Understanding The Power of Reality: What is a Film Documentary?

Have you ever been captivated by a movie that felt more real than fiction? That's the magic of documentary films! But what exactly is a documentary, and how does it differ from your typical Hollywood blockbuster?

In this article, we’ll explore the value of film and documentary and why you should start to consider creating one for yourself or your brand.

What is a documentary film?

A documentary film, also known as a documentary or doc, is a non-fictional motion picture that aims to document reality. It presents factual information about people, events, or issues, often for the purposes of education, entertainment, or preserving a historical record. Documentaries come in a wide variety of styles and approaches, but they all share the core principle of using reality as their source material. This can be reflected in a documentary film description, which will typically highlight the real-world subject matter and the filmmaker's approach to exploring it.

What Makes a Film a Documentary?

Documentaries aren't defined by a single element, but by a combination of characteristics. They typically focus on real-world subjects, delving into factual information about people, events, or issues.  This could be anything from historical moments to scientific discoveries to social movements.

However, documentaries aren't just dry presentations of facts. Filmmakers bring their own perspective as well, shaping the narrative and using storytelling techniques to engage viewers. This can involve using interviews with experts and those involved, structuring the film for a clear progression, and incorporating suspense or interesting characters to keep the audience hooked. So, is a documentary a film? Absolutely! Documentaries use the power of reality to inform, entertain, and spark conversation about the world around us.

What is the purpose of a documentary film?

Documentaries serve a multitude of purposes, and their goals can vary greatly depending on the filmmaker and the topic. 

Here are some of the most common reasons documentaries are made:

Education

Docfilms can be powerful teaching tools. They can introduce viewers to new ideas, historical events, or scientific discoveries in a compelling and memorable way.

Entertainment

Documentaries don't have to be dry and academic. Many are crafted to be informative and engaging, offering a thought-provoking escape into a different world or perspective.

Preservation

Documentaries can serve as a valuable historical record, capturing events, cultures, and voices that might otherwise be lost to time.

Social Change

Many documentaries aim to raise awareness about important issues, spark conversations, and inspire action. They can be a catalyst for social justice movements or political reform.

Personal Exploration

Documentaries can be a filmmaker's way of delving deeper into a topic they're passionate about, sharing their unique perspective and sparking dialogue.

Elements of a documentary film

Documentaries may seem like windows into the real world, but they're also carefully crafted works of art. 

To effectively tell their stories, filmmakers rely on a specific set of elements:

1. Clear Point of View

While striving for factual accuracy, documentaries aren't purely objective. The filmmaker shapes the narrative,  bringing a unique perspective to the subject matter. This perspective can be informative, aiming to educate viewers on a complex topic. It can be investigative, uncovering hidden truths. Or it can be artistic, using the subject to explore broader human experiences.

2. Straightforward Narrative (Structure)

Documentaries typically follow a clear structure, guiding viewers on a logical journey through the information. This structure might be chronological, unfolding a story over time. Or it might be thematic, exploring different aspects of an issue. Having a clear structure keeps the audience engaged and ensures they understand the filmmaker's argument.

3. Interesting Characters

Compelling characters are the heart of many documentaries. These can be experts offering insights, eyewitnesses sharing their experiences, or even ordinary people caught up in extraordinary events. Connecting with these characters on a personal level allows viewers to become emotionally invested in the story.

4. Mystery and Intrigue

The best documentaries don't just present facts but they also create a sense of discovery. They use cliffhangers, unanswered questions, and suspense to keep viewers engaged and eager to learn more as the story unfolds.

5. Expert Research

Documentaries rely heavily on solid research to support their claims. This can take many forms: interviews with specialists in the field, archival footage that provides historical context, data and statistics to back up arguments, and even personal recordings or social media posts that offer a glimpse into real-life experiences. Strong research establishes the film's credibility and ensures a well-rounded perspective is presented.

Types of documentaries

The world of documentaries is vast and diverse, offering a variety of styles and approaches to storytelling. 

Here, we'll explore some of the most common documentary types:

Expository Documentaries

These films take a straightforward approach, presenting information in a clear and concise manner. They often use narration, interviews with experts, and historical footage to educate viewers on a particular topic. Think of them as documentaries that prioritize explanation and analysis.

Poetic Documentaries

As opposed to a purely informative approach, poetic documentaries aim to evoke emotions and create a mood or atmosphere. They use creative visuals, sound design, and a more subjective style of storytelling to connect with viewers on a deeper level. The focus here is less on presenting facts and figures, and more on capturing the essence of a subject.

Participatory Documentaries

In these films, the filmmaker becomes an active participant in the story. They insert themselves into the narrative, interacting with the subject matter and directly influencing events. This approach can offer a unique perspective and a sense of immediacy, but it also raises questions about objectivity.

