Guide to Documentary Filmmaking Pt.4: Pre-Production 1/2 Scriptwriting and Storyboarding
Filming PURITAN in England
In this stage, you’re going to prepare yourself and your team for the filming that is about to take place. It’s especially important in this stage to be referring to your budget constantly. There are several components to this step.
Scriptwriting
It’s time to create the screenplay, or in short form, the script. Here, your detailed outline is fleshed out into dialog and other components and is given the structure and narrative flow that will make up your final cut.
Writing is not my strength, so I have always pursued like-minded individuals (Aaron Armstrong and Barry Cooper) who are strong in this area. They are able to take my detailed outline and massage out every facet to build the script.
Tip: Collaboration is crucial to your development as a filmmaker. I have grown most when I have surrounded myself with those that are better than me. My projects have come out better when I have delegated and collaborated on areas I know I’m not as strong in.
Here is the script for Luther.
Storyboarding
Documentaries are difficult to storyboard (what’s a storyboard?), and so while I give each location thought, I don’t spend much time thinking about the actual shot until I arrive. I have a list of shots that would be nice to capture based on the script, but until I actually arrive on location, I’m not 100% sure which angle I’m taking, which direction we’re pointing, where the sun is, what the weather is like, etc.
If you have the ability to scout out the locations before filming, hands down I would build a rough storyboard and shot list so that you are amply prepared when production comes. Those of us that are doing run-and-gun documentaries don’t always have the same luxury!
Interview Requests
Most documentary formats will contain featured interviews that are interwoven throughout the production. Getting the subject you want to interview to agree to be apart of the film is sometimes the hardest part of this process. I have three suggestions to help you obtain your interviews:
Put together an official invitation. Make it professional, explain who is involved in the project and most importantly the involvement you would like from your subject. Don’t overload it with information. Clear and concise is best. See PURITAN invite for J.I. Packer here.
Send the interview questions ahead of time. Sure, there will be ebb and flow on the day of the interview but being up front and transparent about what you want to discuss will go a long way. See questions for J.I. Packer here.
I’ve never had an issue with my interview subjected being upset because they were being represented poorly but to ensure you are covered legally, I’d recommend having them sign an interview release form.
In part 5 we will be discussing the importance of planning your production schedule and what it looks like to build an itinerary for your project. If you have a question or found this helpful please leave a comment below or send me an email.
Stay watchful.