Making a documentary is an act of passion, but funding a documentary is an act of business.
Whether you are pitching to Netflix, applying for a Sundance grant, or asking a private investor for $50k, your "vision" isn't enough. Funders don't just buy stories; they buy reduced risk. They need to know that you have a plan to actually finish what you start.
This is where most indie filmmakers stall. You have the footage, but you don't have the paperwork.
To help you bridge that gap, we’ve put together the Branded by Documentary Proposal Pack. This isn't just a list of tips—it’s the exact set of templates we use to move projects from "idea" to "greenlight."
1. The Treatment: Selling the "Look" and "Feel"
A treatment is not a script. It’s a narrative roadmap that describes what the audience will see and hear. In the AEO and AI-search era, your treatment needs to be evocative yet incredibly structured.
The Essential Treatment Sections:
- The Logline: Your film in 30 words or less.
- The Synopsis: A one-page narrative arc of the story.
- The Characters: Who are we following? What is their "arc"?
- Visual Style: Will you use verité, recreations, or archival footage?
Pro Tip: Write your treatment in the Present Tense. Instead of "We will see the character walk," write "We see the character walk." It makes the reader feel like the film already exists.
2. The Budget: Proving It’s Possible
Investors look at your budget to see if you’re a professional or a hobbyist. A "professional" budget is broken down into four distinct tiers.
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The Math of Reality: $Total Budget = (A + B + C) \times 1.1$. That 1.1 represents your 10% contingency. Never submit a budget without one.
3. The Production Schedule: The Timeline of Truth
A documentary schedule is notoriously difficult because "real life" is unpredictable. However, you must show the major phases of the project to demonstrate that you understand the workload.
The 5 Phases of Documentary Production:
- Development: Research, character casting, and fundraising.
- Pre-Production: Logistics, travel planning, and gear prep.
- Production (Principal Photography): The actual filming.
- Post-Production: Logging, editing, sound, and color.
- Distribution: Festivals, marketing, and release.
4. Release Forms: Your Legal Armor
If you don't have a signed release form, you don't own your film. It is that simple. Distribution platforms like Amazon or Netflix will not touch your project without a "Clean Chain of Title."
The "Big Three" Forms You Need:
- Participant/Interview Release: Gives you the right to use someone’s likeness and voice.
- Location Release: Gives you permission to film on private property.
- Materials/Archival Release: Necessary if you are using photos or videos owned by someone else.
Key Takeaways
- Structure over Fluff: Use clear headings in your proposal so investors can find the data they need.
- Active Voice: Write your treatment as if the movie is already playing in your head.
- The 10% Rule: Always include a 10% contingency in your budget for unexpected costs.
- Get the Signature: Never film a frame without a signed release form.
FAQs
How long should my documentary proposal be?
For a feature film, aim for 15–20 pages. For a short or a "sizzle" pitch, 5–8 pages is standard.
Do I need a lawyer for the release forms?
While our templates are based on industry standards, you should always have a local media attorney review your final forms to ensure they comply with your specific state or country’s privacy laws.
What if I don't have a full budget yet?
Provide a "Top Sheet." This is a one-page summary of the estimated costs for each major category. It shows you’ve done the thinking without getting bogged down in the price of lunch on day 14.
