By Xander Ross, co-founder, Percy & Warren
The documentary industry is at a crossroads. From Cinemart and Stage 29’s true crime American Murder: Gabby Petito on Netflix, to HiddenLight’s Ukraine War feature The Cranes Call (pictured) on Gathr, streaming platforms and broadcasters seem to be embracing nonfiction storytelling more than ever. But the reality for indie documentary filmmakers is a lot more challenging. Funding is scarce, competition is fierce, and many projects never make it past the development stage.
Following CPH:DOX and with Sunny Side of the Doc and Sheffield Doc Fest coming up in the summer, industry experts have given their take on what works and what doesn’t when it comes to getting a documentary off the ground.
There’s no sugarcoating it: funding a documentary in today’s climate is incredibly difficult. Sarah Drummond, the managing director of LS Productions, sums up the challenge: “Funding documentary filmmaking in the UK has never been easy, but the current climate makes it even tougher. Audience demand is there, and we’ve had great support from Screen Scotland, but all the risk is being placed on filmmakers’ shoulders.
“We’ve invested heavily ourselves to bring projects like our Irvine Welsh documentary Reality is Not Enough to life, but unless a project is fully complete or centred around an A-list personality, securing sales or funding feels impossible. If the industry wants a thriving, diverse documentary landscape, we need real, sustained support—filmmakers can’t carry the weight alone.”
This sentiment is echoed by Alan Clements, Managing Director of Two Rivers Media, who highlights the financial squeeze on indie producers: “Indies are being squeezed between falling tariffs from commissioners and increasing demands from behind and front of camera talent. The only option is to find a coalition of the willing to get shows made, whether that is multiple broadcasters, distribution advances or public bodies—or, indeed, all three at once.”
In short, beyond financial hurdles, many documentary filmmakers are also contending with an increasingly risk-averse commissioning culture. Networks and streamers are often reluctant to greenlight projects that lack a clear commercial angle, leaving many powerful and important stories untold.
In particular, political documentaries are facing real problems with securing commissions due to concerns about potential backlashes from the more extreme quarters of the world.
Considering the risk averse climate, here are some tips and advice on getting a documentary successfully through financing stages.
It’s all about relationships
For Alan Clements “It is all about relationship building, eg with the BFI or with your distributor of choice. Sadly, there are no shortcuts. You also need to be able and prepared to cashflow.”
Clements, who has successfully navigated the television landscape for decades, knows first-hand how crucial relationships are in securing funding. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting out, you need attend festivals, network relentlessly, and establish trust with decision-makers to break into and maintain presence in the industry.
Keeping it clear
Eoin O’Shea from Irish production company Indiepics was keen to remind us that commissioners and funders are flooded with proposals. Your project needs to stand out with a compelling, well-defined hook and a clear sense of where it fits in the market.
For O’Shea the key is clarity: “At markets and festivals, I keep hearing that the money is there if the idea is right. I’m not entirely sure that’s always true, but with a growing stream of producers all competing for the same (if not dimming) green light, it’s more important than ever that your idea is pitch perfect. Clarity of vision is everything. This is the idea—this is the unique selling point—this is where it goes on your schedule—and this is how we’re going to make it less expensive than it should be.”
Working with talent
Having named talent attached for the voiceover, production, as an EP or a major director gets strong headlines in the press. Ensuring that developments with your documentary are kept in the news helps to keep you relevant, build excitement and attract potential funding partners.
As Larry Bass, CEO and founder of Ireland’s ShinAwil advises, “all of the above benefits 100% with talent attached. High profile narrators and named directors can make all the difference.”
Find the right partners
Bass also points out the power of co-productions: “A good co-pro partner will know how to maximise the funds in their domestic market.”
In the past few years we have heard from so many about how important international co-productions are as a way to share financial risk and access new audiences. The right co-production partner can help bring on new broadcasters, regional funds, and access to generous tax credits for both production and post-production.
Ireland is launching a 20% unscripted tax credit, which you may be able to qualify for through either co-production with an Irish company or by doing your post production with a studio such as, Egg, SSVFX, Piranha Bar, Element, and Outer Limits.
Similarly, the UK has a tax rebate offer for post production and is looking at an unscripted tax credit.
Relevance and access
Phil Harris, CEO of Boldprint Studios and former Channel 4 executive, highlights a different funding strategy referring to his recent two-part doc Swiped: The School that Banned Smartphones. “What unlocked the funding for our project was access, great on-screen talent, and a real timeliness to the subject matter that made the commission feel urgent.”
Taking on big issues that affect many people clearly helps with ensuring the risk for commissioners is reduced. This doesn’t mean we should ignore smaller stories, but rather there is the option to weave them into a bigger subject.
Key tips for funding a documentary
Research grant opportunities – Many national film bodies, such as the BFI, Screen Scotland, and Screen Ireland, offer funding for documentaries. There are even opportunities with bodies such as Tourism Ireland that you can explore.
Consider crowdfunding – Platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo have helped many documentary filmmakers raise the initial capital needed to get their projects off the ground.
Pitch at documentary markets – Events like CPH:DOX, IDFA, and Sheffield DocFest are prime opportunities to connect with potential funders and distributors. Do your research and have a clear proposition when pitching.
Leverage tax incentives – Some countries and regions offer tax breaks for film production, which can help stretch a budget further. Find the right co-producers in these countries and work out a plan to secure as much funding from them as possible.
Seek pre-sales and distribution deals – Securing a broadcaster or streaming deal in advance can provide much-needed financial security. Having a timely subject, with a clear audience, and a clarity of story is key to securing such a deal.
What’s next?
As we head into another festival season, the future of independent documentary filmmaking remains uncertain. The Documentary Film Council recently warned that “independent documentary in the UK faces an existential threat” due to chronic underfunding. However, filmmakers who are proactive, strategic, and willing to explore new funding models still have opportunities to succeed.
Securing funding for a documentary may never be easy, but with the right relationships, a crystal-clear pitch, and strategic partnerships, it’s still possible. For those heading back from CPH:DOX or off to Sunny Side of the Doc there’s no point delaying. Get out there and start building your funding pot to get your documentary made.
Pippa Considine
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