So here it is! The FFF “Guide to Writing a Winning Film Proposal”. We tapped into the brains of our most beloved KOMAS creative consultants and pulling from them their many years of experience to give you the following tips to help guarantee your proposal has what it takes –
ONE. Choosing your issue
- Is it relevant – why is this issue important and why it is something that Malaysians need to know about, acknowledge and discuss openly?
- Is it daring – is the issue seldom discussed and would researching it be difficult?
- Does the issue fit in with the theme of “Democratic Space” and “Human Rights”?
TWO. Content
- What new angles or different point of view are you showing your viewers?
- What are the important points that this documentary will discuss?
- How will you make those points i.e. give details of who you will profile/interview, what visuals or scenarios will you document in detail.
- Provide story line or outline if possible, but not necessary. (If your proposal is chosen we will help you write the script). It’s important to show that you have a clear idea of how the video will be executed and look like in the end.
- Show that discussion of the issue is well researched and deep.
THREE. Treatment
Describe how you will treat the film using music, editing techniques, storyline – any creative approach – to make your documentary interesting and attractive to your audiences.
Trade Secrets
- Do research about your topic first. Speak to some resource people or find interesting profiles that you can definitely include in your film.
- Understand your issue well before taking on the subject. You need to know more or have something more to say that your viewers do not already know about or understand well.
- What is your stand on the issue? Think of one or two main points you want to make in the film. At the end of the film, this is the message you want your viewers to take home with them.
- Something that may sound interesting to you initially might be difficult to execute in the end – be careful and plan well.
- A film is nothing without good audio/interviews and visuals, so you always need to have in mind what audio/visuals you will need to make your point.
- Know your own strengths and weakness. Have a team/crew that is technically proficient to help you in areas that you might be weak in.
Follow these three easy steps, while taking into account those tricks of the trade and voila! You’re first documentary film proposal. Good luck!