ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

5 years, 1 month ago - John Lubran

There's too many questions unanswered in your request Rime. If a feature documentary has the key characteristics of a feature film it ought to be able sell itself. What are those key characteristics? Whatever makes it compelling to a viable audience. It's a magic ingredient. That bit of advise is far more profound than it might seem shallow. Deconstructing its meaning is more than this bulletin supports.

If the documentary has any power that can be conveyed to a viable audience and also meets with that increasingly nebulous thing called 'broadcast standards', it might be sold to a broadcaster. But unless the film has some truly exceptional properties its unlikely to be bought outright for a sum that covers its costs, let alone a profit. Which means selling in several territories, (each broadcaster will require some time based exclusivity for the pitence offered).

If one is going for broadcast distribution it's usually best to get a commission deal first. Perhaps you've already shot to produce a taster ?

Alternatively, if your film can identify a clear and enthusiastic section of the population (look up the 'long tail business model') you can crowd fund your project, there's a few differing ways to do that. Typically one raises every penny that will ever be required from the project. Sometimes called fully front loaded. Distribution can then be made free to all platforms. To give such a project extra distribution one can offer for free to a broadcaster in each territory on an exclusive short time basis before releasing it everywhere. There's nothing like a free film to encourage distribution.

It does depend on how compelling the film is.

Just my pennysworth. Other realities are available.

5 years, 1 month ago - Rime Mahdi

Thanks a lot John. This has given me a lot of food for thought!

5 years, 1 month ago - Louise Massignat

Hi Rime, may I suggest joining the Facebook page So you want to make documentaries?
https://www.facebook.com/groups/makedocs/?ref=share
There is an interview on replay with DogWoof CEO which might answer some of your questions. There is also an upcoming interview with Netflix commissioner of original documentaries which promesses to be good. Maybe Nic, the creator of the page would be able to answer some of your questions too.
I am a documentary editor and I have been through this difficult path along with the director of my first feature doc, it sure is no easy journey. You should reach out for help from the experts as early as you can! As John has mentioned, a taster or sizzle reel would be a good place to start if you already have footage and a clear idea of your film.
Good luck!

5 years, 1 month ago - Rime Mahdi

Hi Louise, I've joined the group. I have a detailed treatment and 2 scenes edited to provide more insight into it. I definitely need help with this project as it's quite a mammoth task and I really want to do it justice, but I know I can't do it alone. I'm looking forward to communicating more about it in the group.

5 years, 1 month ago - Katie Greenhalf

Hi Rime, Sheffield Documentary Festival is happening online right now and has loads of people to connect with who are exactly the people you need to talk to, also Raindance online talks and classes are fantastic. I'm in a similar situation to you and I have thrown myself into both and have learnt a lot and feel as if I can make a better decision for my film.
Good luck with it and keep going.