Week 3.1 – Considerations of Documentary-making

This week we explored a range of considerations that make for a good documentary. The main point that was stressed was the importance of ‘finding the story’. In the context of our theme, which is exploring the implications of a site that’s been subject to change, we raised some questions that could help us find a clearer narrative for our documentaries:

• What is it about the location that grabs you?
• Will your film provide entree into new or interesting worlds, new discoveries?
• Can you narrow the focus and go deeply?
• Can you obtain access into those worlds?
• As well as access, is there feasibility, passion and curiosity?
• Relevance – will anyone care?
• What will the research reveal?
• Is this a film you’d want to see?
• How have the events that are likely to be narrated transformed your neighbourhood or character?
• By investigating a site of change, what has the character learned about themselves?

Reconsidering the idea of my film through these lens allowed me to think more critically about its meaning. Looking at my film from the perspective of the question ‘is this a film you’d want to see?’ provided some clarity in the way that I thought about developing the film’s narrative and overall tone. I thought to myself, ‘how can I create this in a way that would appeal to me?’ and from there I established a clearer idea of the plot from a perspective I hadn’t initially considered.

As we thought deeper about the conception of our films, I realised that ultimately, every decision in the production of the film must contribute something valuable. Every shot should be telling in some way; it should earn its place in the film rather than being included for no particular reason. Every piece of dialogue should be either informational or contribute in some way towards the audience’s understanding of the film. These are general rules that I would try to stick to, as my own sort of formula to narrow the focus of my ideas. Using the information that we established this week will ultimately guide my decision making throughout the process of the film’s production.