Purpose-Driven Documentaries: A Field Guide to Creating Impact

Author:   Robin Canfield
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
ISBN:  

9781041003410


Pages:   294
Publication Date:   15 December 2025
Format:   Hardback
Availability:   Not yet available   Availability explained
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon its release.

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Purpose-Driven Documentaries: A Field Guide to Creating Impact


Overview

This book is a field guide for students and storytellers interested in the realm of social impact documentary. It explores best practices and processes for interacting with the documentary subject and framing the story of the subject in a way they find accommodating and aligned with their interests. This text will guide readers from step one of the documentary filmmaking process through to the completion of their short documentary film in an easy-to-understand, very repeatable process they can use and build on for the rest of their career. Beginning with the best practices for conducting comprehensive research and carrying out pre-production, the benefits of interacting with and getting to know your subject are then explored through multiple perspectives. This leads into a step-by-step framework for telling the subject’s story, paired with real-life examples from film student projects overseen by the author, as well as example work such as Character Profiles, Purpose Statements, Interview Questions, and other references. This is an essential resource for students and documentary filmmakers who want to get a clear and concise understanding of how to approach social impact documentaries.

Full Product Details

Author:   Robin Canfield
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint:   Routledge
Weight:   0.720kg
ISBN:  

9781041003410


ISBN 10:   1041003412
Pages:   294
Publication Date:   15 December 2025
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Not yet available   Availability explained
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon its release.

Table of Contents

Introduction Chapter 1 - Now is the Time to Make a Short Documentary Pre-Production: Chapter 2 - Finding a Subject Chapter 3 - Research Chapter 4 - Communications With Crew and Changemakers Chapter 5 - Crafting the Story Chapter 6 - Planning Production Chapter 7 - Ethical Storytelling Production: Chapter 8 - Paper cut Chapter 9 - Filming Chapter 10 - Interviewing Chapter 11 - Approaches to Editing Chapter 12 - Publishing & Distribution Appendix 1 - A Budget Appendix 2 - Gear Appendix 3 - Fair Use Protections and Documentary Filmmakers

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Author Information

Robin Canfield is an accomplished storyteller, photographer, and documentary filmmaker. He co-founded Actuality Abroad and leads documentary workshops around the world, producing films that highlight the efforts of local changemakers. A regular speaker at festivals and educational conferences, Robin continues to advocate for a shift toward a more collaborative and cooperative approach in telling stories about real life.

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