No one wants to watch a long, boring, and dull documentary.

If you’ve ever watched a documentary like that, you probably didn’t finish it—you just clicked the “X” button to end the boredom and find other good films to watch.

Now, if you’re the one creating documentaries, you have to avoid putting your viewers in that position AT ALL COSTS.

Why? Because one bad experience can leave a lasting negative impression on your brand.

Today, we’ll help you avoid that. We’ll share the “wow” factors of an impactful documentary, the step-by-step filmmaking process, and storytelling techniques to make a documentary that your viewers love watching.

What Makes a Good Documentary? 5 Key Components

If you want your documentary to move people, you’ll need to go beyond simple interviews. Here’s what sets documentaries apart and makes them truly remarkable.

1. Connections and memorable stories

Memorable stories and powerful moments can create undeniable emotional connections that hit the soul and make your documentary stand out.

Research shows that stories are remembered up to 22 times more than facts alone.

But with so much competition in the documentary space, the question for you is: What sets your documentary apart? How will your story leave a lasting impact on viewers?

When we created our first film, Shine Service, we had to think beyond just Percy. We had to explore what he stood for, the legacy he had already built in Nashville and beyond, and how his story could resonate more deeply with our audience.

It’s this attention to detail that makes a story memorable, captivates the audience, and creates a connection.

2. “Outside the box” thinking

You’re competing with tons of documentaries on streaming platforms like Disney, Netflix, Amazon, and many more. To stand out, you must give your audience a reason to watch your documentary. This often means thinking outside the box.

Take Waltz with Bashir (2008) as an example. Instead of traditional interviews and archival footage, this war documentary uses stunning animation. This unique format helps the film connect with audiences on an emotional level while still delivering hard-hitting historical truths.

The key is to ask yourself: How can you present your story in a way that hasn’t been done before? What visual or narrative approach will leave a lasting impact?

Find the bigger picture. Identify the themes, lessons, or questions that will linger with your audience.

3. A good balance of facts with emotions

Facts and data only resonate when you connect them to real people, real stakes, and real emotions. At Bolo Brothers, we found that the key to balancing this is to focus on how those facts impact real experiences.

For example, instead of saying, "The city’s homelessness rate has risen by 30%," introduce a person experiencing it: "Maria, a mother of two, lost her home after an unexpected medical bill. Now, she and her children move between shelters, struggling to find stability."

Facts are important, but they need to serve the story, not overshadow it.

4. A great hook

Your opening should make the viewers want to stay for more. It’s where you capture attention and set the tone for what’s coming.

There are different ways to do this:

Start with a striking visual. A burning rainforest, an empty playground, or a close-up of a tear-streaked face can instantly pull viewers in.
Pose a thought-provoking question. “What if everything you believed about food was a lie?” or “How did one decision change the course of history?” can create intrigue.
Show an emotional moment. Instead of beginning with an expert explanation, start with a raw, unscripted clip—maybe a father hugging his child after years in prison or a scientist breaking down as they describe their life’s work being destroyed.

For example, The Social Dilemma opens with former tech executives looking uncomfortable before the interview even begins, hinting that they’re about to reveal something unsettling. That immediate tension pulls viewers in before they even know the topic.

Think about what moment in your documentary would make someone need to keep watching—start there.

5. A sound distribution and marketing plan

No matter how unique your story is, it won’t succeed if it doesn’t reach the right audience.

One of the biggest challenges we've faced is not having a distribution plan in place before making the “Shine Service” film. A great story is just the beginning—so much more goes into bringing a documentary to life.

Where will it live? Who's funding it? How will you market it? These are crucial questions to answer before you start production.

We've learned this the hard way, so we now approach every documentary like a business venture. We map out funding strategies, identify distribution opportunities early, and develop a marketing plan to deliver the most impact for our audience.

This shift in mindset has been a game-changer for us. It helped our projects gain traction and find the right platforms.

How to Make a Good Documentary That Stuns Your Audience

Now that you know the main elements that would make your documentary stand out, let’s put it into practice.

Step 1: Pre-production

Even the most compelling story can feel flat if you don't prepare properly. The pre-production phase is where ideas take shape, plans are drawn up, and you define the heart of your story. It’s the foundation of your documentary.

