Free downloads
Free documentary templates and guides
Everything here is free. Pick the one that fits where you are with your film, and I’ll email it straight to you.
Most popular. The downloads most people start with.
Ideas50 Inspiring Documentary IdeasFifty ideas to get you thinking about your own film.Get it free
TemplateThree-Act Structure TemplateShape your story into a beginning, middle and end before you film.Get it free
ToolkitDocumentary Storytelling ToolkitWorkbooks, templates and ideas to take your film from first idea to finished story.Get it free
WorkbookVisual Storytelling WorkbookWays to tell your story with pictures, not just words.Get it free
GuideEthical Storytelling Quickstart GuideA short guide to making documentaries ethically.Get it free
ChecklistDocumentary Filmmaking ChecklistNineteen steps from idea to finished film, with a rough time for each.Get it free
TemplateDocumentary Treatment TemplatePut your film on paper so you can plan it and pitch it.Get it free
TemplateDocumentary Pitch Deck TemplateA ready-made deck for pitching your film to funders or partners.Get it free
SpreadsheetDocumentary Budget TemplatePlan and track your budget at every stage of production.Get it free
TemplatesDocumentary Script TemplatesTemplates for writing your script, from A/V script to narration.Get it free
TemplateDocumentary Storyboard TemplatePicture your key scenes and shots before you film.Get it free
TemplateCall Sheet TemplateEveryone knows where to be and when on your shoot day.Get it free
GuideDocumentary Camera GuideWhich camera you actually need, at every budget.Get it free
ChecklistCamera Settings ChecklistThe settings to check before every shoot for a cinematic look.Get it free
Cheat sheetCamera Angles Cheat SheetThe shot types and angles that make a scene work.Get it free
ChecklistDocumentary Interview ChecklistGet ready for your next interview and put people at ease.Get it free
GuideCinematic Gimbal TechniquesEight gimbal moves that make footage feel more cinematic.Get it free
Cheat sheetDrone Cinematography Cheat SheetEight drone shots for better aerial footage.Get it free
TipsSolo Documentary Filmmaking TipsQuick tips for making a film on your own, and keeping going.Get it free
GuideDocumentary Editing GuideA step-by-step workflow from raw footage to finished film.Get it free
ListAI Tools for FilmmakersTools that save time on transcription, sound and more.Get it free
GuideDocumentary Film Festival GuideSome of the top festivals for documentary filmmakers around the world.Get it free
GuideWildlife Filmmaking GuideHow to get started filming wildlife.Get it free
GuideCamera Trap Wildlife Filming GuideFilm shy animals without being there, using a camera trap.Get it free
Opens January 2027Wildlife Filmmaking MasteryA new online course from me and Emmy award-winning wildlife cinematographer Duncan Parker. Join the waitlist for 20% off in launch week.Join the waitlist