The Scriptwriting Secrets for A Great Documentary (PRO Tips)

As a documentary filmmaker, I've always been captivated by the power of storytelling. It's not just about capturing compelling visuals or conducting interviews; it's about crafting a narrative that immerses and resonates with the audience. This is the most crucial aspect of filmmaking because nothing else matters if the audience doesn't believe it.

Over the years, I've learned valuable scriptwriting secrets that helped me create impactful documentaries. In this blog post, I'll share these pro tips with you so you can enhance your documentary storytelling.

One of the fundamental aspects of crafting an excellent documentary is establishing a clear narrative arc. A well-structured story keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. To achieve this, you can use various storytelling techniques, but one framework that has proven adequate repeatedly is 'The Hero's Journey. More on that in a minute, but I need to say this first.

I didn't always believe in these rules or pro ways of doing things. I used to hate it. I wanted to tell authentic stories, so I tried to tell stories as far away from norms as possible. Even though that journey was necessary for my storytelling development, I now lean on conventional storytelling methods. I still go on with my intuitive feeling of what interests me. Even if it's weird and people don't understand it. However, I try to structure it in a more traditional framework to communicate it to people who might not have all the experience I have from telling stories.

Because that's the thing with art, you won't appreciate it without being taught to enjoy it. Great filmmaking is an acquired taste that you grow to love from becoming a great storyteller. Once you understand all the intricacies of great filmmaking and its storytelling depths beyond on-the-nose dialogue, you will appreciate complex and slow narratives that, to most people, won't make sense. But that is an acquired taste; don't expect everyone to appreciate or understand it.

Returning to the Hero's Journey, a universally recognized structure that brings forth captivating narratives. Joseph Campbell, a distinguished mythologist and writer, extensively delved into the depths of world mythology and storytelling traditions, ultimately popularizing this extraordinary framework. Campbell's keen observations unveiled a recurring pattern, weaving through diverse cultures and time periods, showcasing the wondrous Hero's Journey.

This is what he said about it:
A hero ventures forth from the world of the ordinary day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are encountered, and a decisive victory is won. The hero returns from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man.

Is this the only way to tell a great story? No.

But it's an effective way to structure a story. I lean on it for most of my projects. Even though documentaries can be complex and chaotic, this makes it easier to navigate the storytelling.

The Hero's Journey consists of several stages that guide the flow of your narrative, ensuring it has a beginning, middle, and end. Let's dive deeper into these stages and see how they can add depth to your documentary storytelling:

The Ordinary World: Begin by introducing your characters and their normal state of life. Show the audience what they're like before their journey begins. This helps establish a baseline and allows viewers to connect with the characters personally.

The Call to Adventure: Present a conflict or a quest that disrupts the characters' normalcy. This creates intrigue and sets the central theme of your documentary. It could be a personal struggle, a societal issue, or a transformative event that propels the characters into action.

Crossing the Threshold: This stage marks the point of no return for the characters. It's when they consciously embark on their journey, leaving their familiar world behind. Transitioning from the ordinary to the extraordinary is a crucial turning point in your documentary.

The Road of Trials: The narrative should now focus on pursuing and achieving an end goal. Along the way, weave in struggles, insights, and personal and situational transformations faced by the character characters encounters. These elements add depth and keep the audience invested in the story.

The Meeting with the Mentor: Introduce influential figures or mentors who guide and support the characters throughout their journey. These mentors can provide valuable advice, share wisdom, or offer unique perspectives that shape the characters' understanding of themselves and the world around them.

The Ordeal: This is the pivotal moment in your documentary, where the characters face their greatest challenge or obstacle. It's a make-or-break moment that tests their resolve, resilience, and determination. The outcome of this ordeal often leads to a significant transformation or revelation.

The Reward: After overcoming the ordeal, the characters are rewarded somehow. This can be a tangible achievement, an emotional breakthrough, or newfound knowledge. The reward provides a sense of resolution and progress, giving the audience a satisfying payoff.

The Return: In this stage, the characters return to their ordinary world, but their journey forever changes them. They bring back wisdom, experiences, and insights that can transform their lives and the lives of those around them. The return marks the completion of their arc and provides a sense of closure.

While having a well-defined plan based on the Hero's Journey structure is undeniably important, it is equally crucial to remain flexible and adaptable. Unlike scripted dramas, documentaries unfold in real-time, capturing the raw essence of the characters' journey. By embracing the evolving reality of your subjects and adjusting your approach accordingly, you allow their experiences to shape the narrative organically. This authenticity and genuineness in storytelling aspire to establish a profound and resonating connection with viewers, making them fully immersed in the story. 

