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Documentaries

Documentaries. Writing for Film. Why write a script?. Most underrated aspect of documentary process Some think documentary -making process should be fluid and organic - the filmmaker should experience the film as he/she makes it.

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Documentaries

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  1. Documentaries Writing for Film

  2. Why write a script? • Most underrated aspect of documentary process • Some think documentary -making process should be fluid and organic - the filmmaker should experience the film as he/she makes it. This concept works for rallies, disasters, riots - times when filmmaker has no control.

  3. Why write a script? • The script answers the question, “What should I shoot?” • Acts as a conceptual map of your shooting journey. • Consolidates research and outlines film’s story • Provides a visual guideline for the shoot. • Is NOT a shot list. • Understand that the script might change during the shooting process.

  4. Writing for Film • Film is visual. Screenwriters must be able to write visually - make the audience see what is going on. • Film shows motion. Images have action - they are not still photographs. • Film reveals what the eye often can’t see - a tiny cell, details we normally miss, places we’ve never been.

  5. Writing for Film • Film transcends time and space. After it is made, it exists in a bubble of its own. • Film is subjective. Simply by pointing the camera in a specific direction, subjective choice is made. • Film chooses audience. The writer determines audience by how s/he chooses to tell the story.

  6. Writing for Film • Film repeats accurately. Film consistently reproduces what the camera sees in full detail. The filmmaker must shoot in a particular way to include or eliminate details. The camera doesn’t lie. (See subjectivity above.)

  7. Writing for Film • Film may have color and sound. Choice of sound and color can be as important as the moving images. • Film emphasis and emotionalizes. Film evokes reactions in an audience, so it can send powerful messages.

  8. Why Documentaries Are Different • Documentaries deal with fact, not fiction. Everything seen and heard on the screen is grounded in accuracy and is not fiction. • Documentary is flexible. There are no fixed visual and conceptual guidelines; there are fewer rules to follow.

  9. Why Documentaries Are Different • Documentaries inspire movement and action. The heart of a documentary is an issue and a message at hand and is usually the reason the film was made.

  10. Why Documentaries Are Different • Documentary involves less control - they are shot in the real world and show real events. It’s difficult to think about lighting in the middle of a sniper shoot out! • Documentary subject is paramount. It is bound to the subject matter; the subject has precedent over entertainment value.

  11. Why Documentaries Are Different • Credibility is key in the documentary. Even today, information and sources must be credible. • Form is more important than formula. Every subject and issue is showcased in its own appropriate manner.

  12. Research, Research, Research! • The amount of research the scriptwriter puts into a documentary is directly related to the “value” of the film.

  13. Research, Research, Research! • Curiosity, in research, does NOT kill the cat! If the writer is not excited and curious about the subject, why would the audience be?

  14. Research, Research, Research! Some questions to ask: • What have I not yet been told about this subject? • Is everything I’ve been told the truth? How much do I need to verify? • What would I personally like to know about the subject?

  15. Research, Research, Research! Some questions to ask: • If I were in the audience, what would I like to learn? • What can I find out that is little known about this subject? • What information can I gather that will help the shooting process?

  16. Research, Research, Research! Some questions to ask: • Is the research information I have necessary for the audience to know about this subject? • Will this information add to the overall quality of the film? • Is this information more relevant than all the other information out there about this subject?

  17. Research, Research, Research! Digging deep: • The Top of the issue: includes all the facts. • The Heart of the issue: includes insightful details. • The Root of the issue: what larger role could this film have regarding the issue? • The Branches of the issue: includes related issues that add value to the film. • Finding Challenges: study the challenges facing the issue.

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