Research first

Research your subject and uncover the emotional truths that will drive your narrative.

Ask yourself key questions like:

What’s at the heart of the story?
Who are the central figures, and why do they matter?
What themes or ideas make this story relevant to your audience?
What motivates them?
What challenges have they faced?
How do those struggles relate to the big picture?

Then, dig even deeper. The answers to these questions will set the tone for your documentary.

Build the emotional core of your story

The emotional core is the main feeling or message you want viewers to connect with.

Is it hope? Urgency? Empathy? If you establish your core before diving into facts and figures, it will act as the foundation and give purpose to every shot, interview, and element you include later.

Outline your story and business goals

After all the research and building the core of your documentary, outline them.

A clear and outlined goal will guide you in every decision you have to make for the documentary. Outline the key moments you want to capture, potential interviewees, and the visual elements that will bring the story to life.

Remember to also outline the logistical and business aspects of filmmaking. This is where many first-time filmmakers struggle. Think ahead:

Where do you want your film to live? Will it be showcased in festivals, distributed on streaming platforms, or uploaded to YouTube?
How will you fund your project? Consider grants, crowdfunding, or partnerships with organizations aligned with your film’s themes.
What’s your marketing plan? Your story might be brilliant, but it won’t reach the right audience without proper planning.

Having a basic structure helps you stay on track.

Prepare necessary equipment and initial story flow

Prepare the tools you’ll need—cameras, microphones, lighting, editing software, etc. Draft an initial script or story flow outlining your documentary’s structure. While it doesn’t have to be final, this blueprint will help you visualize how your documentary would flow.

Pre-production is probably the most critical phase because this is where you build your foundations. So, invest your time and effort into this stage to set yourself up for a smoother production process and a documentary that leaves a lasting impact.

Step 2: Production

The production phase isn’t just pointing a camera at your subject. You should focus on creating moments that connect emotionally, visually, and intellectually with your audience.

Then, use your tools to evoke those emotions during the production phase.

Capture the interviews and B-roll

Interviews are the heart of most documentaries. They are where you gather information and reveal the emotional core of your story.

When interviewing, focus on authenticity. Make the interviewees comfortable, encourage them to speak openly, and ask questions that go beyond the surface. For example, instead of just asking, “What happened next?” try, “How did that make you feel?” or “Why was that moment important to you?”

Take inspiration from great documentaries that relate to your story. It’s our job as filmmakers to get the most out of an interview. So, learn impactful interviewing skills.

Alongside interviews, don’t skip with your B-roll footage. It provides the visual context that keeps the story engaging and helps immerse viewers in the world you’re presenting. Capture shots that visually explain the emotion, setting, actions, or events being discussed.

Think about what visuals would complement your story and schedule time to capture additional footage if needed.

Present facts with emotions and stories

A great documentary doesn’t just present facts—it has a compelling and memorable story. Rather than overwhelming viewers with raw data or statistics, integrate it into your narrative using creative techniques. For example:

Use personal testimonies to humanize broader issues.
Visualize data through animations or overlays that are easy to digest.
Incorporate archival footage or photographs to provide historical context.

Think about the emotional arcs

Your documentary needs to evoke emotion throughout, not just during key moments. To achieve this, think about the emotional arc as you film. What do you want the audience to feel at different points in the story? Is there a moment of tension followed by a resolution? Are there unexpected revelations that shift the viewer’s perspective?

The thing about documentaries is that sometimes, the most powerful moments aren’t planned—they happen when you’re observing quietly. Be ready to capture these unscripted moments; they often hold the most impact.

Don’t ignore the technical side

The technical side is just as vital as the creative aspects of your documentary. The main elements you have to remember are these three:

Camera Work: Use steady shots and creative angles to keep your visuals engaging. A tripod ensures stability, while tools like gimbals or drones can add dynamic movement if your budget allows. Plan your shots to align with the emotions you want to capture.
Audio: Bad audio can distract from your story, no matter how great the visuals are. Use external microphones for interviews to ensure high-quality audio, and monitor sound levels during filming to catch issues early.
Lighting: While natural light can work in many situations, sometimes controlled setups are necessary to create the right mood. Experiment with lighting to highlight key moments or add depth to your shots.

