Service 05
Documentary Production
Long-form storytelling through documentary film, video essays, and multimedia journalism projects. We transform complex subjects into compelling visual narratives backed by rigorous research.
Documentary production at Auralis Associates combines our investigative journalism expertise with professional visual storytelling. We produce short, medium, and feature-length documentaries that explore issues of public interest, corporate accountability, community stories, and institutional narratives. Every documentary we produce is grounded in the same factual rigour we apply to our investigative reporting - because compelling stories are only as strong as the facts behind them.
Our production process covers everything from initial research and story development through filming, post-production, and final delivery. We work with a network of trusted freelance camera operators, editors, and sound technicians based in the Ottawa region, coordinated and supervised by our in-house team. The editorial direction, research, and narrative structure remain entirely under the control of Auralis Associates.
Our Process
Research & Story Development
We research the subject, identify key characters and storylines, develop the narrative structure, and produce a detailed treatment document that serves as the creative and editorial blueprint for the project.
Pre-Production & Planning
We plan the shoot schedule, secure locations, schedule interviews, arrange equipment and crew, and prepare interview questions and shot lists. We confirm all logistics, releases, and permits.
Production & Filming
We conduct filmed interviews, capture b-roll footage, and gather visual and audio materials. Filming follows the treatment while remaining responsive to the story as it unfolds on location.
Post-Production & Delivery
We edit the footage into a polished narrative, add graphics and music (royalty-free or licensed), colour-grade, mix audio, and deliver the finished documentary in broadcast-quality format. 2 revision rounds are included.
Who This Service Is For
Documentary production is for organizations and individuals who want to tell a story through film. Clients include nonprofits documenting their impact, companies producing internal or external video content, foundations and advocacy groups communicating about an issue, cultural organizations preserving oral histories, and publishers or media outlets commissioning video journalism. The service is also suitable for individuals who want to document a personal, family, or community story with professional production values.
How a Session Works
Documentary production is a project-based service. After the initial consultation, we provide a treatment document that outlines the story, structure, estimated length, budget, and timeline. Once approved (and the 30% deposit is paid), we proceed through the production phases. You receive updates at each major milestone: treatment approval, pre-production completion, rough cut review, and fine cut review. The final delivery includes the finished film and any agreed supplementary materials.
What to Prepare
- A description of the subject or story you want to explore
- Any existing research, materials, or footage related to the topic
- Access information for key interview subjects and locations
- Your intended audience and distribution channels (web, broadcast, event screening)
- Your budget range and timeline expectations
Deliverables & Formats
The primary deliverable is the finished documentary film in broadcast-quality format. Standard delivery formats include ProRes 422 (for broadcast and archival) and H.264 MP4 (for web and streaming). We can also provide H.265/HEVC for platforms that support it. Aspect ratio, frame rate, and resolution are agreed upon during pre-production. Additional deliverables may include promotional clips, behind-the-scenes footage, transcripts of interviews, and still photographs from the production.
Timelines
Short documentaries (5-10 minutes) typically take 4-8 weeks from treatment approval to final delivery. Medium-length documentaries (10-25 minutes) require 8-16 weeks. Feature-length documentaries (25+ minutes) take 4-8 months or longer, depending on complexity, location requirements, and subject access. A detailed timeline is established during the scoping phase.
Revisions & Follow-Up
2 revision rounds are included. The first revision round typically addresses the rough cut (overall structure, content, pacing), and the second round addresses the fine cut (specific edits, graphics, audio). Additional revision rounds are billed at our editorial consulting hourly rate. After delivery, we archive all project files for 36 months.
What Is Not Included
Documentary production does not include theatrical distribution, festival submission management, broadcast licensing negotiations, ongoing hosting or streaming infrastructure, live event production or live streaming, or social media content management. We deliver the finished film and hand over all agreed materials - distribution and marketing are the client's responsibility. For guidance on budgeting for media projects, see our guide: Budgeting for Media Services.
How Pricing Works
All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD) before applicable HST (13%). Feature documentary pricing starts from $25,000 and varies significantly based on scope, location requirements, crew size, and post-production complexity. A detailed budget is provided in the project proposal. Our GST/HST number is 741825693RT0001. Payment terms are in our Terms of Service.
What Is Included
Pricing
| Tier | Price (excl. HST) | Price (incl. HST 13%) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Documentary (5-10 min) | $5,500 | $6,215 | per project |
| Medium Documentary (10-25 min) | $14,000 | $15,820 | per project |
| Feature Documentary (25+ min) | $25,000 | $28,250 | starting from |
Feature documentary pricing starts from $25,000 and varies based on project scope. A 30% deposit is required. Free cancellation up to 14 days before production start.
Common Questions About Documentary Production
Do I need to provide any equipment or crew?
No. We handle all equipment, crew coordination, and technical logistics. You provide access to the subject matter, interview subjects, and locations. If you have existing footage you want incorporated, we can review it during the treatment phase.
Can the documentary include bilingual content?
Yes. We regularly produce bilingual (English/French) documentaries, which is particularly relevant for Ottawa-based subjects. Marc-Andre Beaumont coordinates French-language interviews and script elements. Subtitles in both languages can be included in the final deliverable.
Who owns the finished documentary?
Intellectual property rights transfer to you upon 100% payment of all project fees and expenses, as outlined in our Terms of Service. Until full payment, Auralis Associates retains ownership. Third-party elements (licensed music, stock footage) are subject to their own licensing terms, which we document clearly.
Can you produce content for social media or web distribution?
Yes. While our core offering is documentary production, we can deliver additional formatted clips for social media, web embedding, or promotional use. These are specified during pre-production and included in the project budget. We deliver in formats optimized for your target platforms.
What happens if interview subjects decline to participate?
We identify this risk during the scoping phase and always have contingency plans. If a key subject declines, we work with you to adjust the narrative approach. The treatment document is a living blueprint that can accommodate changes while maintaining the story's integrity.
Tell Your Story
Share your documentary concept with us. We respond within 24 business hours and can provide an initial feasibility assessment.
Book a Consultation