Observational Documentaries

Here, the filmmakers take a fly-on-the-wall approach. They observe real-life situations as they unfold, with minimal interference or manipulation. The goal is to capture authentic moments and behaviors, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions. This style can be particularly powerful for documenting social issues or cultural practices.

Reflexive Documentaries

These documentaries challenge the traditional documentary format. They explore the filmmaking process itself, questioning the nature of truth and representation in documentaries. Reflexive documentaries can be thought-provoking and insightful, but they may not be for everyone as they can be more abstract and experimental.

Performative Documentaries

Blurring the lines between reality and performance, these films use reenactments, staged elements, or dramatizations to explore a topic. The goal is not to deceive viewers but to create a more engaging and impactful experience. This approach can be effective for bringing historical events to life or exploring complex social issues.

What is the difference between a documentary film and a feature film?

While both can be entertaining and thought-provoking, there's a key distinction. Feature films are primarily works of fiction, with stories and characters created by screenwriters. Documentaries, on the other hand, deal with real-world subjects and people.

How to Write Your Own Documentary

Feeling inspired to create your own documentary? 

Here are some initial steps:

1. Find your topic

Passion is key! Choose a subject you're genuinely interested in and that you believe has a strong story to tell.

2. Conduct thorough research

Immerse yourself in the topic. Gather information, identify key figures, and explore different perspectives.

3. Develop a clear vision

What message do you want to convey? How will you structure your narrative?

4. Script It Out (Optional)

While some documentaries are structured but unscripted, writing a script can be a valuable exercise. It helps you organize your thoughts, sequence your interviews, and anticipate the flow of your film. Even if you don't stick rigidly to the script, it serves as a roadmap for your project.

5. Gear Up (Consider Your Budget)

Documentary filmmaking doesn't have to require a Hollywood budget. You can start with a good quality camera, a basic microphone, and editing software. As your skills and projects grow, you can invest in more advanced equipment.

6. Capture Compelling Footage

Once you have a plan, it's time to start filming!  Focus on capturing strong visuals that tell your story. Conduct engaging interviews, film B-roll footage that sets the scene, and capture sound bites that add depth and emotion.

7. Editing is Storytelling

The editing room is where your documentary truly takes shape. Here, you'll assemble your interviews, footage, and sound design to create a cohesive and impactful narrative. There's a learning curve to editing software, but online tutorials and workshops can be a great resource.

8. Find Your Audience

Documentaries are meant to be seen! Once your film is complete, explore distribution options. Film festivals, online platforms, and community screenings are all avenues to get your work in front of viewers who will appreciate it.

Remember, documentary filmmaking is a journey. Don't be afraid to experiment, learn from your mistakes, and refine your skills with each project.

If you're looking for a partner to bring your documentary vision to life, STLL Studios, a full-service production agency in Austin, Texas, can be your guide. Our team of experienced filmmakers is passionate about crafting impactful documentaries. We offer a range of services, from pre-production planning to post-production editing, to help you turn your documentary dream into a reality. 

Examples of Great Documentary Films

The world of documentaries is brimming with incredible stories, but here are a few award-winning examples to spark your inspiration:

For History Buffs

"Man on Wire" (2008): This expository documentary tells the thrilling story of Philippe Petit's high-wire walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 1974.

For Social Justice Advocates

"Super Size Me" (2004): A participatory documentary by Morgan Spurlock, who explores the fast-food industry's impact on health by eating nothing but McDonald's for a month.

For Music Lovers

"Amy" (2015): A poetic and reflexive documentary that delves into the life and tragic death of singer Amy Winehouse. It blends archival footage, interviews, and creative visuals to paint a poignant portrait of the artist.

For Science Enthusiasts

"Free Solo" (2018): This heart-pounding documentary chronicles Alex Honnold's daring attempt to become the first person to free solo climb El Capitan, a 3,000-foot rock wall in Yosemite National Park.

For Animal Lovers

"My Octopus Teacher" (2020): This Oscar-winning documentary follows a filmmaker who forms an unlikely friendship with an octopus while diving in a South African kelp forest.

These are just a handful of the many exceptional documentaries out there. Remember, there's a documentary on almost any topic imaginable, so explore different genres and find ones that resonate with your interests.

Unleash Your Inner Storyteller with STLL Studios

Documentaries have the power to inform, inspire, and challenge our perspectives. If you're looking to bring your documentary vision to life, STLL Studios, a full-service production agency in Austin, Texas, can be your partner. We offer a team of experienced filmmakers passionate about crafting impactful documentaries. Visit our website or contact us today to discuss your project and turn your documentary dream into a reality.