Getting ready for Documentary Challenge

Source Analysis
Age 9 to 11 (KS2)

What is a Documentary?

So, you are going to take on the Documentary Challenge at an Imperial War Museum. Documentaries tell us facts and information about objects and events. They can be serious and thought provoking or light-hearted and a little funny in places.

It’s your opportunity to explore our collection and make a film about the objects and people you discover. It’s up to you what you look at, whose stories you tell and how you tell it.

These videos will help you understand what a documentary is and what skills are used to make them. We hope after watching them and doing the activities you will be ready for the Documentary Challenge!

Activity 1

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What was the documentary about? Was it on TV, YouTube, radio, a podcast or something else? What did you learn?

The importance of storytelling

In this video we learn about the significance of storytelling throughout history ranging from songs and poems to novels. Documentaries are nonfiction. This means they are based on real items and events and often include the stories of real people. Facts can be made engaging and relatable by including how and why they happened. 

Presenter Ben Shires gives tips on how to tell a good story in the documentary made by visitors who do the Documentary Challenge activity at Imperial War Museums.

Transcript

Presenter Ben Shires gives tips on how to tell a good story in the documentary made by visitors who do the Documentary Challenge activity at Imperial War Museums:

"Storytelling has been capturing people's imaginations for thousands of years.

From ancient songs and poems shared by Firelight to modern day best selling novels and blockbuster films, stories have a unique ability to enthral, engage and entertain.

Which is all well and good, but what does it actually mean when we're trying to create a documentary?

One second.

Yeah, yeah, Yeah.

Well, a documentary is just another way of telling a story.

And the best thing about the one you're about to make is you get to choose which story to tell and how to tell it.

So you're about to create the greatest documentary ever committed to film, or at least the best one ever witnessed in Imperial War Museum's Documentary Challenge History.

Congratulations.

But before you start getting measured up for the outfit that you're going to be making your acceptance speech in, I'd just like to thank the one person who made this all possible, me.

Here's a few key points to bear in mind.

Number one, documentaries are non fiction, meaning they document things that really happened.

As much as you might want to embellish the historical record with the odd alien invasion here or time machine there, it's crucial for your credibility and the audience's understanding that you stick to the facts, 2.

As well as discussing real events, your film will also include the stories of real people.

I'm not talking about your BFF or weird Uncle Colin, but instead normal people whose lives were affected by conflict.

It's always useful to remember that these people and their stories aren't just information on a placard, but real people who actually existed and had hopes, friends and struggles just like us.

Making them feel authentic and believable is the key to bringing their stories to life 3.

Lastly, just because the stories that you're telling us are factual, it doesn't mean they have to be boring.

Facts are just the starting point.

Making the stories compelling and entertaining is what makes a great documentary.

So rather than just telling us what happened, could you also tell us how and why?

Well, there the basics.

Rena will give you more specific information about your task when you get to the museum.

But for now, sit back, relax, and enjoy my documentary entitled For the Gel of it, Life with the Best Hair in Showbiz.

Now you know what a documentary is, the next thing to do is to find a compelling subject for the one that you'll soon be making.

This could be anything, as long as it's a story that you want to tell and find interesting.

And in the right hands, anything can be interesting.

Look, I'll show you.

Give me a random topic.

It could be literally anything.

Oh, yeah, that's right.

This is a pre recorded film, so you can't actually speak to me.

In that case, someone's going to have to help me.

What have you got?

Whoa, a flying shoe.

OK, we have a shoe.

Did you know that platform shoes were worn by ancient Greek actors to signify high status?

That heeled shoes were originally designed for men and that Céline Dion has over 10,000 pairs of shoes now.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend you make your documentary solely about shoes.

Come on.

Even if my feet facts did knock your socks off.

But remember that just because something might feel a bit pedestrian at first, it doesn't mean you can't use your creativity to make it more entertaining.

A good way to do this is to consider overarching themes that link objects together.

For instance, discussing some signs, a painting or a fake tree on their own might feel a bit directionless and disjointed, but if you find the thread that ties them all together, in this case trench warfare, then all of a sudden you can start to tell a wider and more interesting story.

There are hundreds of such threads and themes throughout the IWM galleries.

