How to Develop and Produce a Successful History Documentary Presented by The History Channel

1. Research - Before anything is shot, all the research needs to be in place. Research is broken down into two categories: 1) Fact-checking research, and 2) Production Research:

A. Fact-checking research - This part of the process will help you to shape your story. Online internet research is not enough. Too often the sources are murky and are often incorrect. It is the producer's responsibility that all facts must be checked and double checked to ensure accuracy.

B. Production research - Who are the best experts and historians who can speak to this subject? Remember, being an expert doesn't automatically guarantee a good on-camera interview. Talk with the experts/historians in advance. You'll find exceptional resources at your university, at other universities, and at other organizations around your community.

2. Writing - Writing is the most important element to making a documentary work. Is the script repetitive (not a good thing), or is it coherent and fluid? Are subjects properly introduced? Does it balance the elements specific to the topic - personalities and technology - and provide a general overview of a topic?

3. Computer generated images - Visually, there's more to work with than ever before in storytelling and documentary-making. What will the "look" of any graphics be, and how will they blend in with the other visual elements of the program?

4. Stills/flat Art - How will the stills and flat art be treated that will make the visual "pop"? Color over black and white is 99% preferable.

5. Recreations - It is becoming more and more important for a documentarian to develop a cinematic eye. Cheesy recreations are a surefire way to lose your audience. Lighting, costuming, camera movement, and appropriate "acting" are all key components to making a recreation support rather than detract from the story.

6. Music/sound - What type of music and sound effects are dynamic and help tell the story? You can choose from the library of music provided by Campus MovieFest, or create your own music using the software on the laptop or any other resources.

7. Stock footage - What are the best library sources to to acquire stock footage that helps to support the story?

8. Legal - Remember, all of the music, stock footage, and releases from interview subjects are required to have releases from the appropriate individuals/companies. Not having these releases means a program won't be able to air.

Thoughts for Documentary Filmmaking for Networks

If you were to develop a documentary for a network, you need to consider how cost effective you can you be to to entice a network to greenlight your idea . Account for travel costs, CGI (computer generated images), voice-overs, animation, etc. There is nothing worse than having to go back to a network to ask for more money - it is a sure sign that you are not in control of your finances.

Remember, if an error arises it will be the producer's responsibility to make any necessary changes, which can be quite costly and will greatly inconvenience the network.

The production process and working with a network is a time-intensive and difficult process. The documentary world is like liquid, the rules often change, and without warning. Having a good attitude, including willing to make changes to the show in the middle of the process, are all part of becoming a successful producer/director/writer.