When crafting a story, having a solid structure as a foundation is beneficial. However, the true essence lies in the characters you focus on. Their lives and experiences should be the guiding force that determines the narrative's trajectory. By allowing the characters to dictate the story's direction, you can delve deeper into their world, uncover their motivations, and create a more captivating and immersive experience for the reader. The characters become the story's heartbeat, pulsating with authenticity and drawing the audience into their journey. In this way, the characters breathe life into the narrative, enabling you to tell a richer and more compelling tale. So, while having a structure is essential, the characters ultimately hold the power to shape and elevate the story to new heights.

Before you even start shooting, conducting thorough research and developing your story is essential. While it's tempting to stick to a preconceived plan, it's vital to remain open to what unfolds in front of your eyes. The most remarkable scenes and defining story elements are often found when you follow the characters' reality and passions.

Unfortunately, in the industry's rush, many filmmakers and journalists stick to their original story plan, missing out on the potential gold in front of them. This approach fails to capture the story's evolving nature and the characters' genuine emotions.

Instead, embrace the concept of letting the story evolve naturally. Please pay attention to what the characters feel most vital and passionate about. By emphasizing and focusing on these elements, your film will improve significantly.

Don't fall into the trap of unthinkingly following a predetermined story plan. Let the reality of the characters guide your storytelling. By doing so, you'll create a documentary that captures the essence of the story and resonates with your audience.

Another pro tip is to provide mini payoffs throughout the documentary. These moments of resolution or revelation keep the audience engaged and satisfied. They can be small victories, emotional breakthroughs, or unexpected twists. By strategically sprinkling these mini-payoffs, you maintain the viewer's interest and provide a sense of progression.

Instead of taking the long route, focusing on building intrigue and leaving viewers eager to see how the story unfolds is essential. Look for crucial turning points and dramatic arcs within your footage. These moments will keep the viewers engaged and on the edge of their seats throughout the movie.
To keep the momentum going, use provide mini payoffs along the way. These moments of resolution or revelation enhance the feeling of forward movement and build anticipation for what's to come. You move toward the climax and maintain viewer engagement by strategically placing these mini-payoffs.

Now, let me share a personal struggle I faced recently while working on a documentary about a Canadian Gold Rush town. The challenge was writing a satisfying ending. I wanted to leave the audience with closure and room for contemplation. To overcome this, I revisited the footage and discovered a decisive moment that encapsulated the essence of the character's journey. It was a bittersweet ending that left viewers reflecting on the narrative long after the credits rolled.

Scriptwriting for a documentary requires a combination of structure and flexibility. By using 'The Hero's Journey' template as a guide, establishing a clear narrative arc, and providing mini payoffs, you can create a compelling story that resonates with your audience. Embrace the authenticity of your characters and let their experiences shape the narrative. And when it comes to endings, strive for a balance between closure and contemplation. With these pro tips, you'll be well on your way to crafting an excellent documentary that stands out.

Documentary storytelling is a dynamic process that requires continuous exploration and experimentation. As you embark on your documentary journey, remember that the key is to create an engaging storyline that accurately captures the essence of the character's journey and leaves the viewer contemplating the underlying narrative and the character's motivations.

In addition to following the Hero's Journey template, you can employ other storytelling techniques to enhance your documentary. One practical approach is to incorporate multiple perspectives. You create a more comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of the subject by including different voices and viewpoints. This allows the audience to develop their understanding and interpretation of the story.

Another technique is to use visual metaphors and symbolism. Visual storytelling adds depth and layers of meaning to your documentary. You can convey emotions, themes, and concepts beyond words through carefully composed shots, juxtaposition of images, and symbolic visuals.

Furthermore, consider the power of sound in your documentary. Sound design plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional impact of your storytelling. By carefully selecting and editing proper elements such as music, ambient noise, and interviews, you can evoke specific moods and create a more immersive experience for the viewers.

Lastly, never underestimate the importance of research and preparation. An excellent documentary is built on a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding. Dive deep into your subject matter, conduct thorough research, and immerse yourself in the world of your characters. This will enable you to tell a more informed and authentic story and provide opportunities for unexpected discoveries and moments of luck during filmmaking.

In conclusion, scriptwriting for an excellent documentary requires a combination of structure, flexibility, and creativity. By embracing storytelling techniques like the Hero's Journey, incorporating multiple perspectives, utilizing visual metaphors and symbolism, leveraging the power of sound, and conducting extensive research, you can elevate your documentary to new heights. Remember, the ultimate goal is to craft a captivating and thought-provoking narrative that resonates with your audience long after watching your documentary. So go out there, tell powerful stories, and let the world experience the magic of your documentary filmmaking.