Timeframe of documentary post-production.
We are often asked, how long does it take to edit a documentary?
Well, the answer is, it depends; and I mean that in the most abstract way.
Some docs come together much faster than others due to a combination of factors.
An NLE editing system with color grading control board.
1. Who shot the footage?
If you, your team or a production company you hired to do production also shot the footage, it is much faster and more efficient to execute documentary post production. This is because you know what things happened on which days and to what extent.
This can be especially important with on site b-roll and walk and talk footage that is less prone to transcript organization aids. The more involved a director, producer or editor who was on site for principal cinematography, the more efficiently post production can unfold.
2. Is there a narrator for your film?
If you, your client or your production partners are okay with a “guy in the sky” narration format for your film, it is much easier to compose a cohesive story quickly because you don’t need to massage interview bytes or rely on expert witnesses to carry the story alone. You can instead pepper emotional and intriguing soundbytes from your key subjects and compose your story with the help of a script.
While a narrator can allow for ease in storyline composition, do think hard on if it will be the right fit for your film and your audience. Narrators detached from the screen can jeopardize authenticity. One of the most powerful ways to build connection to documentary characters is to allow them to speak to the audience as a primary voice in the film.
A steadicam rig on a documentary set.
3. What happens to be the quality of the interview prompts?
A good director or producer will know what things need to be hammered on to pull out the story. They may ask people to rephrase or re-answer key things as well. This leads into the next variable, which is selcetion of the actual subjects.
4. How good are the interviews?
If you have well spoken and efficient subjects that concisely nail sound-bytes, it is far easier to piece together a documentary for quick wins. A good producer or director knows how to choose winning subjects before an interview is scheduled.
5. How many infographics are expected?
Some subject matter in film production requires more density of information to convey key subjects and ideas. This can inlcude numbers, statistics or maps. While motion graphics can be labor intensive, they are entirely at the control of the director and post production team.
Hard numbers
Short form documentaries
These are films like you see on YouTube or from non-profits can be edited as quickly as 3 weeks assuming the footage and archival content is available.
Long form documentaries
Longer projects such as doc-features that you see on VOD platforms like Netflix, HBO or in film festivals like Sundance or TIFF, generally take at least 6 months to edit, and more often up to 1 year depending on the factors listed above.