Pre production for documentary

Pre production of video is the critical first step in creating a documentary film. This phase involves meticulous planning and research to ensure that the vision for the documentary is clear, focused, and achievable. It is during pre-production that a filmmaker outlines the documentary’s direction, sets a clear narrative structure, and assembles the necessary resources.

Key Elements of Pre production of video

1. Research and Development

Research is at the core of any documentary. This involves fact-finding to gather in-depth information about the subject matter. Investigative research and secondary sources (books, articles, interviews) ensure that the documentary is grounded in facts. In some cases, this phase also involves ethnographic studies or qualitative research to explore the subject matter from multiple perspectives.

2. Scriptwriting and Storyboarding

While documentaries are often shot with a fly-on-the-wall style, scriptwriting is still essential. This includes drafting a narrative structure, mapping out key scenes, and determining important visuals. Storyboarding is crucial for visualizing scenes, angles, and key moments that support the documentary’s narrative arc.

3. Budgeting and Scheduling

Careful planning ensures that the production remains on schedule and within budget. This includes securing funding, estimating costs, and planning logistics. The complexity of documentary filmmaking often requires specific permits, travel arrangements, and coordination with various stakeholders.

4. Casting and Locations

Casting involves selecting interview subjects or finding the right characters to tell the story. Location scouting is crucial to ensure the visuals complement the documentary’s tone and theme. The documentary’s environment plays a huge role in supporting the narrative.