{"id":110122,"date":"2019-02-28T15:11:27","date_gmt":"2019-02-28T21:11:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=110122"},"modified":"2019-02-28T15:11:27","modified_gmt":"2019-02-28T21:11:27","slug":"four-secrets-making-successful-documentary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/four-secrets-making-successful-documentary\/","title":{"rendered":"Production Tips: The Four Secrets of a Successful Documentary"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 id=\"a-good-documentary-must-tell-a-powerful-story-here-are-four-tips-to-keep-you-on-track-especially-when-the-going-gets-tough\">A good documentary must tell a powerful story. Here are four tips to keep you on track, especially when the going gets tough.<\/h2>\n<p>A few months ago, my short documentary &#8220;Blinders&#8221; took home the Canada of Excellence award at 2018\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/bufferfestival.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">BufferFestival<\/a> in Toronto, Ontario.<\/p>\n<p>The focus of my film was to shine a light on a voiceless community \u2014 the homeless.<\/p>\n<p>In less than 72 hours, my family and I organized a gourmet dinner for 12 strangers living on the streets. We provided dinner in exchange for the guests&#8217; stories. My family&#8217;s goal was to eliminate ignorance and open lines of communications with those who live on the streets.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/MxOGIX5zg1A?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>When crafting the film, I used a four-step formula to create a dynamic story on set and in post-production. This formula is now one I use on nearly every documentary, vlog, or narrative piece I create.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>1. Easy Is Boring<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/easy-is-boring.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-110199 size-full\" title=\"Production Tips: The Four Secrets of a Successful Documentary \u2014 Easy Is Boring\" src=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/easy-is-boring.jpg\" alt=\"Production Tips: The Four Secrets of a Successful Documentary \u2014 Easy Is Boring\" width=\"755\" height=\"401\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/easy-is-boring.jpg 755w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/easy-is-boring.jpg?resize=300,159 300w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/easy-is-boring.jpg?resize=277,147 277w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/easy-is-boring.jpg?resize=359,191 359w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/easy-is-boring.jpg?resize=543,288 543w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/easy-is-boring.jpg?resize=560,297 560w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/easy-is-boring.jpg?resize=150,80 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>If it\u2019s easy or comfortable, you\u2019re probably not capturing anything compelling. \u2028When you&#8217;re working on a documentary project, the greatest moments come from difficulty. If someone is struggling, chances are there\u2019s a message in their experience. Remember, the best stories come with lessons, and the most effective lessons stem from someone or something overcoming an obstacle. In our documentary &#8220;Blinders,&#8221; the best moments on camera were by far the hardest ones to capture. There\u2019s a scene when I almost give up on the entire event because no one shows up. I was defeated and depressed, and I wanted to turn the whole project around; this is my favorite part of the film. In a matter of moments, I was able to solve a few problems and turn the event around.<\/p>\n<p>Capturing difficult moments like this can not only provide an on-screen lesson but also a narrative victory. Your audience gains no emotional connection from events with only surface-level expression. If you can capture their emotions with a real struggle and pair it with a victory or a lesson, you have a much more effective film.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/difficult-moments.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-110201 size-full\" title=\"Production Tips: The Four Secrets of a Successful Documentary \u2014 Difficult Moments\" src=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/difficult-moments.jpg\" alt=\"Production Tips: The Four Secrets of a Successful Documentary \u2014 Difficult Moments\" width=\"755\" height=\"401\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/difficult-moments.jpg 755w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/difficult-moments.jpg?resize=300,159 300w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/difficult-moments.jpg?resize=277,147 277w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/difficult-moments.jpg?resize=359,191 359w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/difficult-moments.jpg?resize=543,288 543w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/difficult-moments.jpg?resize=560,297 560w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/difficult-moments.jpg?resize=150,80 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Your story lives in the uncomfortable, so find it. If you\u2019re in an easy location, go to the most challenging area. Think of it as summiting a mountain and documenting the assent. The destination isn\u2019t as interesting as the struggle to get there. If you document the struggle, the victory will seem much more rewarding for the audience.<\/p>\n<p><em>(Quick tip: If someone is struggling, give them space. Don&#8217;t film people just for the sake of getting the shot. Be sure to get their permission before rolling. The last thing you want is someone to be upset or disingenuous because there&#8217;s a camera in their face.)<\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>2. The Beginning and the Ending<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/beginning-and-end.