As soon as you start to look for them, you'll spot them everywhere.

Oh, once you've followed the threads, it's time to pick the right angle.

But what do I mean by the right angle?

Oh, is it 90°?

No, I don't mean that kind of right angle.

Instead, I'm referring to using the information you've got to tell the story in the way that you want to tell it.

In other words, the angle the story will take.

Say you decided to make your documentary about technological advancements in aviation warfare, and we're focusing on this magnificent Sopwith Camel.

You could just repeat what it says on the placard.

The Sopwith Camel was one of a new generation of modern fast fighters.

The importance of aircraft was recognised with the establishment of the Royal Air Force in April 1918.

Which is factually accurate, but also maybe a teensy bit dull.

Or you could focus on the bits that you find most interesting and expand on them.

It may look basic by modern standards, but during the First World War, the Sopwith Camel was at the cutting edge of technology.

One of a new generation of fast fighters, the Camel's aerial dominance in the latter stages of the war was the catalyst for establishing the Royal Air Force in 1918.

You see what I did there?

Now, you should also think about your tone.

No, not that kind of toad, but the mood and character of your film.

Do you want it to be serious and sombre, or are you trying to find a lighter side?

In a documentary about the Blitz, for example, it might be inappropriate to make jokes about your subject when lots of people lost their lives.

On the other hand, if your documentary focuses on a subject like animals in warfare, you might be able to employ a more playful tone.

Hello ham-some.

Every filmmaker wants to win over the critics, and undoubtedly you'll be hoping that anyone who watches your film enjoys it too.

But how can you tell if they will?

Well, a good rule of thumb is to ask whether you yourself enjoyed making and watching it.

The best way to connect with an audience is to create content that they engage with.

Even though the events that you're talking about might have happened many years ago, how can you bring them right up to date?

By making them seem interesting and important for modern audiences.

Well, when talking about medicine following the First World War for example, you could draw a direct comparison between the facial prostheses and reconstructive surgery wounded soldiers underwent over 100 years ago and the pioneering and life changing procedures doctors are able to carry out today.

So there you have it.

All the ingredients you could possibly need to make an informative, engaging and entertaining documentary.

I can't wait to see it."

Activity 2

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In groups, each choose a story you have heard about which includes a real person or event from the area you live in and write down the beginning, middle and end of that story. They can be about anything or anyone you find interesting. Present your stories back to the rest of your group.

How to be a Presenter

This video has some excellent tips you can use to become a brilliant presenter. We all have experience of presenting from speaking in front the class, introducing ourselves to new people and trying out for school plays and sports teams. Presenters use words and body language to tell a story. Give it a go, the more you have practiced the skills used in presenting the easier it will become.

Presenter Ben Shires shares his ideas on how to be an excellent presenter in the documentary visitors make when taking part in the Documentary Challenge activity at Imperial War Museums.

Transcript

Presenter Ben Shires shares his ideas on how to be an excellent presenter in the documentary visitors make when taking part in the Documentary Challenge activity at Imperial War Museums:

"And that's what makes the tank top the ideal outer garment.

Now, for some people, speaking in front of a camera, remembering lines and appearing confident can feel a little bit daunting.

But the good news is that anyone can be a presenter.

I mean, they let me do it.

And I didn't even know the difference between Pacific and specific until I was 27.

It's the specific ocean, right?

And if I can do it, you definitely can.

In fact, you've already been presenting throughout your life without even realising.

Every time you speak in front of your class, introduce yourself to new people or try out for school plays and sports teams, you're using all the same skills as a presenter.

So what exactly does a presenter do?

Well, they're a really important part of a documentary.

Some would say the most important. Presenters use their words and body language to tell the story, engage with the audience and keep them interested and entertained.

Think of them as the well, the glue that holds everything together.

Yeah, that's great.

Thank you and could you just whack some more under my eyes if you could trowel it on if you have to.

I've got bags so big they need checking in at the airport.

Hi.

Oh, there you are.

So what makes a good presenter?

Well good make up obviously and being prepared helps too.

Hey, luckily for you, the best presentation preparation you can do is to remember my 5 golden rules for presenting and you won't go far wrong.

