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The Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program (DFP) supports nonfiction filmmakers worldwide in the production of cinematic documentaries on contemporary themes. Established in 2002 with founding support from Open Society Foundations, the program is a vibrant global resource for independent nonfiction storytelling.
- Research. Making a documentary film step by step nearly always requires multiple waves of research, and quality research is one of the most important characteristics of a good documentary.
- Plan. In contrast with pre-production on feature films or television shows, there often isn’t a screenplay to guide a filmmaker through the basic question of how to make a documentary’s story come to life.
- Budget. If you’re going to make your own documentary, you’re going to need money. The mechanisms of film financing play a major role in figuring out how to create a documentary, just as they do in making any other kind of feature film or television show.
- Get permission. When you’re trying to figure out how to film a documentary on a budget, the question of permissions inevitably pops up. Do you need permission to make a documentary?
- How to make a documentary: starting out. The documentary filmmaking process is an arduous one, so you need a fire burning inside that fuels the whole endeavor.
- What you need when planning how to make a documentary. Once you’re firm on your subject and what you are trying to say, it’s time to hammer in your story details.
- How to make a documentary (prep your shoot) Now that your story’s solid, and you’re armed with the gear you need, you’re ready to set up the visuals you plan to shoot.
- How to edit a documentary. Editing a documentary is a bit different than narrative features. Since it is often a stop-and-go process, you’ll often get started on the edit before you’re doing shooting.
Jan 17, 2024 · Documentary filmmaking is an extraordinary journey. It combines creative storytelling with technical skills. This brings real-life stories to the screen. It's a unique form of art. Offering new and experienced filmmakers the chance to explore stories, emotions, and truths.
- Escape vs. Reality
- Fact Or Fiction
- Format
- Production Costs
In general, the main reason feature films get made is to entertain the audience; to give people an escape. Documentaries are meant to inform; to confront people with reality: and sometimes to promote a point of view. Documentary makers certainly want to engage and captivate their audience, and some feature films can be very informative, but a key d...
Feature films are mostly fiction, sometimes total fantasy. Some may be based on real events or people, but the director and screenwriter will be adding drama and impact with their creative license. Genres include comedy and musical, action and western, romance, crime, horror and science fiction, among others. Documentaries are non-fiction films. Di...
Feature films take care in introducing complex characters and spinning an intricate storyline over a running time up to three hours. There’s an ebb and flow to the action, with carefully timed and structured mini-climaxes and dramatic highlights. The scripted story, characters and actions all are pointed in the same direction, leading the viewer th...
Documentaries are usually less expensive to make than feature films, with less elaborate production frills. Documentaries can cost only a few thousand dollars, with small crews, single camera set-ups and few if any paid talent. The result is often raw, unpolished but effective nevertheless. Feature films can cost millions, even hundreds of millions...
People also ask
What is the difference between documentary and feature film?
What is the journey of documentary filmmaking?
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What is a documentary production?
Mar 11, 2024 · Documentary filmmaking is a powerful medium that allows storytellers to shed light on real-life stories, explore complex issues, and inspire change. It’s a journey that requires passion, dedication, and a keen eye for compelling narratives.
What Is A Documentary Production And Why Invest In Them? A documentary production is a longer format film or video that examines specific subject matter in greater detail. From a duration standpoint, they can often range from as little as 2 to 25 minutes (Mini-Docs) to several hours (Feature Docs).
