Is there a recipe for an Award-winning documentary?

Hey!

There is a way to make a film that guarantees success. The problem is that you need to balance that with making a film you love to make. But to create an award-winning film, you must consider how competitive the documentary landscape has become.

With the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, documentaries have become popular among the audience. The streaming giant has an extensive library of award-winning documentaries, and if you are a professional filmmaker eager to make a mark in the industry, creating a documentary that sells to Netflix could be an excellent opportunity for you.

But how do you create a documentary that captures the viewer’s attention and makes an impact? In this guide, I will focus on pro tips for documentary filmmakers to help you create award-winning documentaries that sell to Netflix.

To get started, grab my FREE guide: Pitch Perfect: A Quick Guide for Pitching Netflix

Here’s some key steps to making an award-winning film:

1. Choose the right subject for your documentary:

The subject of your documentary plays a crucial role in its success. Choose a topic you are passionate about, can explore in-depth, and has an emotional connection with the viewers. But keep in mind that the subject of your documentary should also be relevant, newsworthy, and have an audience's interest. Before selecting a topic, do thorough research, conduct interviews, and check the availability of footage. It is also essential to keep viewers' preferences in mind while choosing a subject.

The timing factor holds significant importance in the realm of filmmaking. Even if you produce a superior film on a particular subject, its success can be jeopardized if released after a similar film has already gained traction. Hence, it is crucial to identify topics that possess societal relevance during their release. This strategic approach has been instrumental in the success of my films, overshadowing the mere excellence in their stories.

This is how I found my Netflix story:

3. Focus on the technical aspects of your documentary:

For a documentary to sell to Netflix, it should also have technical excellence. Pay attention to aspects like lighting, sound quality, and camera work. Use a camera that has a high resolution to capture stunning visuals. Use natural light as much as possible, but be prepared for low-light conditions—record high-quality sound to avoid noise and distortions. Use handheld stabilizers for smooth camera work, use drones when needed, and be creative with your shots. Frame your shots correctly, use various angles, and keep the viewer in mind while creating them.

4. Keep up with the trends:

The world of documentary filmmaking is continually evolving. Keep updated with the newest technologies, equipment, techniques, and trends. Watch other documentaries to learn from them and understand what styles and elements are successful. Participate in forums and groups to learn from your peers and exchange ideas. Attend workshops and film festivals to network and hone your skills. My favorite is to go to film festival markets like Hot Docs, Sheffield Doc/Fest, or IDFA. They offer a unique opportunity to network and pitch your film to the industry. Staying updated and informed will give you an edge to create winning documentaries that sell to Netflix.

4. Create a pitch package

Making a documentary film is a challenging task in itself. However, pitching it to potential investors and production companies can be equally daunting. A powerful pitch can open the door to funding, distribution, and collaborations necessary to take your project to the next level, while a weak pitch can result in rejection. Although pitching may sound intimidating, mastering this essential skill can be the key to taking your documentary to a worldwide audience. Make sure you have a pitch that takes maximum 15 minutes. That is what you will get. 

6 Steps To Pitching:

1. Craft a strong logline that captures the essence of your film.

2. Understand and target your specific audience.

3. Clearly describe your vision, including the tone and visual style in a one-page synopsis.

4. Provide specific details on production timelines, locations, and budget.

5. Create a captivating WOWSY pitch trailer.

6. End with a clear call-to-action for the potential investor.

Pitching your documentary film can be nerve-wracking, but it's a crucial element of the filmmaking process. The ability to convey your vision and passion for your story effectively to potential investors can help you get your film made. The four tips in this post – crafting an engaging logline, knowing your intended audience, being specific about the vision, and ending with a clear call to action – can help you create a dynamic, compelling pitch to impress your audience and secure funding for your project. Mastering the art of pitching takes time and practice, so don't be afraid to polish and refine your pitch before presenting it to an investor. Good luck

Following the tips listed above, you can create documentaries that impact viewers and sell to streaming giants like Netflix. Keep the subject relevant, develop a compelling storyline, focus on the technical aspects, use editing tools to your advantage, and stay updated with the trends. Remember that making a documentary is a gradual process that requires hard work, patience, and dedication. With guidance, perseverance, and passion, you can make a mark in the industry and create documentaries that inspire, educate, and entertain.