A documentary isn't just information — it makes an argument. Before you research, know what truth you are trying to prove. Your compelling question is the "so what" of your entire film.
Filmmaker's Note: Your research should SUPPORT your point of view — not replace it. You're not just collecting facts. You're building an argument. Every fact, every quote you find should help prove your truth.
Find at least 3 specific, verifiable facts that support your point of view. A fact is not an opinion — it's something that can be confirmed with a source. For each fact, record exactly where you found it so your audience can verify your truth.
The best documentaries let real people speak. Find at least 2 quotes from experts, witnesses, historians, or people directly connected to your topic. A quote gives your film a human voice beyond your own. Copy it exactly — word for word — and record where it came from.
Not all sources are created equal. Before you use a fact or quote in your documentary, check each source against this list. A documentary that gets the truth wrong isn't a documentary — it's misinformation.
List every source you used — not just the ones you quoted directly. If you read it, watched it, or used information from it, it belongs here. Your bibliography is your proof that your truth is real and verifiable.
Format Guide: For a website: Author Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Website Name, Date Published. URL. | For a book: Author Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.
Before you move to scripting, answer these three questions. If you can't answer them clearly, you need more research.