1.3 Documentary Film Writing

• identify the elements of a documentary film script
• describe the steps in documentary film scripting
• write a 5-to-10-minute documentary film script
• appreciate documentary film scripting as a means of communicating societal concerns

“How does scripting for documentary films differ from scripting for fiction films?”

“Why are documentary films important in society?”

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1. Documentary film
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Describe a documentary and why it matters in society.
2. Documentary and fiction compared
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Explain how documentary scripting differs from fiction scripting.
3. Elements of a documentary script
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Name the four elements of a documentary film script.
4. Choosing the subject matter
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Choose a clear documentary subject from a societal concern.
5. Research
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Research a documentary subject for accurate, fair facts.
6. Talking points and interview questions
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Write key talking points and open interview questions.
7. The voice-over script
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Write a clear voice-over narration that explains and links the film.
8. Compelling visuals
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Plan the visuals and shot list for a documentary.
9. The documentary script format
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Lay out a documentary script in the two-column format.
10. Writing a 5 to 10 minute documentary script
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Draft and revise a short documentary script using the steps and elements.