The better your technical execution during production, the easier to align and edit your story in post-production.

Be flexible during filming

Even with a well-prepared plan, documentaries often take unexpected turns during production.

That’s because great documentaries are built around genuine interactions. Subjects may reveal new information, or you might uncover a storyline you hadn’t anticipated. Stay flexible and open to these changes—they can lead to some of the most unforgettable parts of your film. However, always see if the changes align with your vision.

The production phase is where your creative vision begins to take shape. It’s where you capture the raw materials needed to create a powerful documentary.

Step 3: Post-production

Edit the flow and storytelling

Editing is the backbone of post-production.

Start by organizing your footage into key sections: introduction, development, climax, and resolution. This structure helps guide the audience through the emotional and informational journey.

Place the most impactful scenes strategically to maintain the audience’s connection to the story. For example, if you captured an emotional interview during production, consider using it as a turning point in your narrative.

To keep your audience's attention, balance slower, reflective moments with more dynamic, engaging scenes. A well-paced documentary makes viewers more emotionally invested without feeling rushed or bored.

Add sound design

Sound design adds depth and realism when you do it right. Here are good rules of thumb:

Use uplifting music during moments of triumph.
Opt for subtle, reflective tunes during more introspective scenes.
Consider silence in certain moments to emphasize raw emotion or gravity.

Integrate visual elements

In addition to your main footage, use visual elements to enrich the narrative:

Archival Footage and Photos: If your story spans a historical timeline, integrate archival material to provide context and authenticity.
Graphics and Animations: Visualize complex data or timelines in a way that’s easy to understand. For instance, animated charts or maps can make abstract concepts more tangible.
Color Grading: Adjust the color tones of your footage to create a consistent visual style. This can subtly influence the mood of your film.

Polish the final product

Once the core elements of your film are in place, focus on the fine details that elevate it to a professional level:

Smooth transitions between scenes help maintain the flow of the narrative. Avoid jarring cuts unless they serve a specific purpose.
Ensure all text is legible and well-placed, especially for introducing characters, locations, or contextual information.
Double-check that music, dialogue, and sound effects are balanced throughout the film.

Test screenings and get feedback

Before finalizing your documentary, conduct test screenings with a small group of trusted viewers. Choose individuals who represent your target audience and are willing to provide honest feedback. Ask questions like:

“Was the story clear and engaging?”
“Were there any parts that felt slow or confusing?”
“What moments stood out to you the most?”

Use the feedback to make necessary adjustments and make your documentary even better.

Finalize for distribution

Once your documentary is polished and ready, prepare it for the platforms you will distribute.

Export the film in appropriate formats for streaming services, festivals, or other outlets. To streamline the distribution process, ensure that all metadata, captions, and promotional materials are complete.

Examples of Great Documentaries

The best way to learn is to learn from the greats. Here are some examples of great documentaries you can take inspiration from:

1. The Thin Blue Line (1988)

Errol Morris’s The Thin Blue Line is about Randall Dale Adams, who was wrongfully convicted of killing a Texas police officer. It’s not just a “true crime” documentary. It digs into how the justice system failed him.

What makes this documentary stand out is Morris’s use of dramatic re-enactments. These scenes show different versions of the crime, helping viewers see how uncertain the case really was. One of the powerful moments is when a key witness’s story falls apart, showing how unreliable evidence can ruin lives.

2. Blackfish (2013)

Blackfish is a documentary about the captivity of killer whales. It focuses on Tilikum, a whale linked to the deaths of multiple trainers. Directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, the film examines how marine parks like SeaWorld treat killer whales.

The documentary stands out for blending emotional stories with hard facts. Interviews with former trainers and footage of captive whales create a strong emotional impact. One unforgettable moment is when they show orcas being separated from their families. It highlights the deep bonds these animals share and the pain captivity causes.

Blackfish sparked global conversations and changed people's views of marine parks. Its emotional and factual approach had a lasting impact on public opinion.

