Documentary Filmmaking Tips // How to Hook Your Audience

Part two of this series where I'm doing a breakdown of my approach to creating character-driven documentary films. In this video, I'm talking about ways that you can structure the story and edit to keep your audience watching.

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DISCLAIMER
Some of the links above are affiliate links, where I earn a small commission if you click on the link and purchase an item. The money I earn helps me make this type of content consistently.

[AanchalChaturvedi]

The intro
- impactful and sense of curiosity, a hint or hook story specific
- in a short time span 45 sec to 1 min
-dont plan something just stay authentic

Middle - conflict or main message, don't drag out too much
- give your audience credit, not spoon feeding
- history plus conflict
-main message

The end
-resolve conflict
-reintroduce conflict
-or both

[lkkvisual]

This video just inspired me to do something out of my comfort zone. Before passing the 3-minute mark I had already contacted three of my closest friends and started planning our first project.

I appreciate filmmakers like you. Thank you.

This had to be fate.

[ndbryant]

I've watched this over 20xs now. This is an easy 20 min watch. You do an amazing job 👏.

[lifeisgood]

I am an aspiring documentary filmmaker and have been scouring the internet for a style that resonates with me. I'm pretty sure I finally found it after watching your "How to hook your audience" piece. 99% of youtube documentary tutorials basically demonstrate the "traditional" interview style. Not that engaging. I can really relate to how you tell your story. You invite the viewer in with well executed images along with sound design that compliments and supports the theme of your piece. I love your use of voiceover. I come from a photographer's background, so the learning curve for final cut pro has not been too steep. The areas I need to learn will be color correcting and sound design. Thanks for the inspiration!

[nickpontoski]

Your cinematography is stunning. So natural, but interesting.

[aaronmackenzie]

I always use the term “Motivated Incident” this is what starts the character reveal point, structure. This is what starts the story from a normal beginning. Into a point of referance. The beginning of the hero’s journey…. Great work in this idea.

[yugenfocus]

Just coming back to this video to say that the sound design, interview sound quality and the mix from nat sound, a-roll and SFX ~chef's kiss~

[redstoneranger]

Hello Kyle - Thank you a lot for this great video! It doesn't happen that often that I watch a 20 minutes video on YT from beginning to end. Like your style and the quality of your work is outstanding.

[MasakoSifontes]

This was fantastic! Thank you for the input on your process. I am currently working on a film. This was very helpful. I know I will be watching it again.

[exoticcarlife]

The audio and sound design on your films is impeccable

[MatthewLeland]

Real question: I’ve watched 25 different creators on here and while so much gear was mentioned, NONE of you told us those dad hats are crucial to film making.

[MERCYFRANK]

As a mini docu producer for hradnews on TV, this is helpful. Now, I know how to use the principles to make a great story. Thank you for this great content

[Tom-Humble]

Love this series. It may not receive the most views compared to some of your other videos but for people like myself still learning film making it’s immensely beneficial. Really appreciate you sharing you film making knowledge for free!

[RideAlongAdventures]

Wow. Don’t even know where to start. This is one of the best how to videos. Ever. Thank you for sharing this.

[irgendwas]

very enjoyed this episode. thank you! just wanted to leave this message

[leocaserta]

dude. Amazing video chalk full of helpful information. A great way to kick off my editing session, thank you!

[gphotographyoutdoors]

Really enjoyed your insight on filmmaking!!

[danielcharlesfilms]

Excellent and invaluable information. Thank you so much for taking the time to share this and teach us.

[sarahdippity]

I was so excited to see this title ... just the film I was hoping you'd make, Kyle!

[ethnicwire]

looks amazing, been following you re GFX camera.. thanks for these posts.