research: Make a Great Documentary

 

Five Elements of a Documentary

1. Interviews: Direct interviews with experts provide important information and context for the subject matter.
2. Cutaways: This footage will serve as stationary footage, or B-roll, for helping to create mood and give more insight about locations and subjects.
3. Archival Footage: Connect subjects in the past to the present with archival images and footage.
4. Cinema Verite: Live action footage relating to your subject matter will provide additional context, letting the audience watch the concepts of the documentary play out in real time.
5. Process Footage: Behind the scenes content will often result in interesting educational experiences as the audience learns along with the filmmakers.

source of website: https://www.adorama.com/alc/how-to-make-a-documentary/