WRITING FOR A DOCUMENTARY-Steps in documentary writing -The Documentary Film Treatment

WRITING FOR A DOCUMENTARY

By its very nature, in a documentary there has to be an element of establishment of the subject -results of subject research should be elaborate and logical. Also, enough time should be given to the development of the subject so that the theme of the documentary sinks into public mind. 

On a theme like literacy of rural women the subject research will 

1. include detailed figures of literates in the country and 
2. the number of women literates in a given society. 

 The documentary should try to provide a profile of  the tribe or caste or language profile of the village in which the documentary will be shot.  The research part of the documentary should provide clues to the scriptwriter to produce a shooting script. 

For documentary scripts words should follow visuals, but should be written in a narrative form. In a documentary narration a little more information needs to be given keeping in mind the interest of  the viewers. 

The technique of documentary writing is different from other two categories. 

1. The span of documentary is more elaborate. 
2. The narrations should include investigative data by which the logic behind the theme is established before the viewer. I
3. In the end, the viewer should be, in a position to feel the emergence of a message or should feel enriched with some information which is audio-visually communicated to him. 

Steps in documentary writing

 A Research

After the selection of theme, the message should be churned by the producer-director in his mind and research should be initiated on the theme. Here the story is regarding the Tirunelveli Kaani  People. Hence the first step would be to conduct a research about the area, the economics, - politics and sociology of Kaani People, as it was known in the history.

Curiosity 

The best research is done when there is a genuine desire on the part of the scriptwriter to learn more about the subject of his documentary. 

Quantity Vs Quality 

One of the more important questions that scriptwriters have is, “How much research is enough?” The quality of research is far more important than the quantity.

The ‘Strategy’ 

Almost every scriptwriter starts off with a research strategy.  It’s important to think about and list down every approach and every source you will use to gather information needed for research.

Field Research 

Since film is a visual medium, it is integral that a scriptwriter get an accurate picture of the visual information in the film. He could go to the various locations in which the film will be shot, or to locations where events took place earlier or will take place in the future.

Digging Deep 

Every scriptwriter wants to write a brilliant script and he  is digging deep and going beyond the facts.  

The ‘Heart’ of the issue 

The scriptwriter could find out more insightful details about the theme.

The ‘Root’ of the issue 

The scriptwriter would find out new and innovative trustful things

 The possibilities of branching out to explore 

The issue in greater detail is endless. The scriptwriter should then choose which of the details add value to the film.

Finding Challenges 

An issue, when explored in a film, is complete when there is  introduced that challenges or make think of the issue. 

The Documentary Film Treatment

 Treatment of the documentary is very different from the treatment or an a film or news film. In news film where the 'time span is very short and one has to hit the point directly. 

The next step would be the making of the film treatment, the fine of the story, the imaginative way of narrating a theme.

DOCUMENTARY STORYBOARD TEMPLATE

A storyboard will match up your written script with the visuals the viewer will see on the screen and the audio they will hear. 

 

NOTES:

• Length: The average length of a script is about 5-7 pages double-spaced. Before beginning your storyboard, be sure to read your script out loud at a normal pace to make sure it is not too long. 
• Suggested Times:  These times are only suggestions. These are suggested final run times, which will include not just the words you are saying, but also any other audio (interview clips, songs) and pauses for transitions. Your documentary can be no longer than 10 minutes. 
• Sections of your Documentary: The sections below are not required, but can be a good place to start. You get to decide how you divide up your documentary. No matter how you divide up your documentary, make sure you talk about what happened before, during, and after the main events of your topic. 
• Photos: Before you start using the storyboard template, you should have already collected a variety of visuals to be used in your documentary.

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

• The Audio column will show the words the viewer is hearing. Copy your script into the Audio column. Use a new row each time the visual on the screen changes. The Audio column will include both the words in your narration as well as a transcript of any audio clips you plan on including (speeches, songs, etc.)
• Your visuals may be static (photos, newspapers, etc.) or video footage. You can paste a copy of the image into the Visual column, include a link to the saved file, or write a text description of the visual. Be sure to include the file name so you can find it later!
• Use the Notes column to write down any reminders for yourself that you may need to create your documentary.

 

SAMPLE

The following partial storyboard is courtesy of Neil Grube, who participated in National History Day in 2017.

Notes	Visual	Audio
Zoom in on Wheeler’s face.	Link to Google Doc	[Me]: In 1902, Wayne Wheeler became the general counsel of the Anti-Saloon League. Wheeler coalesced multiple early temperance groups by inventing and using lobby group tactics.
Be sure to use a high-resolution version of this picture.	Link to Google Doc	[Me]: United under Wheeler and welding enormous power, they took a stand for the passage of an amendment prohibiting alcohol.
Pan across the headline so you can read it.	Link to Google Doc	[Me]: As a result of their united power, the Prohibition amendment was ratified in 1919 and took effect in 1920

Introduction (1 minute)

General introduction to documentary. Incorporate thesis and theme words. Don’t have to label as “thesis” or put on screen in text. Remember it’ the road map to your project.

Notes	Visual	Audio

Add more lines by right clicking in the table and selecting Insert Row Below

 

Background/Build-Up (2 minutes 30 seconds)

Place your topic in historical context. What information do we need to know to understand your topic? What outside people, ideas, or events influenced your topic? Who are the main players? What events lead up to the main event?

Notes	Visual	Audio

Add more lines by right clicking in the table and selecting Insert Row Below

 

Main Event (2 minutes 30 seconds)

Major details about the main events in your topic. Include specific details about the most critical people and events related to your topic. This section generally covers a smaller time period (several months to several years).

Notes	Visual	Audio

Add more lines by right clicking in the table and selecting Insert

Row Below  Short- and Long-Term Impact (2 minutes 30 seconds)

What are some of the immediate reactions to the main event, shortly after it happened? What changed? New laws? New ways of thinking? Who was affected by the event? How was the world different after the main events of your topic? What is the long term significance? Were there intended/unintended consequences? Did it influence other historical events?

Notes	Visual	Audio

Add more lines by right clicking in the table and selecting Insert Row Below

 

Conclusion/Wrap-Up (1 minute)

Restate your thesis and theme connection. Focus on the main points you want your audience to take away. Why is this topic important in history?

Notes	Visual	Audio

Add more lines by right clicking in the table and selecting Insert Row Below

 3) After the shooting script which will give an idea of visualization it will have to be made into a break down script which will narrate:

1. Shot No. 
2. Summary of Action 
3. Costume  
4. Notes 
5. Props Cast

4) The next step will follow the  technical planning which will include 

(i) Cost of location shootings 

(ii) Studio recording 

(iii) Graphic treatment 

(iv) Sound effect 

(v) Visual effect 

(vi) Editing 

 (vii) cost of overheads 

(viii) Other expenses.

5) Planning stage of documentary will complete with a total pen sketch of its production, cost-time frame, shooting schedule and editing schedules worked out. 

6) In the given situation the pen sketch and subsequent scenario will narrate the entire sequence of shooting and the role of the anchor person -his acting schedules and visualisation of his presentation of the theme.