1. Developing Your Documentary Idea
Guidance on how to develop an effective idea for a documentary production

2. You have already chosen your subject/area of invesitgation 
Now is the time to think about how you can expand your initial idea into a fuller, well structured story that will make an audience feel some sort of emotion by the time the credits start rolling 
We can use the following prompts to help us create a structured, well thought out narrative for our documentary 
Ideas Development 

3. 1. In life I believe... 
a. What inspired you to focus on this specific subject? b. What theme/s do you want to explore in your film? Example: In life I believe... that the education system needs radical change in order to meet the needs of children in this day and age. I was inspired by this subject because I have to teach young people every day that have suffered because of our current education system. Theme: Although things may feel helpless, the voice of many rather than the few can have the power to provoke positive change. Also, listen to the people on the ground going through the conflict, not senior members of Government that have no real idea.

4. 2. The world where I will show this in action is...
A brief description of the 'corner of nature' in which your conviction (a firmly held belief or opinion) will come to life For example: - a classroom full of noise, activity and teacher-student interactions - an exam hall, silent with anxious students frantically writing away - a school corridor where two students are having a breakdown/conflict - a teacher's staff room where planning and assessment is taking place

5. 3. My central character is...
A person, creature or thing (it may be more than one) 
For Example: 
- students currently studying for their GCSEs/qualification 
- a teacher currently working within the education system 

6. 4. My film's main conflict is...
What will be the main points of conflict that your film wants us to consider? 
WARNING: don't be superficial – consider the deeper levels to your story 
Example: 
- The struggling students and teachers in today's current education system 
- Key conflict to be featured: lack of resources, success pressures, funding issues, issues with work ethic and morals 

7. 5. I expect my film's structure and viewpoint will be determined by...
A specific moment in time of which you can organise your film around – this moment will generate a storytelling momentum. Also consider whose viewpoint will we share? 
Example :
The preparation of a week's worth of lessons, the delivery of those sessions and the aftermath of a specific assessment. To be shown from a stressed teacher's perspective. 
Or a day in the life of a student/teacher, featuring the challenges they face on a daily basis. 

8. 6. Possible resolutions are...
A conclusion that may take more than one path. This is a chance that the filmmakers (and the audience) take. Prepare if you can for different outcomes (resolutions). 
Example: 
- A teacher has a difficult time preparing engaging lessons for their learners with minimal resources available, we see that same teacher struggle through lessons whilst battling with issues such as lack of resources, lack of consequences (student punishment) and unrealistic outcomes for learners. We witness the teacher trial new methods in an attempt to overcome the conflicts but with no avail. This would reinforce the message behind the documentary - that something greater needs to change within the education system in order for things to improve for both teachers and learners.
Conclusion: current teachers and students explaining what specific changes need to happen in order for there to be a positive resolution to these conflicts – educate and inform ignorant individuals whom possess the power to implement these changes and also inform and educate ignorant audiences so they too begin to campaign for change  

9. 7. Ultimately I want my audience to feel...
The prevailing mood (or succession of moods) that you want your audience to experience (since hearts and minds change because of feelings, not simply facts.) 
Example: 
- The feeling of hopelessness and being trapped in a system that is unfit for purpose plus worry for future prospects 

10. 8. and for the audience to understand that...
What you want your audience to realise intellectually, during and after your film. 
Example: 
- That change needs to happen urgently in order to save our future generations
-That positive changes can happen if enough teachers and students speak up and raise awareness of these issues within our education system.