{"id":157067,"date":"2021-07-28T09:27:27","date_gmt":"2021-07-28T14:27:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=157067"},"modified":"2021-08-17T10:25:05","modified_gmt":"2021-08-17T15:25:05","slug":"edit-documentary-film","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/edit-documentary-film\/","title":{"rendered":"Holistic Breakdown: How to Edit a Documentary Film"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ready-to-dive-into-editing-a-documentary-project-you-ll-want-to-check-out-these-steps-tips-and-tricks-first\"><span id=\"ready-to-dive-into-editing-a-documentary-project-youll-want-to-check-out-these-steps-tips-and-tricks-first\">Ready to dive into editing a documentary project? You&#8217;ll want to check out these steps, tips, and tricks first.<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While nobody is saying that editing a narrative film or commercial video project is easy, documentary projects present a wide range of unique challenges that can prove daunting to even the most experienced, motivated editor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Principle among those challenges is the act of sifting through hours and hours and HOURS of video in order to find impactful, real moments that can be transformed into a coherent story. And then there&#8217;s the intense research. And the diligent struggle against bias. And the frequent lack of <meta charset=\"utf-8\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/how-to-structure-scripts-and-screenplays\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">scripts<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/unifying-power-storyboards\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">storyboards<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like we said&#8212;daunting. Where does one even begin? How does an editor turn a mountain of raw footage&#8212;meandering interviews, random B-roll, stock clips, etc.&#8212;into a meaningful story?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s take a look at how you can edit a documentary project on your own with this holistic breakdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-choose-the-right-type-of-documentary\"><span id=\"choose-the-right-type-of-documentary\">Choose the Right Type of Documentary<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/The-Man-with-a-Movie-Camera-1.jpg\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"755\" height=\"441\" src=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/The-Man-with-a-Movie-Camera-1.jpg\" alt=\"The Man with a Movie Camera \" class=\"wp-image-157252\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/The-Man-with-a-Movie-Camera-1.jpg 755w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/The-Man-with-a-Movie-Camera-1.jpg?resize=300,175 300w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/The-Man-with-a-Movie-Camera-1.jpg?resize=277,162 277w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/The-Man-with-a-Movie-Camera-1.jpg?resize=359,210 359w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/The-Man-with-a-Movie-Camera-1.jpg?resize=543,317 543w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/The-Man-with-a-Movie-Camera-1.jpg?resize=560,327 560w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/The-Man-with-a-Movie-Camera-1.jpg?resize=150,88 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><em>Image from seminal documentary film<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0019760\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">The Man with a Movie Camera<\/a> <em>(1929). Image via&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Makino_Film_Productions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Amkino Corporation<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Truth be told, the editing of a documentary starts long before production wraps and all the files are handed over to an editor. The crux of what makes a documentary work has to do with the narrative, as well as understanding what type of story you\u2019re trying to tell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What type of documentary are you even trying to edit? Is it observational or participatory? If you aren\u2019t familiar with these terms, you should absolutely read up on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/6-types-of-documentary-film\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">six types of documentary films<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Poetic documentaries<\/li><li>Expository documentaries<\/li><li>Observational documentaries<\/li><li>Participatory documentaries<\/li><li>Reflexive documentaries<\/li><li>Performative documentaries<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From there, you&#8217;ve got to work with your <meta charset=\"utf-8\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/netflix-tiger-king-filmmaking-lessons\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">documentary&#8217;s director and producers<\/a> to make some additional sub-genre decisions that will inform how your project is shot, narrated, and edited. For example, a cause-focused documentary like <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt1313104\/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">The Cove<\/a><\/em> is going to be presented much differently than a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/cinema-verite-documentary-filmmaking\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">cin\u00e9ma v\u00e9rit\u00e9 documentary<\/a> like <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0073076\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Grey Gardens<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-do-your-research\"><span id=\"do-your-research\">Do Your Research<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/archival-photos.jpg\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/archival-photos.jpg\" alt=\"Archival Photos\" class=\"wp-image-107968\" width=\"755\" height=\"504\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/archival-photos.jpg 755w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/archival-photos.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/archival-photos.jpg?resize=277,185 277w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/archival-photos.jpg?resize=359,240 359w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/archival-photos.jpg?resize=543,362 543w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/archival-photos.jpg?resize=560,374 560w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/archival-photos.jpg?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><em>Decide on your genre style of documentary, then begin researching. Image via&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/old-photosalbums-letters-79347715\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Andrzej Sowa<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve decided on the type of documentary you&#8217;re making, you\u2019ll need to do research. A lot of it. A <em>copious <\/em>amount of research. Even as an editor, you&#8217;ve got to establish yourself as a subject-matter authority. That&#8217;s why <meta charset=\"utf-8\">many documentary filmmakers research for years before even picking up a camera. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/effective-documentary-research-resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Researching for a documentary project is an art unto itself<\/a>. Just remember&#8212;there&#8217;s no such thing as over-researching for a documentary project. Everything you learn, even if isn&#8217;t mentioned or shown in your doc, will make your final product better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where to begin the hunt for information? Academic research papers. Newspapers. Firsthand accounts and archival footage or photos. You name it. Just keep digging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-working-with-and-organizing-footage\"><span id=\"working-with-and-organizing-footage\">Working With and Organizing Footage<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/sequence-by-sequence.jpg\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"755\" height=\"504\" src=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/sequence-by-sequence.jpg\" alt=\"Sequence by Sequence\" class=\"wp-image-106090\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/sequence-by-sequence.jpg 755w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/sequence-by-sequence.