PRE PRODUCTION: RESEARCH YOUR FILM

What’s your topic?

Every story relates to a bigger theme. Even your unique experience is actually part of the greater human experience. What is the topic of your story and what universal theme does it represent?

Documentary filmmaking is all about exploring your curiosities in a creative way.

What is your topic?

What do you know about it?

What do you want to know?

How will you learn it? Is it by reading up on the subject or talking to people who know it better than you do?

What do you want to say about it?

Is this an intimate personal portrait about yourself or another person?

Is this an investigation into a mysterious event?

Is this an explanation of a process you’re curious about?

…and who do you want to say it?

There are many sides to a story and many ways to tell it.

Who are the characters involved? Who are the experts? Who’s story needs to be heard?

Make a list of who you need to talk to and what you want to ask them about this topic. Ask questions that are open-ended (“how” and “why” so their response goes beyond a simple “yes” or “no” answer).

How do you want to say it?

How you will tell your story?

Consider how you want your audience to feel when they watch your film.

Are they motivated to jump out of their chairs and do something?

Will they feel more informed after watching your film?

Will they have gone on an emotional journey and feel joyful or sad when it’s over?