Stoffentwicklung

Today, documentary films are characterized by an enormous variety of forms. There are so-called classic (observational) documentaries, socially critical, poetic, autobiographical, and experimental documentaries, urban symphonies, hybrid forms, essays, docudramas; films made for television or cinema, the internet, or art exhibitions, and many other classifications.

Fundamentally, documentary films are characterized by a good story with interesting characters and locations, narrative tension, and a unique narrative perspective. It is therefore not enough to decide to make a film about homeless people, performance artists, urban landscapes, or relationships with one's parents. Each of these topics leads to an infinite variety of possible interpretations and cinematic design options.

That is why it is important to define:

• What do I want to convey?
• Which aspects do I want to communicate to the audience?
• What is my specific view of the events? - What perspective do I take?
• Which cinematic means do I use to create the style I want?
• How do I ultimately shape my ideas into a cinematic story?
• How do I translate my material into an exposé, treatment, or screenplay in a dramaturgical way? Dramaturgy deserves special attention, because it is the framework that supports a cinematic work.

Thorough research is also an important basis for the development of many documentary materials:

• What tools are available for research?
• And how do I get in touch with potential protagonists and interview partners?