A documentarian is a filmmaker who creates documentaries. Although this term is most commonly used to refer to a film’s director, it can also refer to producers who are involved in documentaries’ content selection. Documentarians fill a unique niche in the film industry, combining entertainment with fact-based reporting.
A documentary film is one that includes true stories or coverage of current events. A documentary usually has some “entertainment value,” and is created with the goal of keeping an audience engaged while also educating them about a particular topic. Documentaries frequently focus on particular regions, cultures, ethnic groups, or countries. Other documentary types are based on people or events.
A documentarian may make films with a variety of objectives in mind. Some documentarians prefer to compete in film festivals that are not affiliated with major filmmaking centers like Hollywood. Other documentarians make films with Hollywood in mind, and some of these films are screened to a wider audience.
A documentary filmmaker may also compete in film festivals for cash or other prizes. Documentary films that are judged to be at the top of their genre may receive awards from film festivals. Many independent documentarians make relatively low-budget films without the support of large production companies, and getting noticed at film festivals and competitions is a primary goal.
Modern documentarians like Michael Moore have expanded the common role of this type of film, which used to be relatively obscure as a genre. Today, some documentarians are able to attract big-name producers and produce films that are successful at box offices around the world. Whereas many careers begin with specialized degrees and credentials, documentarians typically begin with hands-on experience.
One way for documentarians to learn the craft of making fact-based films is through apprenticeship. Others attend small workshops or other educational programs offered by universities or community learning centers. Many documentarians are more concerned with making good films than with earning academic credits, but some qualifications, in addition to a portfolio or proof of experience, can help a film gain funding.
A documentarian’s work is largely judged by the results of his work, regardless of how he got his start. A documentarian who makes a splash in the independent film world may gain a larger audience as a result of his or her success. Someone who is able to secure top production companies or corporate sponsorship for their films may gain international recognition. A documentary filmmaker’s name is frequently associated with one or more of their films.