In Summary:
The documentary film industry was significantly transformed by the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the shift to virtual film festivals and streaming platforms.
Documentary filmmaking was redefined during the pandemic, with new production methods, storytelling focuses, and ethical considerations showcasing the resilience and creativity of filmmakers.
Despite the wider availability of platforms for documentary viewing, financial and market constraints remain substantial for independent filmmakers, underscoring the need for adaptability in the industry.
The golden age of documentaries came to a sudden halt when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in early 2020. In-person film festivals were canceled, productions were stopped, and financiers and distributors became more cautious, tightening their budgets. Movie theaters closed, signaling the end of an era. But what was the actual impact of COVID-19 on the documentary film industry, and how is it doing now?
Film Festivals: Adapting to a New Reality Film festivals, crucial for showcasing documentaries to a global audience, faced a significant challenge during the pandemic: adapt or risk cancellation. Many festivals switched to virtual formats, allowing filmmakers to reach audiences worldwide. Although virtual festivals lacked the in-person networking opportunities of physical events, they created new possibilities for accessibility and inclusivity. Major festivals like Sundance, Toronto, and DOC NYC moved to virtual screenings, enabling filmmakers to present their work to a broader and more diverse audience. Attendees could access films from home, overcoming geographic and financial barriers.
The Rise and Challenges of Streaming Streaming had already played a significant role in the growth of the documentary industry, bringing documentaries into mainstream awareness. However, the streaming era also contributed to the decline in movie theater attendance. As the pandemic began, the streaming pipeline became oversaturated. In 2022 and 2023, streamers, including Netflix, made substantial cutbacks, including mass layoffs. New players like CNN and Vice Studios had to halt their documentary productions. Subscriber growth plateaued, and streaming platforms began cracking down on practices like password sharing. To remain profitable, companies turned to ad revenue. Ultimately, the documentary market became flooded with content, and media companies, having invested billions just before the pandemic, were left struggling as subscriber growth slowed.
This trend impacted independent filmmakers the most, as they found it increasingly difficult to sell projects produced for film markets and festivals, which were already inundated with commercial projects.
The Evolution of Documentary Film The pandemic created economic uncertainty, affecting funding sources for documentary filmmakers. The initial months saw a significant shift in how documentaries were produced. Social distancing, lockdowns, and travel restrictions disrupted traditional production methods. Crews adapted to new safety protocols, and some projects were postponed indefinitely. However, adversity sparked innovation, and documentary filmmakers showed adaptability and resourcefulness.
Previously, independent nonfiction filmmakers with unique stories and access points could secure streaming deals. But as the pandemic and declining subscriber growth hit, streamers and financiers became risk-averse, preferring surefire hits. Festival and market sales dwindled, and only documentaries involving major celebrities or sensational true crime stories received corporate funding. This trend undermined the essence of documentary filmmaking.
A Barrier to Indie Documentary Film Success A major issue in the film industry is the lack of transparency from streaming services about data. Without access to viewership data, verifying the success of indie films on platforms like Netflix is challenging, leading to fewer acquisitions of such films. Eugene Hernandez, director of the Sundance Film Festival, highlighted the difficult sales environment at Sundance, reflecting broader market challenges.
In a conversation with a respected documentary industry producer, Poh Si Teng, Executive Editorial Producer of ABC News Studio, expressed the harsh reality of the documentary industry in 2023: "It's frustrating indeed. Our industry as a whole is not faring well." She noted that even award-winning filmmakers and established directors were struggling to get projects greenlit.
Further Impact on the Industry The pandemic also brought to light previously neglected topics, including the mental health of documentary filmmakers. Isolation and anxiety during the pandemic led to a surge in documentaries addressing mental health issues. Business practices changed, with Zoom calls becoming the norm for business and collaboration, and virtual and hybrid festivals became common. These tools ensured safe social distancing, but in-person festivals and markets proved better for doing business.
The pandemic also reshaped documentary narratives, bringing critical issues to the forefront. Changes in production methods, film festivals, funding sources, and ethical considerations have all redefined documentary filmmaking in this new era.
The Road Ahead: Resilience and Adaptation The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting mark on the documentary filmmaking industry. From production challenges and financial struggles to shifts in storytelling and digital transformation, the industry has had to adapt in unprecedented ways. While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: documentary filmmakers have shown resilience, creativity, and a commitment to capturing the human experience, even in the most challenging times.
The lessons learned during this period will shape the future of documentary filmmaking, ensuring it remains a vital medium for highlighting the most pressing issues of our time. The industry is constantly evolving, and the pandemic forced everyone out of their comfort zones. Film festivals and format shifts accelerated, panels went online, and festivals became hybrid. The theatrical documentary model and theater attendance never returned to pre-pandemic levels, but this may reflect digital trends rather than the pandemic itself.
The Current State of Documentary Filmmaking As of 2023, the documentary industry is similar to its pre-pandemic state. Getting picked up by major streamers like Netflix remains extremely challenging. However, the number of documentaries entering the mainstream is rising due to increased streaming options and demand for content. There's a focus on celebrity and true crime documentaries, which investors see as low-risk. Small, personal documentaries often struggle to gain recognition.
While there are more documentary outlets than ever, breaking through to the gatekeepers remains difficult, and the pandemic has exacerbated this challenge for indie documentary filmmakers.
Making a Living in Documentary Filmmaking Making a living as a documentary filmmaker is as challenging as ever. Despite the end of the golden age of documentaries, there are more platforms to watch documentaries than ever before, offering more opportunities. An old filmmaker friend, Mark Klasfeld, a famous music video director, once said, "Don't get into documentary filmmaking if you want to be rich." Post-pandemic, this advice is truer than ever.
By Sal Framondi,
CEO/Founder, OPPRIME.tv
Producer, Black Filmmakers Matter
Black Filmmakers Matter celebrates the diverse voices and narratives of black filmmakers, offering a dynamic hub where every story finds its voice. Partnering with OPPRIME.tv, a leading video-on-demand platform, we empower independent filmmakers to reach a global audience. Our collaboration prioritizes film promotion and exposure, fostering impactful social and cultural discourse. Join us as we honor the creativity and resilience of filmmakers, navigating distribution challenges to achieve success.
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