Writing a Script

A two-column script is an easy way to structure and plan for your

documentary project. Even if you don't know what your interviewees will say
or what footage you might shoot, writing a script predicting what you want
your final film to look like is a great way to stay organized. Once you do
shoot your documentary, you can update your two-column script to reflect
what video and audio you actually have to work with.
 

In the left column of your script you will describe all the  VIDEO your viewer
will see (b-roll, a-roll, photos, diagrams, screen captures, etc.). In the right
column, you will describe all the AUDIO the viewer will hear (interview bits,
music, narration, sound effects, etc.). Think of each row as one scene in your
documentary, with the audio playing over the video.

Creating a Storyboard
A storyboard is a visual representation of your digital story. A storyboard can be a
helpful alternative or supplement to a script. You don't have to be a great artist to
create a storyboard. Stick figures are okay!
Depending on how much detail you want to include, you can draw out every shot or
every scene in each storyboard "box". Audio details and other information can be
written under each storyboard box.
Click below to download and print a pdf of a storyboard template.

Choosing a Documentary Style

1. Poetic
This type of documentary often breaks spatial and temporal continuity and is
focused more on conveying a mood or tone rather than presenting facts.
Images are usually arranged into patterns, actors don't represent characters,
and there are loose visual associations. (example:  Koyaanisqatsi )

2. Expository
This type of documentary tries to persuade the audience with an argument,
presented by a voice-of-god commentary or voice-of-authority commentary.
This style relies on interviews and supporting b-roll images.
(example: Spellbound )

3. Observational
This type of documentary is also known as "cinema verité." In this approach
 the filmmaker stays invisible and does not intervene with the events
unfolding chronologically in front of the camera. The goal is to capture
spontaneous behavior. Observational documentaries generally exclude voice
over, supplementary music or sound effects, intertitles, behavior repeated for
the camera, historical reenactments, and even interviews. (example:  Our
Daily Bread )

4. Self-Reflexive
This type of documentary exposes the process of filmmaking within the
documentary. Subjects are seen interacting with the film crew and
information about the production process is often revealed. (example:  Man
With a Movie Camera )

5. Performative
This type of documentary features the filmmaker, who is usually testing out a
theory or undergoing a personal experiment, as the subject of the film. The
filmmaker speaks directly to the camera or provides a first-person voice
over. (example: Super Size Me )

 .