Documentary Brief

DOCUMENTARY
Assignment Brief
Year 1
Launched: 29/09/20
PROJECT AIM
To develop, create and pitch an original Documentary idea.
OVERVIEW
A documentary film documents non-fictional events for educational and entertainment purposes, whilst usually
revealing a unique insight into an unfamiliar and interesting subject.
By developing your own idea for a Documentary film or series, you will be introduced to the typical media
processes and technical skills involved in TV/film production.
You will work in a small group to prepare a pre-production folder and pitch your documentary idea to a panel
and the rest of the class.
Your Pitch will provide you with an opportunity to showcase your Documentary idea, whilst demonstrating that
you have strong knowledge of documentary conventions, modes, issues and purposes.
You will also complete an individual online log where you can evidence your research, reflections and the
technical skills you have learnt.
EVIDENCE REQUIRED
You will complete an individual Weebly and include the following sections -
• Context
• Research
• Practical Skills
• Reflections & Final Evaluation
You will also complete a group Pre-production folder.
You will Pitch your Documentary film/series idea.
You will provide a final Evaluation reflecting on the Pitch.

Using Weebly you must create an individual online Production Log that documents your initial
and ongoing Research and reflects on the purpose of it. It should include –
• Knowledge of Documentary modes, conventions, issues and purposes
• Ideas Development
• An analysis of Primary & Secondary Research into the following areas -
Research stage
 Market Research (exploring target audience)
 Content Research (your topic, similar docs, facts, historical context, contributors, experts,
presenter)
 Production Research (camera, audio & editing workshops, online tutorials, potential
locations, archive footage)
• Include Photos, Videos or VLOGS of workshops, planning, recces, interviews, pitch practice
etc.
For the Research stage it is useful to consider and explain What, Why and How that research is
useful. (E.g What did you find out? Why is it relevant? And How can it be useful for your
Documentary?
DEADLINE: 16th Nov – 5pm

REFER TO MATRIX NUMBERS: 2
You should also be documenting your Reflective thoughts regularly and ensure you have updated your log
(Weebly) after the following stages -
Pre-production
• Idea development
• Research
• Planning
• Recces
• Pitch preparation
Reflections
Workshops
• Summarise your views on the benefit of each workshop, explain what you learnt and how those skills would
help you produce a documentary.
stage -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
FINAL EVALUATION
After your pitch consolidate your reflections and consider the following -
Team Work
• Communication
• Organisation
• Individual roles
Your Pitch
• Your thoughts on what went well and what could have been improved in the pitch.
• Include lecturers comments and feedback.
For the Reflection stages, it is useful to consider and explain What, Why and How you did something. (E.g What
did you do? Why did you do it? How was it useful? )
DEADLINE: 16th Nov – 5pm

REFER TO MATRIX NUMBERS: 3 & 4
Pre-production Folder
Produce a Group Pre-production Folder to support the development of
your Documentary idea. Your folder should consist of...
• Printed out Prezi or Powerpoint & presentation script
• Proposal
• Treatment
• Location Recces
Planning Stage • Risk assessments

• Contingency plans
• Contact/Contributors list
• Schedule
• Call sheets
• Industry Budget
• Copyright & permission considerations
• Communication (phone calls, emails, social media messages etc)
• Narration/Voice Over/Presenter scripts
DEADLINE: 10th Nov - 5pm
REFER TO MATRIX NUMBERS: 1 & 3
As a group Pitch your Documentary idea to the panel and class, fully explaining the
following -
• What is your idea? (Proposal)
• How are you going to do it? (Treatment for a film or a series)
• Define your mode, purpose & viewpoint
Pitching
• What contributors, locations & archive footage would you use
• Why will anyone want to watch it? (Your unique angle)
Stage • Who is your target audience?

• What format/platform would you put it on and why?
A range of media can be used to present the idea, eg. videos, interviews, photos,
graphics, props etc and should be showcased using a Powerpoint or Prezi presentation.
You will each be assessed on your communication skills, clarity of idea and
comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the subject.
You will have 10 minutes to present your idea and then there will be 10 minutes of
Q&A’s.
Consider your branding & theme throughout. Creativity and flair is encouraged.
DEADLINE: 23rd Oct - 9am

REFER TO MATRIX NUMBERS: 1

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DOCUMENTARY

You will also complete a group Pre-production folder.

You will Pitch your Documentary film/series idea.

You will provide a final Evaluation reflecting on the Pitch.

DEADLINE: 16th Nov – 5pm

DEADLINE: 16th Nov – 5pm

Planning Stage • Risk assessments

Stage • Who is your target audience?

DEADLINE: 23rd Oct - 9am

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