A documentary isn’t like a narrative form where you can carefully scrutinize every detail during the scripting process. When you film a documentary, most times there is a degree of uncertainty of how it will turn out because you never know what people will exactly say in an interview or what you will get on film. BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN YOU GO OFF AND START SHOOTING WITH OUT PREPARATION.
Just like a narrative film, you will need to tell a story. The story has to have:
· Drama/conflict/change
· A beginning/middle/end
· A hook that draws the audience in the first few minutes/seconds
· Exposition where the audience learns background information required to understand the story/subject
· The a catalytic event/call to action where the audience plunges into the drama of the story
· Rising excitement as we draw closer to the conclusion
· A climax where we have all the information and the dramatic element is resolved
· Resolution where any loose ends are tied up
Just like a narrative film you want to make sure you have a plan for shooting and a schedule.
Although a documentary doesn’t always have a script, (some do) it at least has a treatment.
A treatment is a plan for how the film will work with enough flexibility to account for the uncertainty of working with reality.
A treatment has:
· A purpose or objective
· A target audience
· A subject(s)
· A point of view about the subject(s)
· A story outline discussing the hook, exposition, catalytic moment, a climax and resolution
· A time outline estimating minutes spent on the above
· A list of who will be filmed/interviewed
· A list of events that will be filmed
· A list of potential open-ended questions for interviewees and the expected answers
The Assignment:
Everyone in the class must create a 2-page typed treatment (double spaced, about 300 words) using the elements of the form supplied. The subject should be under ten minutes of screen time.
The treatment will be evaluated on:
· Complete: Are all the questions on the form answered?
· Comprehensive: Is there enough detail for the reader to understand the project you are proposing?
· Compelling: Is the reader impressed with your preparation for the film? Does it seem doable?
The treatment is due:
When the treatments are turned in, students will form new (or old) groups to produce one of their treatments.
The approximate timeline is shooting for 7 class days and editing for 7 class days.
Everyone in a group participating in the filming must have turned in a treatment.
Answer at least one of the questions from each numbered group below. Use several complete sentences. Explain any part of your answer that is not obvious to a reader that knows nothing about the subject. A reader should not need to answer any further questions.
- Who is the audience for the film? Who will watch it?
- Why will your audience want to watch your film?
- What is the subject of the documentary? What is it about? Who is it about?
- Is there a conflict in the story? What is it? OR Is there a change in the story? What is it?
- What is the point of view you will be showing about the subject?
- What is your hook? Why will someone continue watching your film after one minute?
- What happens in the beginning of the film? What is the expositional information?
- What happens in the middle of the film? How does the story build to a climax?
- What happens in the end?
- What new information can the audience take away after the end of the film?
- How many minutes to you guess the beginning, middle and end will be on screen, each?
- List the events/locations where you will film.
- What will you film at each of the events/locations?
- List the people or types of people you will interview?
- List at least six open-ended questions for people on your list?
- List several b-roll shots you will need.
