How to Find the Perfect Documentary Idea: 5 Practical Steps for Filmmakers

Do you want to make a documentary but are struggling to find the perfect idea to kickstart your project? You're not alone. As a filmmaker or aspiring filmmaker, it can be challenging to know where to begin and how to discover a story worth telling. This blog will give you easy-to-follow advice on how to find and develop compelling documentary ideas. Whether you're drawn to untold human stories, pressing social issues, or intriguing cultural phenomena, we’ll show you how to turn your curiosity into a captivating documentary concept.

Choosing The Perfect Documentary Idea

A great documentary idea resonates with both the filmmaker and the audience, offering a fresh perspective or insight into a subject. Your topic should be engaging, informative, and capable of sparking curiosity or emotion. Most successful documentaries focus on:

• Untold human stories
• Pressing social issues
• Cultural phenomena
• Historical events

The key is finding a subject with depth that allows exploration from different angles. This ensures that your documentary is not just informative but also captivating, leaving a lasting impact.

50 Inspiring Documentary Topics and Ideas

If you’re looking for inspiration, here’s a list of 50 documentary ideas that can spark your creativity. You can download the full list of ideas in the PDF linked below:

These ideas range from environmental issues to personal stories, giving you plenty of themes to explore. Some examples include:

• The Last Artisans: Exploring the world of traditional crafts at risk of disappearing.
• AI Revolution: How artificial intelligence is transforming every aspect of our lives.
• Vanishing Languages: Documenting languages that are on the brink of extinction.
• Urban Farming: Innovative solutions for growing food in city environments.
• Climate Refugees: Stories of people displaced by climate change.

How to Find an Idea for a Documentary: 5 Steps

1. Does Your Documentary Idea Have a Clear Goal & Obstacle?

A good story has compelling characters working towards a clear goal. Whether it’s a physical goal like climbing a mountain or an emotional one like seeking love, something must stand in their way. This obstacle—be it financial issues, opposition, or something unprecedented—creates conflict, driving the story forward. Audiences will keep watching to see how it unfolds.

2. Why Do You Want to Bring This Documentary Idea to Life?

Ask yourself: Why do you want to make this film? Make sure your answer includes strong emotional motivation. For example, when I made "One Breath" about a freediving couple, my starting point was wanting to explore the human connection to nature. Understanding your "why" helps you stay connected to the idea, especially when challenges arise.

3. Seek Inspiration Daily to Help Develop Your Documentary Idea

Look for inspiration in everyday life—through stories of people you know, social media, books, and the news. Set aside just five minutes daily to seek new ideas, and keep a notebook to track them. It’s these small, daily efforts that often lead to the best ideas.

4. Discover the Main Aim of Your Documentary Idea

What’s the purpose of your documentary? Are you aiming to raise awareness, change perspectives, or entertain? For instance, my short film in Nepal aimed to raise funds for a children’s charity, while a project for Canon was about showcasing a product. Knowing your goal will guide the direction of your project.

5. Research Your Documentary Idea

Learn everything you can about your topic and subject. Sometimes the story will become clear as you research, but other times you’ll discover new angles as you go. Dive deep, gather facts, and search for intriguing characters and storylines.

How To Organise Your Documentary Ideas Effectively

As you work through each of these steps, I strongly recommend setting up a Google Drive folder and keeping a record of all your findings and contacts in Google Sheets, Google Docs, and Google Keep. Everyone is different though so you may have a different method of working, but personally, I find Google Drive to be the most reliable, user-friendly, and collaborative platform. And for Internet research, I recommend using Bookmarks with organised sub-folders so you can easily come back to a website or article at a later date. 

Key Elements of a Good Documentary Idea

A good documentary idea should resonate with both you as the filmmaker and the audience. It should have depth, explore different angles, and evoke curiosity or emotional response. The topic could revolve around human stories, social issues, cultural phenomena, or historical events.

Can I Make a Documentary About My Personal Story?

Yes, personal stories make for compelling documentaries, especially if they touch on universal themes like struggle, perseverance, love, or overcoming adversity. The key is to tell the story in a way that connects with your audience.

How Much Research Do I Need to Do for a Documentary?

Do as much research as possible before starting. The more you know about your subject, the more depth your documentary will have. Research can help you discover new angles, interesting characters, and essential facts to craft a well-rounded story.

What Should I Make a Documentary About?

The most engaging documentaries often delve into uncharted territories or offer new perspectives on familiar subjects. Human interest stories, for instance, provide a deep dive into the complexities of life, highlighting resilience, cultural diversity, or the triumph of the human spirit. Environmental issues, such as climate change and wildlife conservation, are also increasingly popular, offering a stark yet essential look at our planet's future. History and biographical documentaries bring the past to life, giving voice to untold stories or new insights into well-known figures. Technological advancements and their impact on society present another fertile ground for exploration. The best topics are those that not only interest you as a filmmaker but also resonate with your audience, sparking conversation and potentially driving change. Whether it's uncovering hidden truths, exploring artistic endeavors, or narrating the unspoken, the right topic has the power to leave a lasting impression on its viewers.

Inspiring Documentary Topics And Ideas

For filmmakers seeking inspiration, focus on topics that align with your passions, global trends, and human stories. Environmental issues like climate change offer compelling narratives on our planet's beauty and the need for its protection. Social justice themes provide a voice to the marginalized, pushing for change. Technology's influence on society, covering artificial intelligence and privacy, presents a nuanced view of progress. Biographical pieces on both renowned and everyday individuals showcase personal triumphs and challenges. Cultural documentaries celebrate global traditions, enhancing appreciation for cultural diversity. These themes not only engage viewers but also encourage dialogue and social consciousness.

How To Find Great Documentary Ideas

Choosing the right idea for a documentary can be challenging, but using the steps for finding a great idea that I mentioned in this blog can be helpful. Plus if you get stuck, have a look at the ideas above to get your creative juices flowing. Remember, a powerful documentary not only informs but also connects with its audience on a deeper level. Use these steps and these ideas to spark your creativity and embark on a journey to tell stories that enlighten, inspire, and leave a lasting impact. Good luck! 

How Can I Stay Motivated While Making a Documentary?

Staying connected to your "why" is essential. Your passion for the subject will keep you going through the tough parts of the production. Surround yourself with a supportive team, and regularly revisit why you wanted to tell this story in the first place.