Documentary and Nonfiction Film Production Companies

Guide to Documentary and Nonfiction Film Production Companies

Use a documentary production company to tell your story or spotlight an issue
By Paul Kocak

Documentary and nonfiction film production companies can translate your take on the real world, making it appealing to viewers. A documentary production company can help ensure that your cinema project lives up to professional standards and finds an audience worthy of its message. Non-fiction production companies are the bridge linking your creative vision to the resources that can turn your documentary into a finished and marketable product.

Documentary film companies handle the nuts and bolts of production. Their experience and competence smooth the way for creative minds to get their work out there. Whether you are aiming for exposure via public television, submitting your work to a film festival, a television network or gearing for a smaller scale, documentary production companies are invaluable for their expertise. Nonfiction production companies provide services ranging from field assistance to coordination to cinematography. Consider these key factors in selecting a documentary film production company:

1. Documentary-making production companies that match your financial capabilities

2. Professional documentary film producers who share your aesthetic values and outlook

3. Documentary companies with award-winning credentials

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Seek documentary producers with ties to nonprofit organizations, sponsors or other funding Successful documentary production companies or related organizations have established relationships with financial backers, lenders or advocates of various social causes. These documentary companies can parlay their prior successes on behalf of your project because they know what distribution companies want from independent producers.

I recommend:  Although not a documentary production company, Working Films connects independent filmmakers with community advocates. Serving as a clearinghouse of networking resources, this organization connects documentary film companies to socially active individuals and groups. Documentary film production companies like Action Films offer a history of success which can facilitate funding or distribution opportunities.

Choose a documentary production company whose work and values you respect You want to feel comfortable with the style and substance of the documentary producers you select. Don't aim too high or too low, but seek documentary-making production companies that mirror your own style and outlook.

I recommend:  Engel Entertainment and Associated Producers garner worldwide acclaim for their work as documentary and nonfiction film production companies.

Use online resources to get an overview of leading documentary film production companies Documentary enthusiasts assemble information from around the world on the best and the brightest of established as well as up-and-coming professional documentary film producers. These sites perform dual functions: networking contacts for documentary producers and forums for exchanging ideas and resources.

I recommend:  RealScreen's annual Global 100 provides links to the top documentary film producers in the industry. Free Speech TV provides a digital outlet for professional documentary film producers and lists partners for networking.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Scour insider industry partners and information exchanges to introduce your project to a real name.
• Attend one of the many industry events like international or local film festivals where you can meet documentary producers in person.