1. Documentary Making
World Authors Project

2. Documentary Background
What is a Documentary?
Non-fiction film making
What Documentaries have you seen?
Supersize Me
Fahrenheit 9/11
Bowling for Columbine
Spellbound
Hoop Dreams
Brother’s Keeper
Some show on The History Channel

3. Basics of Documentaries
Documentary films should be realistic.
Documentary films should persuade the audience or make some political/historical point.
Documentary film is the best film genre to push for social change.
Documentary filmmakers should not try to edit their films to make them more dramatic and entertaining.

4. Samples Amy Noveski (children’s author) Mark Twain JK Rowling
Look for more documentaries on your own to get additional ideas.

5. What you need in your Documentary
Content – Based on history timeline and thesis. Include author biographical information, synopsis of two novels, key historical information,
Title
Pictures/film/video clips/etc.
Music
Voice Overs
Transitions

6. Steps to a Documentary Step 1 – Gather the research/necessary data
Step 2 – Pull together resources – photos, create video “interviews”, find quotes, music, etc. Anything you can use in your documentary.
Step 3 – Create a story board. (Shrek sample)
Step 4 – Write a script that connects with story board.
Step 5 – Create documentary using Windows Movie Maker (how-to video/ online how-to site/ about.com). There’s plenty more “how-to” videos/sites out there…keep looking.
Step 6 – Watch it, test it, make sure it’s ready to view.