ArchiveCut / How to make a documentary video
How to make a documentary video
To make a documentary video, pick one clear question, research it from sources you can name, write a script for the ear, gather pictures you’re allowed to use, record the narration, edit picture to the words, then check and credit it. This works for a school project or a first film.
1. Pick one question
Choose a subject narrow enough to finish: one event, person or place, with a clear start and end. “How was the Brooklyn Bridge built?” works better than “the history of bridges”.
2. Research from sources you can name
Collect facts with where each came from. Write down dates and names exactly, and note where sources disagree.
3. Write the script for the ear
About 130 words makes a minute of narration. Use short sentences, open on one concrete moment, and tell events in order.
4. Gather pictures and footage
Use archives with clear licences, and record each item’s creator, licence and source as you go.
5. Record the narration
Record your own voice or use an AI voice. Read the script aloud first: what looks fine on the page often sounds wrong.
6. Edit picture to the words
Cut each shot to match what is being said, and add captions, since many people watch with the sound off.
7. Check it, credit it, publish
Watch it through once for facts and once for sound, then credit every picture as its licence requires.
For step 3, start from our documentary script template and use the script length calculator. For step 4, see where to find public domain footage.
How do I make a documentary for a school project?
Keep it to one question and three to five minutes, which is about 400 to 650 words of narration. Ask your teacher how to credit sources, and use public-domain or openly licensed pictures so you can show it anywhere.
How do I make a documentary for YouTube?
The same seven steps apply. Before you publish, read YouTube’s rules on reused and AI content, summarised in our guide to faceless history channels.
How do I make a documentary video with AI?
AI can help draft narration, record a voice and assemble scenes. Check every claim against its source yourself, and use real archive pictures for real events. Our page on AI images in history videos explains why.
Where ArchiveCut fits
ArchiveCut does steps 4 to 6 from a script you approve, and can draft step 3 for you to check. The research and the judgement stay with you.