Doing research for a documentary film is fundamental; it provides the essential elements like context, footage and other visuals, narration, and interviews that will appear in the film. This process involves several key steps and types of investigation to build a strong foundation for your project.
Why is Research Essential for Documentaries?
Research serves as the backbone of any compelling documentary. It ensures accuracy, depth, and credibility. As highlighted, research helps you:
- Provide Context: Establish the background, history, and significance of your subject.
- Gather Footage and Other Visuals: Discover existing visual assets like photos, videos, and documents.
- Develop Narration: Build the narrative structure and script with factual information.
- Identify and Prepare for Interviews: Find the right people to speak with and formulate insightful questions.
Effective research transforms a good idea into a well-informed and persuasive film.
Key Types of Documentary Research
Documentary filmmakers typically undertake several types of research to cover all angles of their subject. The reference specifically mentions:
- Archival research
- Academic research
- In-person interviews
Let's explore these and other relevant research methods.
1. Archival Research
This involves searching for existing materials created in the past related to your topic.
- Purpose: To find footage and other visuals (photos, videos, audio recordings), documents, news articles, and other historical artifacts. These provide visual evidence, atmosphere, and historical depth.
- Where to Look:
- National and local archives
- Libraries (public and university)
- Museums and historical societies
- Online databases and stock footage libraries (e.g., Getty Images, criticalpast.com)
- Private collections (families, organizations)
- Practical Tip: Be organized. Keep track of sources, potential usage rights, and contact information.
2. Academic Research
Academic research focuses on understanding the subject matter from an expert or scholarly perspective.
- Purpose: To build context, understand complex issues, explore different viewpoints, and identify key historical periods or events.
- Where to Look:
- Books and academic journals
- University libraries and databases
- Consulting with scholars, professors, and subject matter experts
- Reports from research institutions and NGOs
- Practical Tip: Don't just read; synthesize information. Identify overarching themes and key arguments related to your film's focus.
3. In-Person Interviews
Interviewing individuals with direct experience, knowledge, or a unique perspective on the subject is crucial.
- Purpose: To gather personal stories, eyewitness accounts, expert opinions, and emotional depth. These interviews often form the core of the narration and personal interviews featured in the film.
- Process:
- Identify potential interviewees (subjects, experts, witnesses).
- Research their background and connection to the topic.
- Prepare thoughtful, open-ended questions.
- Schedule and conduct the interview, often involving pre-interviews by phone or video call.
- Practical Tip: Listen actively and be flexible. Sometimes the most valuable insights come from unexpected tangents.
Other Important Research Areas
Beyond the core types, consider these as well:
- Location Research: Identifying and researching potential filming locations for their visual potential, historical significance, and accessibility.
- Subject Identification (Beyond Interviews): Finding individuals or groups who embody the film's themes, even if they aren't primary interviewees (e.g., observing daily life).
- Legal and Ethical Research: Understanding permissions needed (for filming locations, archival material, individuals), potential legal issues (defamation, privacy), and ethical considerations in storytelling.
Structuring Your Research
Organizing your research is vital. Consider using:
- Digital tools: Project management software, note-taking apps (Evernote, Notion), digital archive databases.
- Physical tools: Notebooks, binders, file folders.
- Databases/Spreadsheets: To track interview contacts, archival sources, locations, permissions, and expenses.
| Research Type | Primary Goal(s) | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Archival | Visuals, Historical Context | Photos, Videos, Documents, News Clips |
| Academic | Context, Expert Knowledge | Books, Studies, Expert Consultations |
| In-Person Interviews | Personal Stories, Perspectives, Narration | Eyewitnesses, Experts, Affected Individuals |
| Location | Visuals, Atmosphere | Specific Buildings, Landscapes, Communities |
| Legal/Ethical | Permissions, Compliance | Copyright Laws, Release Forms, Best Practices |
By undertaking thorough and varied research, you build a rich foundation for your documentary, ensuring it is informative, accurate, and visually compelling.
