The Ins & Outs of creating a documentary film
This blog post will detail the entire process of creating a documentary film, from inception to production. I hope you find a wealth of valuable information that will be useful for your upcoming projects. Please feel free to save and share this with anyone you think might benefit from it.
Finding Our Characters
I first met Candy and Akshay while dining at their restaurant, The Turning Peel. During our introduction, I mentioned that I was a documentary filmmaker. Several months later, eager to begin my next project, I reached out to Candy via Instagram, and that’s how our collaboration began.
One of the most challenging aspects of finding a documentary subject is gaining their full commitment to the project. When engaging with individuals outside the film industry, sharing reference images or production photos can be incredibly helpful in conveying your intentions. Documentary filmmaking is a deeply intimate process, as your subjects invite you into their lives, yet it can also be intrusive.
Candy & Jonathan looking through the POS system
Clear Communication and Expectations
Not everyone is familiar with being filmed. Unclear expectations and lack of communication are common reasons why documentary projects fall through before production even starts. As the filmmaker, it's crucial to educate your subjects about what to expect during filming. For instance, if you plan to use extensive lighting setups, communicate this clearly beforehand. Always remember that you are entering someone else's space, and respecting their boundaries is paramount. Once you lose a documentary subjects trust, it can be very difficult to gain their trust again.
Candy stretching a pizza
Pre-Production
Creative Development
Finding Your Inspiration: Establishing a clear creative vision is essential for setting your production up for success. Reflecting back on my beginnings four years ago, I often started shooting without a plan and would return home to footage that left me uncertain how to edit the project. Consequently, many of those early projects never came to fruition.
For this current project, I dedicated significant time to finding inspiration that would shape the visual style and narrative of our documentary. I discovered reference images from various advertising campaigns and a television series. This exploration not only helped me envision the film's look but also informed discussions with my Director of Photography (DP).
Discovering My Style: After immersing myself in different media, I honed in on the specific type of documentary I wanted to create. It would be an observational documentary focusing on a husband and wife duo, filmed in a 4:3 aspect ratio with locked-down shots throughout. This approach promises an intimate viewing experience, offering glimpses into the dynamic relationship of a couple managing a restaurant.
Here is our mood board that influenced our project:
“Around The Bend” directed by Ross Haines
Eli Lilly Co’s Alzheimer campaign: Selected for its de-saturated, cool aesthetic.
"The Best Chef in the World": Particularly admired for their impactful food shots, serving as significant references for our production team.
Cinematography Guideline
When collaborating with my Director of Photography (DP), it's crucial to provide clear and impactful visual references to guide the creative process. I structured the shooting day into five scenes or segments representing different times:
Dough Making
Candy at the restaurant
Close-ups of food
Restaurant location
Guests eating
Using reference images helped clarify how each segment should be captured throughout the day.
I also outlined specific techniques for capturing each scene:
Shooting through natural frames
Close-up shots of food
Cinematography focusing on characters
Establishing shots
Overhead shots of food
Lens Choice
In addition to using an FX6 camera, I opted to incorporate a vintage lense within our budget. My DP had a Vivitar Lens that added distinctive character to our bokeh and introduced unique color tones. This choice diverged from the typical Sigma 24-70mm lens I use for most projects, allowing us to achieve a more creative and distinctive look for this documentary film.
Jonathan & Dakota (DP) shooting food in The Oasis (outside patio)
DP & Director relationship
As the director, it's tempting to create an extensive wishlist for this film. However, practical constraints like budget and time often limit what's feasible. Time, especially, is a critical factor—every moment counts as the clock ticks and our shot list unfolds.
Before we began shooting, I had an in-depth discussion with my DP about what could realistically be achieved. Dakota provided valuable insights into the time required for setting up complex shots, such as overhead views of food.
During production, setting up a single shot can often consume around 15 minutes, totaling 30 minutes when factoring in setup and teardown. This time investment significantly impacts our schedule throughout the day. Having a DP who communicates clearly, honestly, and collaboratively with the director's vision is invaluable.
Our pre-production discussions were extensive, filled with vital information that set the groundwork for a successful shoot.
production team shooting Candy & Akshay running a lunch service
Location Scouting
Finding the perfect location can be challenging. Here are ten essential questions to ask your team during the scouting process:
Does this location have accessible power, or will we need to provide our own for lighting?
What is the electrical wattage capacity at this location?
Is the location prone to excessive noise?
Does the space accommodate a film crew of four comfortably?
Is there convenient parking available nearby?
How will we manage sound recording in this environment?
Do we have a clear understanding of our subject's workflow and activities?
Is there adequate storage space for our equipment?
Are there specific operational hours for this location?
When is the location typically busiest?
These questions will help ensure that the chosen location meets all logistical and practical requirements for your filming needs.
Jonathan & Dakota (DP) talking about framing
Production
Facing Challenges & Navigating Obstacles
A successful video production requires overcoming numerous challenges. In our documentary project, we faced three major hurdles:
Lengthy Shoot Time for Observational Documentary
This style demands extended shoot times as you wait for moments to naturally unfold. Capturing genuine interactions and events takes time and patience.
Missed Moments in a Chaotic Environment
The chaotic nature of our setting, a busy kitchen, meant many moments were missed due to the time required to set up shots. The controlled chaos required meticulous attention to detail and anticipation to capture meaningful moments.
Verité Shooting Techniques
While verité shooting is challenging, employing documentary cinematography tactics can enhance your project. We followed two characters, Candy and Akshay, as they navigated the complexities of a restaurant. This approach allowed us to anticipate their movements and speed up the shooting process.
production team shooting with talent
Capturing Meaningful Dialogue Between Characters
Capturing genuine dialogue between two characters can be difficult due to the unpredictable dynamics. As documentary filmmakers, gentle nudging can facilitate the creative process. This might involve asking characters questions but framing it as a natural conversation between them.
In our film, much of the dialogue was prompted by our cues or occurred naturally while we patiently observed Candy and Akshay. The most meaningful dialogue happened when Akshay discussed Candy’s dough process with a guest. By following their daily routines, we allowed viewers to experience events through their eyes.
Jonathan & Dakota (DP) shooting Akshay manning the POS system
Lighting Setups
Before the noon service began, I identified key moments where we could exercise full creative control—specifically during doughmaking and an hour dedicated to shooting pizzas. Our DP developed a detailed lighting plan tailored to our shooting schedule.
For the doughmaking session, we aimed to capture five specific shots. The room was strategically lit to optimize our shooting efficiency.
Dough Making
Five shots featuring Candy Yiu making dough
Lighting Equipment Used
Aputure 300d for background light streaks
Tubelight for hairlight
F22c as the key light
Candy Yiu making a batch of dough.
Close-up Shots of Food
Two shots featuring a top-down hero view of the pizzas being made.
Lighting Equipment Used:
Aputure 300d for background light streaks
Tube Light for hairlight
F22c as the key light
top down shot of pizzas being topped
production team nailing down composition for the top down shot
Dinner Service Shots
A sequence of four shots: a wide establishing shot, two medium shots of subjects, and a top-down view.
Lighting Equipment:
F22c mounted on a mini max
Tube light
final image of talent
Jonathan interacting with talent
Why did we make this?
I aimed to create an observational documentary that explores the working dynamics of restaurant employees. While there's plenty of food-related content out there, it often overlooks the voices of those who run and own these establishments. This film offers viewers an intimate look at what it’s like to manage a restaurant, focusing specifically on the interactions and relationship between a couple.
Check out the special behind the scenes video breaking down this project even more!
behind the scenes photography brought to you by Chris Hagan & Taylor Bradberry
