Mini Documentary Unit, Film Production

Engage your Media, Film or English students with this hands-on documentary project! In this step-by-step unit, students explore the codes and conventions of documentary film making before creating their own short 1-minute documentary. Perfect for Grades 9 - Twelve, this resource blends theory and production skills in interviewing, lighting, audio, and editing.

This Mini Documentary Project introduces the codes and conventions of documentaries while scaffolding students through planning, filming, and editing their own short film.

Students will:

• Analyze and discuss documentary conventions (interviews, B-roll, archival footage, narration, etc.)
• Learn how to set up interviews, lighting, and sound effectively
• Plan and ask meaningful subject-specific interview questions
• Capture B-roll and use camera equipment (or phones if limited resources)
• Edit into a polished 1-minute documentary with music, credits, and storytelling focus