Ask the experts: Can a documentary be too short?

If you want to do your story justice, try to find that perfect middle of documentary length and narrative impact.

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By Matthew O'Mara

Published October 4, 2022

Jane Jankovic, TVO’s Executive Producer for Documentaries, often deals with documentaries that are too long rather than too short. Her advice is to really think about what memorable “thing” from your story is going to stick with your audience after your documentary has screened.

Jane’s tips:

  • Find that “thing” that’s going to stay with people after your documentary has finished,
  • a documentary can be too short if a part of your story is left underserved,
  • commissioning editors often deal with docs that are too long, so be sure to think about what you might need to cut from your story to keep it succinct.

You can also view past entrants at TVO.org.


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