Documentary Video Production

Documentary Video Production Services

Documentary Style Video Lets Viewers Connect Emotionally

When you think about documentary production, you probably think about the Discovery Channel. That kind of educational work is certainly one piece of the pie, but you may be surprised at the marketing power of the documentary style.

Documentaries let viewers connect emotionally with a subject and get people thinking about your business on a more personal level.

Well executed documentary video production services will give you content that doesn’t feel like a traditional advertisement.

Considering the Audience for Your Video

At it's core, a good documentary production isn't a dry recitation of facts.  It's a story with an emotional core.  Identify the place where your audience's values correspond with your business initiatives, and you've found the soul of your video.

Who will be watching?

Start your planning documentary video production by thinking hard about the person who will be watching the end product.

• What do you want your audience to know?
• More importantly, what do you want them to feel?

Every audience is different.

Your video production partner should be able to identify the levers that will inspire them, make them laugh, or bring them to tears starts with understanding what they care about.  And what they care about will let you know if your story is going to resonate.

Special Considerations for Documentary Videos

Who can help tell your story?

Once you know what the heart of your story is going to be, think about people who can help you tell your story.  To take that idea a step further, start to gather a list of people you'd like to have interviewed, and what topics you'd like them to address.

Think about it:  What's more powerful, you talking about how great your business is, or your customers giving an enthusiastic testimonial?

Your production partner can help you write the targeted interview questions you need.

If you're going to appear on camera, be careful not to over prepare for the interview.

Generally, interviews will feel more authentic if they are unrehearsed.  Your production partner will give everyone an idea of what they'll be asked, but should also warn them not to practice too much, or write a script for themselves.

Make sure to keep access to any unused documentary footage.

One more thing to consider.  Even the most focused interviews tend to leave a lot of good material on the cutting room floor.

Make sure your production partner is going to give you access to the unused footage, and think about ways to repurpose that content.  Extra interview questions may not fit into the topic of your main documentary video production, but they might be perfect for a short website video, or extra blog content.

Finding ways to use that extra footage can help you get a lot of extra video content without having a huge impact on your video budget.

Documentary Video Production Checklist

If you’re planning a documentary video production, follow the steps below to make sure you get the results you want.

• Decide what story you want your video to tell.  If you can, choose a topic with emotional impact.
• Choose the right people to interview by deciding what topic they are best equipped to talk about.
• Try not to over-rehearse for the shoot.  A practiced interview will not sound natural.
• Repurpose your extra footage.
• Contact The DVI Group to help you tell your story.