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/sequence-by-sequence.jpg?resize=277,185 277w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/sequence-by-sequence.jpg?resize=359,240 359w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/sequence-by-sequence.jpg?resize=543,362 543w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/sequence-by-sequence.jpg?resize=560,374 560w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/sequence-by-sequence.jpg?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><em>Organization is key. Image via&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/video-editting-timeline-1037403562?src=xzODr92FDnZtaV1D40_EbQ-1-10\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">fedota1<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first real step of the documentary editing process is as important as it is mundane&#8212;organizing all of that footage and research. You&#8217;ve got to know where all of your assets are at any given time. Truly, a good deal of the edit is simply coming up with a strong organization system and then undertaking the painstaking task of reviewing, sorting, and organizing footage so that you\u2019re familiar with everything. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don&#8217;t get overwhelmed. If you start with a solid plan, maintain discipline, and keep <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/documentary-footage-editing-tips-tricks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">these pro organization tips<\/a> in mind, you&#8217;ll be set up for documentary success:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Make notes while shooting<\/li><li>Upload, organize, and backup<\/li><li>Separate interviews and B-roll<\/li><li>Create prioritized bins<\/li><li>Take it sequence-by-sequence<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-follow-the-steps\"><span id=\"follow-the-steps\">Follow the Steps<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Old-Vintage-Film-2.jpg\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"755\" height=\"492\" src=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Old-Vintage-Film-2.jpg\" alt=\"Old Vintage Film \" class=\"wp-image-157251\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Old-Vintage-Film-2.jpg 755w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Old-Vintage-Film-2.jpg?resize=300,195 300w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Old-Vintage-Film-2.jpg?resize=277,181 277w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Old-Vintage-Film-2.jpg?resize=359,234 359w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Old-Vintage-Film-2.jpg?resize=543,354 543w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Old-Vintage-Film-2.jpg?resize=560,365 560w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Old-Vintage-Film-2.jpg?resize=150,98 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><em>Editing is a painstaking process involving interviews, B-roll, and other footage types. Image via&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/male-hands-image-using-old-vintage-1171903930\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Soloviova Liudmyla<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alright, moving on to the actual steps of editing a documentary project, there really are several paths available to you. In a direct sense, a documentary is usually edited in a straightforward, <meta charset=\"utf-8\">sequence-by-sequence process which involves editing together interviews, B-roll, and other footage types. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, as is the case with many projects that require several moving parts, documentaries can also be edited in a more <em>chaotic<\/em> manner&#8212;like while the documentary is still being shot, for instance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regardless of your situation, there are some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/video-editing-tips-cutting-documentary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">widely accepted, tried-and-trued steps for a documentary edit<\/a>. Here are the essentials of a strong final cut: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Back up your footage<\/li><li>Organize it all<\/li><li>Transcribe every interview<\/li><li>Pick your favorite shots<\/li><li>Create graphics and lower thirds<\/li><li>Editing in photos and other assets<\/li><li>Cut out unnecessary sequences<\/li><li>Construct a narrative<\/li><li>Choose your music to set the tone<\/li><li>Add in stock footage<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-consider-adding-stock-b-roll\"><span id=\"consider-adding-stock-b-roll\">Consider Adding Stock B-Roll<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Winter-View-Aerial-1.jpg\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"755\" height=\"503\" src=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Winter-View-Aerial-1.jpg\" alt=\"Winter View Aerial\" class=\"wp-image-151098\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Winter-View-Aerial-1.jpg 755w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Winter-View-Aerial-1.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Winter-View-Aerial-1.jpg?resize=277,185 277w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Winter-View-Aerial-1.jpg?resize=359,239 359w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Winter-View-Aerial-1.jpg?resize=543,362 543w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Winter-View-Aerial-1.jpg?resize=560,373 560w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Winter-View-Aerial-1.jpg?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><em>Use aerial B-roll to transition between scenes. Image by&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/winter-view-above-road-serpentines-izdebki-1667912629\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Piotr Gibowicz<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just to expand on that last step, adding stock footage and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/documentary-trends-aerial-b-roll\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">stock B-roll<\/a> can be an effective, dynamic way to fill out a documentary that feels incomplete or flat. Seriously&#8212;whatever you&#8217;re missing, there&#8217;s likely already <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/video\/search\/aerials\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">drone footage<\/a> of it that&#8217;s just waiting to be dropped into your timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gorgeous stock B-roll can provide an instant boost to production value, especially when paired with slick text effects that give your audience extra information.