<SAMPLE OF A DOCUMENTARY PROGRAM PROPOSAL FORMAT>

“TITLE 1”

“TITLE 2”

“TITLE 3”

WRITTEN BY:

SUBMISSION DATE:
THEME:

Example – Culture, Biography, Lifestyle, Science and Technology etc.

Duration:

30 minutes

CONCEPT:

1. Look – edgy? Cartoonish? Sophisticated? Surreal? etc

2. Mood – fun? Serious? Entertaining? Etc.

3. Feel – How audience should feel/perceive the program?

CONTENT:

What is it about?

Example:

This documentary is focusing on a group of college students who are active in the lion dance
performance.

Elaborate on:

1. The background of the college students

2. The background of the movement/club

3. Achievement/successful stories

4. Challenges/struggles

5. Aspiration/future plan

SUGGESTION OF DOCUMENTARY SUBJECT/TALENTS/INTERVIEWEES:

1. Talent 1

2. Talent 2

3. Talent 3
UNIQUENESS OF THE PROGRAM:

What is so special about your program that set it apart from the rest?

<SAMPLE OF THE TREATMENT OF A DOCUMENTARY PROGRAM>

Running Order:

No Content Duration

1 Opening montage 30 secs

2 Documentary subject in action 1 min

- (Elaborate)
3 Interview with documentary subject 4 mins

- (Elaborate)
4 Documentary subject’s background 4 mins

- (Elaborate)
5 Other people’s view towards documentary subject 3 mins

- (Elaborate)
6 Documentary subject in action 4 mins

- (Elaborate)
7 Challenges and struggles 4 mins

- (Elaborate)
8 Achievement 3 mins

- (Elaborate)
9 Aspiration/Conclusion 1 min

- (Elaborate)
10 End credit 30 secs

Total 25 mins
Note:

1. Ensure that your program doesn’t exceed 25 mins.

2. Content has to be factual.

3. A documentary relies heavily on interviews and VOs. Do not only interview the subject, but other
people who are close to him/related to the subject matter.

4. You can be creative by having a re-enactment, skit, etc. This depends on the concept and
treatment of your program.

5. A good documentary personalizes the subject matter.