Documentaries have always been an integral feature of storytelling, but recent years have seen the genre undergo significant evolution. Today, documentaries are able to tell stories in more creative and engaging ways than they used to in the past—thanks to audience’s changing demand and the mushroom growth of legions of film distribution platforms.
This is not to suggest that documentaries need to follow the pattern of today’s short videos that garner millions of views and subscriptions. Instead, the documentaries have to have catchy content that could carve a niche for themselves amidst a clutter of video clips doing the rounds on social media.
A few of the significant trends that documentary filmmaking has undergone include:
- Immersive storytelling: To create immersive experiences, documentaries have taken to using cutting-edge technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). For example, David Attenborough’s VR documentary “Kingdom of Plants” will offer you the strange and wonderful world of plants that will transport you into the heart of the story like never before.
- Hybrid documentaries: Hybrid documentaries combine elements of fiction and nonfiction filmmaking to tell stories in new and pioneering ways. For example, “Flee” has been applauded for its innovative use of animation, its honest and unwavering depiction of the refugee experience, and its powerful story of resilience and hope.
- Short-form documentaries: Short-form documentaries are on the rise, as more people consume content on their smartphones and other mobile devices. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu are also commissioning more short-form documentaries.
- Diversity and inclusion: Documentary filmmakers are increasingly telling stories from diverse perspectives and about underrepresented communities. This trend is mirrored in the rising number of documentaries that have been nominated for and won major awards in recent years.
These are just a few of the many exciting trends that are shaping the future of documentary filmmaking. But that’s not it. As times evolve and new OTT platforms spring up, documentary makers will try and be more creative in a bid to capture the audience’s attention and interest.
Here are a few creative ideas for documentaries that could be made under these trends:
- A VR documentary about the life of a refugee, filmed from their first-person perspective.
- A hybrid documentary that uses re-enactments and interviews to tell the story of a historical event from the perspective of multiple characters.
- A short-form documentary about a social issue, such as climate change or racial injustice, that is told through the lens of a personal story.
- A documentary about a diverse community that celebrates their unique culture and traditions.
And there’s more, of course!
Conclusion
Documentary filmmaking is an evolving and highly engaging genre, but with new technological advancements, stiff competition, and viewers’ changing tastes, filmmakers have had their work cut out to produce captivating stories that are also financially viable.
Anyone interested in making a documentary that clicks should explore the latest trends and technologies. There are many resources available to help you get started, including online courses, workshops, and funding opportunities. Documentary filmmaking has the power to change the world. By telling stories that are informative, inspiring, and thought-provoking, documentarians can help us to better understand ourselves and the world around us.