Getting a Documentary Made

A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Documentary Made

The documentary genre has experienced a remarkable resurgence in the 21st century. This growth is driven by several key factors, including the increased accessibility provided by streaming platforms and the enhanced production quality now prevalent in documentary filmmaking. As a professional voice actor, I recognize the power of authentic storytelling, and it is this very authenticity that resonates with modern audiences. In an era where information is readily available, documentaries provide in-depth explorations of real-world subjects, fulfilling a growing demand for genuine and impactful content. In short, we LOVE documentaries!

Getting a documentary made is a collaborative art

At the time of writing this, I’m collaborating with a documentary filmmaker who has worked on BBC, Discovery and National Geographic productions. Much of my work has gone out on these channels over the years but this time around I’m working directly with the creator of the project. He has personally financed every aspect of his new doc which is now with the distributors. It was very beautifully shot and accompanied with a lovely script. It has been my pleasure to help to tell the story.
Guy Michaels – February 2025

The digital age has unlocked opportunities for skilled creators to bring their imaginings to life, and documentaries on platforms like YouTube can gain a far larger audience than traditional TV. If you’re passionate about a subject and want to share it with the world, creating a documentary can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

The Documentary Filmmaking Process

Getting a Documentary Made A Step by Step Guide - British Male Voice Over Artist - Guy Michaels — Getting a documentary made

Find Your Story: Tell the Story You Want to Tell

The first step in making a documentary is finding a story that resonates with you. It could be a personal story, a social issue, or a historical event. The key is to choose a story that you’re passionate about and that you believe will engage your audience.

Research and Planning: Make a Documentary

Once you have a story, it’s time to start planning your documentary. This includes conducting in-depth research, developing a narrative structure, and creating a production schedule and budget.

Production: Shoot Your Documentary Film

The production phase is where you bring your vision to life. This includes filming interviews, gathering footage, and recording voiceovers. It’s important to capture a variety of shots from different angles and distances to create a visually compelling film.

Narration: The Voice of Your Documentary Film

As you can already tell, there are many aspects that come together for getting a documentary made. The narration is a crucial element of any documentary, as it guides the viewer through the story and provides context and information. The right narrator can elevate your documentary to new heights, while the wrong one can leave viewers feeling disengaged or confused.

When choosing a narrator for your documentary, it’s important to consider their voice quality, delivery style, and experience. Their delivery style should match the tone and pace of your documentary, whether it’s serious and informative or lighthearted and entertaining.

An experienced narrator will be able to bring your script to life, adding depth and emotion to the words. They’ll also be able to work efficiently and collaboratively with your production team.

If you’re looking for a professional British narrator for your documentary, I’d be happy to discuss your project and provide a custom audition. Find more information about my documentary narration services

In a previous blog post, I discussed the importance of choosing the right narrator for nature documentaries:

Nature Documentary Narrator

I believe that the right narrator can make all the difference in the success of your documentary. They can help you tell the story you want to tell in a compelling and engaging way, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

Post-Production: Editing Your Documentary Film

Post-production is where you assemble your footage, add music and sound effects, and create a final cut of your documentary. This is also where you’ll add any necessary voiceovers or narration.

Distribution:

Once your documentary is complete, it’s time to share it with the world. This could involve submitting it to film festivals, releasing it online, or screening it in a cinema. Check out distribution companies like Off the Fence.

Getting a documentary made can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following these steps and paying close attention to the crucial role of narration, you can increase your chances of producing a successful and impactful film that resonates with your audience.