Director Non-Fiction

What is a Director Non-Fiction?

A Director Non-Fiction (documentary director) is a type of television and film director from the field of factual and documentary films. This includes all types of productions that are not based on a fictional script but on real events, such as documentaries, factual reports and informational films. Directors Non-Fiction who do not work on the basis of a fictional script must proceed differently than regular directors. It is not uncommon for Directors Non-Fiction to have a journalism background, as the genre can border on investigative journalism.

What do Directors Non-Fiction of nonfiction films need to know?

Directors Non-Fiction of nonfiction and documentary films need to have a clear idea of what they want the production to convey, the perspective from which the story will be told, and how the message will be conveyed. You don't direct or give instructions to actors, for example; you're responsible for the production's content guide and making sure it's executed accurately. You already have experience in film production and are able to plan extensively without a script but with an agenda. If the goal is to make investigative productions, you may need training as a journalist. But also as a documentary filmmaker it is possible to take up the profession of a Director Non-Fiction.

Source: StagePool