Documentary filmmakers differ on using a script,
or not using a script. When using a script, it
can inhibit the filmmaker from utilizing their most
creative approach to filmmaking.

Even though it takes vision, solid writing and
creativity to write a documentary film script,
the filmmaker who has to follow a script means
the camera set up, the location, the lighting,
the sound, the story, the images etc. are controlled by
the script, rather than by the documentary filmmaker’s
vision and creativity, where he/she can take a
story, create images, still and moving, with
possible narration, music, and a host of other
elements that can take the story to the next level
while the camera is rolling.

Whereas, the utilization of a script can severally
limit the filmmaker’s vision and creativity.

Many documentary filmmakers, based on
appropriate research, utilize the camera to
“tell” the story, whatever that story might be.
Yet, other documentary filmmakers can only
shoot documentaries if they use a script. So,
if you are to write a script, be certain that
it will expand the story in the best way
possible so that your film does not come off
as contrived, but better, more free-flowing,
but yet, is consistent with the subject matter.

Commitment to Professionalism
Donald L. Vasicek
Olympus Films+, LLC
The Zen of Writing
http://michaelc.nextmp.net/wordpress
dvasicek@earthlink.net