Documentaries, like all films, have the power to inspire and provoke thought, but unlike fiction, what sets a documentary film apart is that it can inform the viewer about the real world, too. Fictional narratives can certainly be compelling, but documentaries are also grounded in reality, offering audiences a window into untold real-world stories, pressing issues facing people around the world, and diverse perspectives.
However, creating a documentary that resonates deeply and leaves a lasting impression isn’t a small feat. Could you create an Oscar-worthy documentary just by picking up a camera and going to a place in the world facing conflict? Perhaps, but it’s not likely. Making a documentary that hits the mark requires a delicate balance of artistry, research, and technical skill. In this article, we’ll look at some of the essential elements of crafting an impactful, memorable documentary film.
The Power of Compelling Storytelling
Documentary films and fictional films aren’t completely different. Both need one thing at their core to be great—a compelling story. Interesting facts and information are important, but it’s the emotional connection that truly makes a documentary unforgettable. A well-told story doesn’t just inform the audience about an (often complex) issue; it makes that issue relatable and engaging for the audience.
Find the Narrative Arc
Every documentary needs a clear narrative arc, which means it needs a beginning, middle, and ending. This structure helps guide the audience through the film, providing a sense of progression and resolution.
Whether you’re exploring a historical event, a social issue, or a personal journey, the story should have a central question or conflict that drives the narrative forward. For example, in 2016’s 13th, director Ava DuVernay uses the history of the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution and the history of slavery and racial inequality in the United States to ultimately explore the modern-day prison system, creating a single cohesive narrative.
Focusing on an individual’s story can also humanize the film. Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018) tells the story of Fred Rogers and his life’s work to explore themes of kindness and empathy. Centering the story around a beloved figure like Mr. Rogers creates an emotional anchor for the audience, and diving deeper into his struggles and triumphs and the impact he ultimately had on millions turns a biography into an emotional journey.
However, an emotional core is not enough on its own. An informative experience—and, more importantly, an accurate one—is what takes a documentary film to the next level.
The Importance of Being Thorough
Fundamentally, a documentary is only as strong as the information behind it. A well-researched, informative documentary that addresses numerous facets of a story will wind up being much better received than a shallow documentary whose creators’ research boiled down to, “I spent an afternoon reading wikis.”
Research is more than just gathering facts. It’s about uncovering unique perspectives and untold stories. This might include interviewing experts, accessing archival footage, reading primary sources, or visiting locations relevant to the subject matter.
Stories Have Multiple Sides
It can also present multiple viewpoints. This doesn’t mean a documentary should be a wishy-washy experience that lamely suggests, “Well, don’t both sides have a point?” Taking a stance on something will often help documentary filmmakers find that storytelling core we mentioned.
However, acknowledging that a different point of view exists doesn’t mean you’re necessarily affirming it or agreeing with it. The Act of Killing (2012) explores the political violence and mass killings in Indonesia in the 1960s by interviewing some of its perpetrators. It goes as far as having some of the former death squad leaders reenact their crimes, which gives one of them a panic attack when he’s meant to assume the role of a victim. The entire composition gives a hauntingly powerful, complete overview of the topic.
The Impact of Strong Visuals and Audio
A documentary film is, first and foremost, a film. Visual storytelling is a cornerstone of the medium, whether fiction or documentary; strong visuals evoke emotions and create a lasting impression.
Even though documentaries are based on reality, they can still benefit from skilled cinematography and cinematic techniques, like dynamic camera angles, creative lighting, and solid shot composition. Alternatively, using archival footage and B-roll, when available, can add some much-needed context and depth to the documentary. This footage can illustrate key points or break up talking-head interviews.
Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011) is a great example of the former, mixing close-up shots of sushi preparation to highlight the artistry and precision of its protagonist. Amy (2015) uses archival footage of Amy Winehouse’s performances and personal life to add grounding and layers of meaning to her tragic story.
Sound and Music Matter in Documentaries Too
It’s unlikely your documentary film will have a score as memorable as the work of the great John Williams, but that doesn’t mean you can neglect sound or music. They’re crucial for creating an immersive experience. Take 2009’s The Cove—it uses underwater sounds to create ambiance while it exposes dolphin hunting. Composer Marco Beltrami won acclaim for his score to 2018’s Free Solo, heightening the tension as we watch Alex Honnold’s death-defying climbs.
The Need for Ethical Considerations
Did you know that the idea that lemmings will willingly cull themselves if their population grows too big is fiction? It stems from White Wilderness, a 1958 nature documentary film produced by Disney, whose producers staged scenes of lemmings jumping off cliffs.
Unlike fictional stories, you are dealing with real life in a documentary, and that necessitates a responsibility to your subjects and your audiences. Ethical documentary filmmaking involves respecting the dignity and privacy of individuals, presenting information accurately, and avoiding manipulation.
It is essential to obtain informed consent from participants, letting them know how their stories will be used. This is especially important when dealing with vulnerable populations. Filmmakers must be mindful of the power dynamics at play and avoid exploiting their subjects for the sake of drama.
Keep an Open Mind
Filmmaker Bryan Fogel started creating 2017’s Icarus with the idea that he was creating a documentary about how existing anti-doping procedures and policies weren’t sufficient to catch athletes who use performance-enhancing drugs. However, in the process, he inadvertently held the proverbial (and literal) camera as one of his chief advisors became a whistleblower to a program of systemic doping in Russian Olympic athletes.
The Icarus that Fogel won an Oscar for was not the Icarus he set out to create, however. That is a massive lesson for documentary filmmakers: Often, the story you tell will reveal itself in the process of creating your film. Be open-minded, and don’t insist on forcing your original vision if a better narrative comes along.
And, of course, don’t forget: To make a great documentary, you’ll need a great team. Consider working with a professional production company to make your documentary film dreams come true. An expert partner can handle great shooting, editing, and audio work, and they can also advise you on how to find the most compelling narrative in the information you’re unearthing.
If you want help making a documentary film move from your imagination to reality, contact Pretzel Logic Productions.