How to Write a Documentary Proposal

Creating a documentary film often requires writing a proposal to get funders on board.

When writing a documentary proposal, it is important to consider that scripts are often not used in a documentary film. Instead, documentary filmmakers often use a treatment or proposal to outline the plans for the documentary film project. A documentary proposal often includes a treatment, which is a narrative about a film script that is written without technical jargon, such as transitions or camera angles. Such a proposal should include a thorough description of the project to persuade funding entities into supporting the project.

Instructions

1. Check to see if the production company, agency or funder will be interested in looking at your documentary proposal because many put restrictions on the genre or type of film they are willing to support.

2. Type the working title of the script, the name of the producer, director, camera person, sound recordist, film editor and other collaborators in the project.

3. Write a hypothesis statement about what the film will explore, what the main conflict is, and what you want the audience to experience.

4. Write a paragraph on the sequence that shows the activity that you will describe in the documentary and examine the activity, what conflict it shows, a metaphor, the structure of events, what the sequence will contribute to the whole of the documentary, the facts the audience must gather and the imagery you want to capture.

5. Write a brief paragraph on each of the main characters or interviewers, including who they are, how this person fits into the scheme and their role and how they are significant.

6. Discuss the issue or conflict at the heart of the documentary, including the conflicting principles and how your film will put different principles in opposition to one another, how you will force them to conflict, and the possible developments that will emerge from the confrontation.

7. Outline the audience of the documentary, including what biases may exist, the alternative views and the evidence to get the audience to agree with your point of view.

8. List the camera interviews, including their name, role in life, the metaphoric role in the structure of the documentary and the main elements you will focus on in the interviews in the film.

9. Discuss the structure for your film, including how you will handle changes in time, what you intend for the climactic sequence and how this conflict or climax relates to other sequences.

10. Examine the shooting and editing methods which will be used to further the film content. You may also want to touch on the lighting, camera handling, inter cutting, juxtaposition, and any parallel storytelling you may use in the film.

11. Outline how you think the documentary will end and what you want to accomplish for the audience. Keep in mind that the resolution is the last word to the audience and should leave an impact on the viewer.

12. Discuss the qualifications of those who are involved in the making of the film, such as previous credits, degrees or other experience those involved might share.

13. Estimate a budget to outline the expenses of the documentary film project, including several categories, such as production staff, talent, camera expenses and camera operators, travel costs, location expenses, sound, media and storage, editorial expenses, music, sound mixing, motion graphics, web sites, rights and clearances, and legal and administrative costs.

14. Address any issues that you may currently have with the feasibility of your project.

15. Write a conclusion inviting the agent, producer or funder to participate in your documentary film project.

Tips & Warnings

• Check to see if the funder or agent has their own proposal format or outline to follow. Some will not read a document without it being in the prescribed format.

• Avoid stating that you have an agreement with funders or producers if you do not have a written agreement to certify the relationship.

References

• Google Docs: How to Write a Documentary Treatment or Proposal
• Film Makers: Writing Treatments that Sell

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish