How is a Documentary Different from Other Categories?

Creating a documentary is different from other categories because of the technology necessary. Before deciding to create a documentary, you should ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I interested in using computers, cameras, and other technologies?

• Can I conduct and record interviews (for the purpose of including film clips in the documentary)?

• Can I find film clips to use in my documentary?

• Are there enough still photographs related to my topic available that I can use in my documentary?

• Do I have access to equipment that will be needed to make a documentary?

• Is creating a documentary the best way to show off my topic?

Getting Started

• Create a documentary notebook. Use this to write down all of your ideas and keep your research organized. Watch historical documentaries and write a list of what you think makes a great historical documentary.

• Make sure you have the necessary technology. This includes access to:

  • a computer,

  • a video camera, and

  • editing software.

• Research the topic first. Examine secondary and primary sources, taking careful notes and keeping track of which source each piece of information came from. From your research, you should come up with your thesis – the argument you want to make with your documentary.

• Keep a database. It is important that you have a database where you keep track of all of the information you are gathering. A database is simply any place where you can collect and easily access your sources and production materials.

• Create a timeline. Before you jump into your project, it is a good idea to create a preliminary timeline of when you want to finish important steps along the way, especially the start and end dates of pre-production, research, production, and post-production.

• Create a budget. On the practical side, you need to have a sense of the costs of doing this project. Remember you don’t have to break the bank to make a film. Spending more money does not make a film better in quality.

​Process Paper

​A process paper is a description of how you conducted your research, developed your topic idea, and created your entry. The process paper must also explain the relationship of your topic to the contest theme. For more information on the Process Paper and other rules, review the Contest Rule Book (English) / Contest Rule Book (Spanish).