A documentary film, when executed correctly, can give an exceptional insight into the various human conditions and a lot more. So just like any other piece of media, making a documentary has many rules to observe to become successful.

Listed below are some special rules of a documentary that filmmakers follow:

 

1. Get a newsworthy content

A documentary film is excellent for uncovering a subject matter which has previously been unreported. These could be subjects that were previously seen on the news but not given serious attention.

Many controversial topics are quickly forgotten and often not investigated further to present the entire story behind them. These topics can be the perfect subjects for a documentary film.

 

Old news dies fast as it seems nowadays. This reason is why a thoroughly researched, well-directed, and expertly made documentary could hold the power of bringing a subject matter back into the light of the mainstream media, making it relevant, and thus serving a power. Creating a great documentary that builds both media and audience buzz could require extensive research. It can be a hefty project to work on, but it could also create a big impact that could make history.

 

2. Presenting easily digestible information

One of the most memorable and unexpected documentaries ever made was the deep and insightful story titled “Shark Bait,” a documentary about sharks and the shark fin soup industry. It was investigated and narrated by 7 Michelin star Chef Gordon Ramsay. This documentary brought the plight of the shark to the fore of conservation discourse and made relevant authorities around the world act to save the shark from endangerment and possible extinction.

 

The critical facts in this documentary are presented in the first 10 minutes of the film.

• Thousands of sharks are killed for their fins yearly.
• Sharks are caught and inhumanely killed for one dish – Sharkfin soup.
• Shark fins and shark fin soup are expensive.
• Ramsay investigates and confronts people behind the global trade of shark fins.

Presenting critical information in the early part of the film is a good investment. The rule here is to ensure that you’re giving the audience vital details as early as possible, so they can identify the issue that will draw them in. Let the audience know the where, why, and what of the story. You can then follow it up with the historical context to create motive and move into presenting the odds: what’s at play, and who is in danger.

3. Let your characters tell the story

An excellent interviewing technique can make a significant difference when it comes to storytelling. As a filmmaker, the story is not about “you,” it’s about your subject. What the audience cares about is what happened, who was affected, and who are the characters involved.

 

If you research your interviewees correctly, they will be unique, engaging, and vital to the story. A good documentary film doesn’t need its filmmaker to tell the story. Its subject should do that for them. You can decide which character type you would like your subject to portray. But unlike other kinds of films, the characterization of your subject should be close to, if not the actual reality itself.

 

When the characters tell the story, they will drive the narrative forward. They should be on the center stage because they were the ones who were there. They were affected, and more importantly, they are the ones who the audience will trust.

 
4. Show empathy

Many fictitious films tend to set aside morals for the sake of professional investment and money. If a filmmaker is solely invested in making money, then there would be a tendency to lack in earnest exploration into the real struggles of humanity.

 

As a documentary filmmaker, it is vital to see the human struggle and understand what makes them open and reflective. When you’re commenting with the camera or asking a question to an interviewee, try to empathize as best as you can. Try to put yourself in that person’s shoes and understand how they feel. If you possess this understanding, you’ll have the courage to dive deeper into your work. Throughout the process, you must reflect on why your film is essential and what your message is.

 
5. Try to be unique

If you want your documentary to deliver an impactful message, then try to tackle something that hasn’t been talked about before. Many people have a lot of beautiful stories to tell. With so much potential on many subjects, recycling an issue that was discussed many times is not a great option.

 

However, if you’re passionate about a particular subject that did have similar presentations, try putting the story in a different light, a different angle, maybe from the eyes of an 80-year-old or an 8-year-old. Take advantage of the wide options and almost non-existent restrictions a documentary can offer.

 

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