Documentary production requires a great deal of research and due diligence to ensure that the end product is both interesting and accurate. A successful documentary can only be made when the director has investigated all relevant aspects of the story they wish to tell. Research is key to the success of a documentary, as it allows the filmmakers to create a powerful narrative that is rooted in reality.
When it comes to research, filmmakers must consider a variety of factors. Firstly, they must consider the resources available to them. Documentaries often require a great deal of research and fieldwork. Researching a documentary can be a time consuming and expensive process, so filmmakers must make sure that they are aware of the resources that are available to them. This includes both the budget and the time available for research.
In addition to financial and temporal resources, filmmakers must also consider the types of research that are available. Documentary production can involve interviews, archival footage, photography, and sound recordings. Each of these resources requires specific research methods, so filmmakers must be familiar with the particular tools and techniques that are necessary for each type of research.
Lastly, filmmakers must also consider the ethical implications of conducting research. Documentary production can often involve sensitive topics, such as political or social issues, which can be difficult to research without causing distress or harm to those involved. As such, filmmakers must always take into account the ethical implications of their research before embarking on any doc production project.