The DFA blog
Documentary filmmaking guides
Free, practical guides on finding your story, filming it and editing it, for people making a film on their own.
New here?
Start with these three guides
If you're making your first documentary, read these in order. They take you from an idea to a finished film.
Step 1
Find your ideaA five-step way to find a documentary idea worth making, with 50 examples.
Step 2
Plan your storyHow to write a documentary treatment, with real examples and a free template.
Step 3
Make your filmThe whole process in 12 steps, from your story to sharing the finished film.
Find your ideaA five-step way to find a documentary idea worth making, with 50 examples.
Step 2Plan your storyHow to write a documentary treatment, with real examples and a free template.
Step 3Make your filmThe whole process in 12 steps, from your story to sharing the finished film.
All guides
Free training
10 Secrets to Creating Cinematic Documentaries
A free 40-minute training on finding your story, filming it well and starting your edit, with the camera or phone you already have.
Get the free training