Lights, Camera, Action: How to Film a Documentary

Lights, Camera, Action: How to Film a Documentary

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will know how to film a documentary.

What do you already know about documentary filmmaking?

What is a Documentary?

A documentary is a non-fiction film that tells a story about real people, places, or events.

Choosing a Topic

Choose a topic that you are passionate about and that will interest your audience.

Research

Research your topic thoroughly to gather information and develop an understanding of your subject.

Storyboarding

Create a storyboard to plan out your shots and sequence them in a logical order.

Equipment

Make sure you have the equipment you need, including a camera, tripod, microphones, and lighting.

Interviews

Interview subjects to gather their perspectives and insights.

B-Roll Footage

Capture B-Roll footage to provide context and visual interest.

Sound and Music

Use sound and music to enhance the mood and atmosphere of your documentary.

Editing

Edit your footage to create a cohesive and compelling story.

Title Cards

Create title cards to introduce new topics and provide context.

Voiceover

Use a voiceover to provide narration and tie together different parts of your documentary.

Closing Thoughts

End your documentary with a strong conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.

Practice Time

Take some time to practice filming and editing your own mini-documentary.

Feedback Session

Share your mini-documentary with the class and receive feedback to improve your skills.

Documentary Festival

Host a documentary festival to showcase your work and celebrate your new skills.

Distribution

Distribute your documentary to share your message with the world.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations on learning how to film a documentary!

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.