3. The Social Dilemma (2020)

The Social Dilemma examines how social media affects society, from its impact on mental health to its role in spreading misinformation. The documentary features interviews with former tech executives and developers who reveal the ethical problems behind the platforms billions of people use every day.

A particularly memorable scene uses visuals to show how algorithms shape user behavior and demonstrates how small tweaks in a feed can lead to big changes in actions. This mix of expert interviews and powerful visuals makes the film a clear and urgent warning about the risks of technology.

4. March of the Penguins (2005)

March of the Penguins is a beautiful documentary about the difficult lives of emperor penguins in Antarctica. It follows the penguins’ journey to their breeding grounds and the challenges they face to protect their young.

What makes this film special is how it turns the penguins’ struggles into something viewers can deeply connect with. It is also narrated by Morgan Freeman.

The breathtaking cinematography captures the harsh beauty of their environment, while Freeman’s calm narration brings warmth and emotion to their story.

5. My Octopus Teacher (2020)

This Netflix hit combines breathtaking visuals with a deeply personal story. The film follows filmmaker Craig Foster as he forms an unlikely bond with a wild octopus in the South African kelp forest.

What makes this documentary shine is its raw emotion and visual storytelling. Foster’s journey of connection, curiosity, and healing is told through intimate underwater footage. The story's simplicity—a man, an octopus, and their unlikely friendship—makes it universally relatable and deeply moving.

You can take inspiration from all of these documentaries to deliver a unique story of your own.

FAQs

Is it expensive to make a documentary?

It depends on the scope, production quality, and distribution goals.

A small, independent documentary might cost as little as $5,000 if you work with minimal equipment and a small crew. On the other hand, large-scale productions for streaming platforms or theaters can range from $50,000 to over $1 million.

Budgeting Tips:

Start Small: If you’re just beginning, focus on a tightly scoped project to keep costs manageable.
Seek Funding: Look into grants, crowdfunding, or partnerships with organizations that align with your film’s subject.
DIY Where Possible: Use affordable or free tools for editing, and consider borrowing equipment to reduce expenses.
Plan Ahead: A clear production plan prevents unnecessary spending during filming.

What is the most important part of a documentary?

The heart of any documentary is its storytelling. Memorable stories, powerful moments, and emotional connections make a documentary truly stand out.

How long should a documentary be?

It should be long enough to tell the story but concise enough not to make it boring.

Here are the typical lengths for different types of documentaries:

Short Documentaries (10–30 minutes): Perfect for festivals, YouTube, or educational purposes. They’re concise and ideal for exploring a single topic or story.
Feature-Length Documentaries (60–120 minutes): Common for theatrical releases and streaming platforms.
Mini-Series: If your subject is too broad for a single film, consider breaking it into episodes, ideal for streaming platforms.

What tools or equipment do you need to make a good documentary?

The tools you need will depend on your project’s scale and budget. But here’s the basic list:

Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera, such as the Canon EOS R series or Sony Alpha, is versatile and budget-friendly. For higher budgets, cinema cameras, like the Blackmagic URSA or RED series, offer superior quality.
Microphone: Use lapel microphones and shotgun microphones for interviews.
Lighting: Natural light is great, but portable LED lighting kits are essential for low-light conditions or controlled environments.
Tripod or Stabilizer: Keep your footage steady with a sturdy tripod or a gimbal stabilizer.
Editing Software: Programs like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve are examples.
External Storage: Invest in external hard drives or SSDs to safely store your footage and project files.

While these tools are important, remember that your focus should be creating an emotional connection with your story.

Bring Your Documentary to Life

You now know how to create a documentary that leaves a lasting impact and keeps your viewers wanting more.

So, where do you start? Right now, you have a story waiting to be told. Take a moment to brainstorm—what’s the heart of your story? Who are the voices that need to be heard? And what impact do you want your documentary to have?

If you need an expert to answer these questions with you and develop a documentary that stuns your viewers, we can help.

Making stunning documentaries and films is what we do, and we want to be a part of helping you create something awesome for your audience!

Click here to learn more about our documentary production services.

What Makes a Good Documentary? Making Stories That Stick