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/text-effect-premiere-pro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">How to Create Text Effects and Animations in Premiere Pro<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/how-to-use-free-animated-text\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">How to Use These 4 Free Animated Texts in Your Videos<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/7-tutorials-for-titles-text-motion-graphics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">7 Tutorials for Better Titles, Text, and Motion Graphics<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-try-to-avoid-bias\"><span id=\"try-to-avoid-bias\">Try to Avoid Bias<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Unconscious-Bias.jpg\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"755\" height=\"441\" src=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Unconscious-Bias.jpg\" alt=\"Unconscious Bias\" class=\"wp-image-157255\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Unconscious-Bias.jpg 755w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Unconscious-Bias.jpg?resize=300,175 300w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Unconscious-Bias.jpg?resize=277,162 277w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Unconscious-Bias.jpg?resize=359,210 359w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Unconscious-Bias.jpg?resize=543,317 543w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Unconscious-Bias.jpg?resize=560,327 560w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Unconscious-Bias.jpg?resize=150,88 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><em>Image of the filmmakers and editors of the documentary <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt7137804\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">bias<\/a><em>. Image via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.1091pictures.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">1091 Pictures<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s important to consider the many moral and ethical decisions that must be made by anyone working in the realm of documentaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At its heart, documentary filmmaking is about searching for and uncovering truths&#8212;and, just maybe, <meta charset=\"utf-8\">helping viewers discover truths about themselves. As such, documentary filmmakers and editors must eschew bias in order to fulfill their obligation to present things honestly, just as they are. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even when looking specifically at the editing side of documentary storytelling, avoiding conscious and unconscious bias is a critical part of the documentary process. Luckily, there are steps you can take to ensure you&#8217;re working in an ethical manner, many of which you can read about in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/documentary-editing-avoiding-unconscious-bias\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">this interview<\/a> with documentary filmmaker <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm0369558\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Robin Hauser<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tips-for-working-with-soundtrack-and-audio\"><span id=\"tips-for-working-with-soundtrack-and-audio\">Tips for Working with Soundtrack and Audio<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<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\/eeDECF23nTA?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>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, as mentioned in our list of steps for editing a documentary project, one of your final moves is locking down the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/music\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">soundtrack and music<\/a>. And, while established documentary filmmakers might elect to hire a composer to create an original score, up-and-coming documentarians don&#8217;t usually have the means. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re looking to build a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/?c3apidt=p24659258172&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwuvmHBhAxEiwAWAYj-OyWPKRH96byf67Oq8qLMxWaROH_MTjvKERelgYMuYmgnw9VLp_F_hoCfvYQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;kw=right%20free%20music\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">royalty-free soundtrack for your film<\/a>, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you find music that lines up thematically, obviously. Additionally, consider <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/creative-uses-music-loops\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">working with audio that includes loops and stems<\/a>. Doing so will offer a lot more flexibility as your edit takes shape and provide more control over the pacing and tone of your story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are a few more audio resources for filmmakers and videographers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/mr\/music-for-documentaries\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Support Your Documentary Vision with a Thoughtfully Considered Soundtrack<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/complete-video-editors-guide-to-music\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">The Complete Video Editor\u2019s Guide to Working with Music<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/blog\/editing-audio-music-sound-effects-premiere-pro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Premiere Pro Tips for Editing and Mixing Audio, Music, and SFX<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/export-multiple-audio-tracks-premiere-pro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Video Tutorial: Exporting Multichannel Audio in Premiere Pro<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/free-music\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Get free music and power up your creative projects<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And here are a few more resources geared specifically toward documentary filmmaking: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/a-complete-guide-to-documentary-filmmaking\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">A Complete Guide to Documentary Filmmaking<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/diy-documentary-during-covid-pandemic\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">How Music Helped to Motivate This DIY Coronavirus Documentary<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/best-cinema-cameras-documentary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Best Cinema Cameras for Your Next Documentary<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/assassins-cinematographer-john-benam\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">An Interview with \u201cAssassins\u201d Cinematographer John Benam<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/documentary-filming-undercover-and-undetected\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Documentary Tips for Filming Undercover and Undetected<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> <em>Cover image via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/producers-video-editors-desk-based-on-1106946905\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Sutipond Somnam<\/a>.<\/em> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ready to dive into editing a documentary project? You&#8217;ll want to check out these steps, tips, and tricks first. While nobody is saying that editing a narrative \u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":76,"featured_media":157263,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_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},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[3843,39],"tags":[536,5376,472],"class_list":["post-class-post-157067","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-video-editing","post-class-tag-filmmaking","post-class-tag-video-editing","post-class-tag-video-production"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v18.5 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Holistic Breakdown: How to Edit a Documentary Film<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Ready to dive into editing a documentary project? 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