
6. Get Good Audio: The most important technical element of your documentary is the audio. As filmmakers, we are often overly obsessed with the visual image.  In a documentary film, it is the audio that drives the story.  This is not to say that shooting beautiful and cinematic images isn’t important – it certainly is – but if your audio is poor, lovely images won’t make up for it.

And if you’d like to know more essentials of documentary filmmaking, check out the two articles below.

“4 Things Every Documentary Filmmaker Should Know” by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences

Michael Moore’s “13 Rules on Documentary Filmmaking”