Screenwriting : Documentary script/concept writing by Sharon Yusop

I haven't made any documentaries, but from talking with people who have, it seems that the most important thing is to remain flexible. Have an outline of what you want to do, but be open to the possibilities opening up in front of you. I wrote a review of a doc ( http://bit.ly/1LSUMjM ) which turned out way differently than the filmmaker planned on. But it was a good film.

A lot of documentaries aren't written until after the filming. Especially if you are going to do interviews. I haven't actually tried writing documentaries myself. This is only what I've heard.

Hi Leo Thanks for the link. Will check it out. Hi Richard That's what I've heard too. Although I think my problem is fleshing out the concept into content. Im beginning to feel that thinking factual is trickier than just coming up with content.

The most impactful documentaries aren't scripted like a narrative feature. The director has an idea of how to frame the content and the arc of the subject being documented. Interview questions are based on these things alongside a lot of research (depending on the subject matter) and what existing assets can be used. Usually during both of these processes the story takes a more cohesive shape as new information is discovered. Ideally the interview footage can be transcribed so that a working script can be put together for the director and editor but if not then the story usually takes its most cohesive shape in editing which means that post takes much longer than production. I realize this is all very general information, but this is how we've worked on all of our docs -- part of the joy of creating a doc is the discovery of new characters and information. A bit of creative advice, is don't try to preach to the audience let them draw their own conclusion.

Laurie is on it. I am in preproduction of a doc. Never done one before. We have been doing a ton of research, but we have concluded that until we get the answers to our questions from the people involved, which may lead to other questions that we need answered. Then we will tell the story we find. I have no intention of shoot a doc in a manner that meets a preconceived story. I see that in a lot of docs that want to put their political spin on a subject. I personally don't believe it is a documentary unless you document and then tell the story you find.

Thanks, John. It takes going through the mill a few times. ;-)

What Laurie said. I was on a panel yesterday with a documentary filmmaker and he said he did research, shot interviews and other footage, then wrote a script after he had all of these elements to tie them together.

Agree with all. Laurie is on point. I would also add, just like in narrative, study the genre. Watch as many good documentaries as you can. A few that stayed with me: Farenheit 9/11 Citizenfour Inside Job Searching for Sugar Man Going Clear Electric Boogaloo Finding Vivian Maier Tim’s Vermeer The Internet’s Own Boy and, HOLLYWOOD BANKER. You guys should all watch this, if you haven't. This Dutch banker is the reason we have independent cinema. Good luck.

Laurie's the BEST. Love her comments,... LISTEN AND LEARN.... always. :-))

It depends on the type of documentary you are making. Research would be likely to include non filmed interviews with your experts so that you know the limits of their expertise and exactly what you will want them to cover when filming starts. I usually use a two column format one column with the title visuals the other audio. This allows me to provide a written version of the film to show investors. Or as in the case of some of the training films I make, and agreement to the content that will be created. Of course there will be changes because you can't rely on people to say precisely what you expect them to say, or want them to say. Or a desired shot becomes just too difficult, expensive or timely.

Thanks so much for all your thoughts and advice on this. It's very helpful. Ive started watching a few docs and trying to get my head around the genre and started on researching. I hope to start pre-pro by early next year. So any advice given is more than welcome. Also, a friend told me that some docs takes years to produce. From pre-pro right up to post. Does it vary from topic to topic? Or is there a rough estimate of the time taken to produce a complete doc?

Sharon as you suggest it varies on topics. A wildlife doc might need a few years to get that one shot of a rare animal doing something such as giving birth that is so crucial to the story line. On the other hand. A subject might be so topical that a TV commissioner needs something to put out almost immediately... ...

Thanks everyone for all your input and advice. Really appreciate it. I was in the midst of writing a one-page concept/content and your input helped me a lot in shaping it. I think I may have something that I could execute. Thanks again!