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-110202 size-full\" title=\"Production Tips: The Four Secrets of a Successful Documentary \u2014 Beginning and Ending\" src=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/beginning-and-end.jpg\" alt=\"Production Tips: The Four Secrets of a Successful Documentary \u2014 Beginning and Ending\" width=\"755\" height=\"404\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/beginning-and-end.jpg 755w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/beginning-and-end.jpg?resize=300,161 300w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/beginning-and-end.jpg?resize=277,148 277w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/beginning-and-end.jpg?resize=359,192 359w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/beginning-and-end.jpg?resize=543,291 543w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/beginning-and-end.jpg?resize=560,300 560w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/beginning-and-end.jpg?resize=150,80 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Instead of relying on your editor to assemble a story from piles of footage, think ahead. As you\u2019re capturing the scene, begin to daisy-chain a narrative together. Think about establishing shots, wides, introductions, etc. I always think of the beginning and the ending because no matter what, the middle is inevitable \u2014 it will simply fill itself in. When entering a situation, moment, or location ask yourself &#8220;How does this scene start, and how does it end?&#8221; Implement a dash conflict on-top of that, and now you\u2019re cooking!<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>3. Interviews Will Save the Day<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/interviews.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-110203 size-full\" title=\"Production Tips: The Four Secrets of a Successful Documentary \u2014 Interviews\" src=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/interviews.jpg\" alt=\"Production Tips: The Four Secrets of a Successful Documentary \u2014 Interviews\" width=\"755\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/interviews.jpg 755w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/interviews.jpg?resize=300,160 300w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/interviews.jpg?resize=277,147 277w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/interviews.jpg?resize=359,191 359w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/interviews.jpg?resize=543,289 543w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/interviews.jpg?resize=560,298 560w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/interviews.jpg?resize=150,80 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Dialogue in documentaries is a lifesaver when it comes to constructing a story. While editing my films, I love to have a supply of interviews, even if I don\u2019t use them. This is because it helps establish what the story is actually about without getting lost in B-roll or cinematic sequences.<\/p>\n<p>When I was working on &#8220;Blinders,&#8221; I used interviews and vlog-style monologues to keep the story on track. You don\u2019t always need dialogue, but it\u2019s something that can absolutely save your story. Show don&#8217;t tell \u2014 unless showing doesn&#8217;t do the story justice.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>4. Emotion Before Motion\u2028<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Repeat this in your head. Make it a mantra. Tattoo it on your face. <em>Emotion before motion<\/em> is the secret to getting a better story. As a shooter, it\u2019s very easy to get caught up in cinematic sequences and long camera setups to capture the most beautiful shot. This does nothing to the story if there\u2019s no emotion behind what you\u2019re capturing. Think of what sequence of shots captures the greatest feeling on screen and follow that.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Iziv7rkv_9k?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Looking for more filmmaking tips and tricks? Check out these articles.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/filmmaking-conveying-emotions-with-lenses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Video Tutorial: Determining The Best Lens for Your Project<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/best-quotes-directors-editors-filmmakers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">The Best Quotes from Directors, Editors, and Everything in Between<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/what-is-movie-script-supervisor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Industry Insights: The Ins and Outs of Working as a Script Supervisor<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/tutorial-removing-audio-pops-video\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Tutorial: Removing Audio Pops and Recording Audio Differently<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/best-youtube-filmmaking-channels-2019\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">11 YouTube Channels Every Filmmaker Should Follow in 2019<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A good documentary must tell a powerful story. Here are four tips to keep you on track, especially when the going gets tough.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":107,"featured_media":110196,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[3843,715,79,583],"tags":[2365,536,857,5380,472],"class_list":["post-class-post-110122","post-class-post","post-class-type-post","post-class-status-publish","post-class-format-standard","post-class-has-post-thumbnail","post-class-hentry","post-class-category-filmmaking-2","post-class-category-industry","post-class-category-inspiration","post-class-category-video-production-2","post-class-tag-documentaries","post-class-tag-filmmaking","post-class-tag-industry-2","post-class-tag-inspiration","post-class-tag-video-production"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v18.5 (Yoast SEO v21.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Production Tips: The Four Secrets of a Successful Documentary<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A good documentary must tell a powerful story. 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