Documentary Filmmaking

There’s no question that the invention of the smartphone camera has, at one time or another, turned us all into amateur documentary filmmakers. And with the professional-grade movie editing software that often comes pre-loaded on computers, filmmaking – documentary or otherwise – is within everyone’s reach. But more than that, years of making Tik Tok videos or posting to Instagram or taking videos of our pets doing adorable things have already made us all experts in many areas of filmmaking – directing, lighting, editing, casting, wardrobe, scoring (music), and even the use of advanced cinematography equipment like drones. So it is not a great leap to think you can turn all those skills you have already accumulated into the basis of making an impactful documentary. And with the ocean as your subject matter, you certainly have one heck of an interesting subject to work with. 

What is a Documentary?

There have been many courses taught, books written, arguments presented, and scholarly articles published that discuss this very question (many of which can be found in the various databases on this website). The most straightforward and common definition we have come across is that a documentary is a type of storytelling that uses film or video to explore actual and factual issues whose purpose is to inform, educate, communicate, motivate, persuade, or raise consciousness. Unlike other types of factual reporting, which tends to take a more neutral position (or at least should), documentaries express the distinct point of view of the individual or group making the film. 

Film and Advocacy

The visual arts have long had the ability to impact both your mind and your heart.  This makes them a highly effective vehicle for advocating for a particular cause or viewpoint, especially those involving the ocean. After all, is there anything more evocative than a baby seal with a plastic fishing line tied around its neck? We think not (unless, of course, it’s a baby turtle, seabird, dolphin, etc.). And if you ask a group of marine biologists what motivated them to pursue that field of science, more than a few will answer that watching the documentary “Free Willy” was what first started them down that path.

Classic Ocean-Related Documentaries

If you have any doubt as to how powerful a documentary can be, check out these ocean-related documentary classics:

1. The Blue Planet (and Blue Planet II)
2. Sharkwater Extinction
3. A Plastic Ocean
4. Chasing Coral
5. Blackfish
6. Seaspiracy
7. The End of the Line
8. Planet Ocean
9. Mission Blue
10. The Cove

Of course, this is a list that could go on for pages and pages, but if you have seen any of these, you know that the images and messages presented are simply unforgettable. We do not doubt that you can do the same.

Do-It-Yourself

One obstacle that you may find challenging is the cost associated with filmmaking. Equipment costs alone can be daunting. However, we have tried to assemble enough do-it-yourself resources to allow you to make your ocean-related documentary film relatively cheaply.  It is incredible what you will be able to accomplish with the camera on your phone, a couple of extra pieces of equipment, a few online courses or YouTube tutorials, and some hustle. But as with any other specialized area, if you want to pursue documentary filmmaking at a professional level and have access to the resources of film studios, it is recommended that you enroll in film school, participate in internships, and obtain work experience in different areas of the movie-making process.