I did originally have 5 golden rules, 2 silver rules and a bronze rule, but that wasn't snappy enough to remember.

The best presented are authentic.

And believable.

So don't try and be something you're not, OK?

Otherwise you er.

Well, otherwise you might end up looking a bit silly.

And I'm not just talking about your outfit.

If you're not comfortable in the subject matter you're discussing, the chances are your audience won't be either.

I'm no petrol head for instance.

In fact, beyond driving them from A to B, I have pretty much zero enthusiasm for cars and so find it difficult to discuss them with any knowledge or passion.

But get me chatting about antiques, metal detecting and especially Leeds United and all of a sudden you'll have a job on shutting me up.

Come on, you Leeds.

Making sure the audience can follow what you're saying and finds it interesting is the key to a good documentary.

An additional optimal objective is to endeavour not to over complexify what you're communicating to prevent onlookers from becoming perplexed.

In other words. Keep things simple.

You'll sound far more relaxed and confident using language that you're comfortable with, rather than trying to incorporate words that you or your audience may not understand.

Delivery for 37?

Great, here's a noodle scratcher for you.

Answers on a postcard, please.

What do a presenter and someone who drops off your parcels have in common?

They're both in the business of delivery.

There you go.

Hope it's not fragile.

Oops.

Now believe it or not, how you say something is just as important as what you say.

It might sound obvious, but when you say something, make sure you're, where are you?

Yeah, make sure you're facing the audience not, not too distracted and maintaining eye contact and sound like you're interested in what you're saying rather than bored stiff.

These all play a huge role in the audience's enjoyment and understanding.

When it comes to performing, we, sorry, can I, can I start that again?

OK.

When it comes to performing, we all like to sorry, what was the line?

Wing it.

When it comes to performing, we all like to think we can sing it.

I mean, wing it.

When it comes to performing, we all like to think we can wing it, but in reality the best presenters are the ones who are the best practised.

Rehearsing your lines helps you to remember them, as well as honing your performance and allowing you to hear if a sentence sounds right when spoken out loud.

Don't worry about trying to squeeze all your lines into one really long take either break them up into more manageable chunks.

It not only makes them easier to remember, but short sentences can be even more impactful.

Just like this.

Yes, of course I want a coffee.

I shouldn't have to ask and make sure it's skinny this time.

And can you just focus on getting the better side of my face, please?

It's not hard.

Hey, hey, where you going?

Come back, come back.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

I know it may seem like the presenter is the most important person in a documentary.

I mean, after all the camera loves you, darling.

But it takes more than just one person to make a film.

And very often, the presenter's role comes at the very end of the planning process.

Teamwork makes the dream work, baby.

And remember that you'll be taking on every role in this process, so don't be tempted to throw any diva strops during your time as presenter.

Otherwise you'll leave yourself wide open to stitch ups and the odd eye patch.

OK so strictly speaking I wasn't allowed any silver or bronze rules, so instead I've gone for an ultra shiny platinum one as it's the most important rule of all.

Have fun.

So that's all you need to know to become a top presenter.

I told you it wasn't hard.

I mean, how else could I have made a career in it?"

Activity 3

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In groups, each choose an item that’s less than a meter away from you. Take turns to talk to the rest of the group about that item. You could talk about what it is used for, how it was made or even how it could be improved.

How to be a Director

This video explains the role of the Director, as making a documentary can be more complicated than you might think. They take the creative lead, developing a filming style, and making sure the presenter and crew know exactly what they are doing. The Director has the final say on the look and feel of the film so they need to be able to envisage what that looks like before it’s been made and communicate this to the rest of the team.

Presenter Ben Shires gives advice on how to be a great director when making a documentary in the Documentary Challenge activity at Imperial War Museums.

Transcript

Presenter Ben Shires gives advice on how to be a great director when making a documentary in the Documentary Challenge activity at Imperial War Museums:

"Quiet on set, please.

Quiet on set.

OK, let's get ready to roll over lights, camera, action and cut.

I do love doing director speak and if you speak to any director, they'll tell you that theirs is the most important role in making a documentary.

And whilst modesty might not be their Forte, they do have a point.

It's the director's job to take the creative lead, develop a filming style and make sure the presenter and crew know exactly what they're doing.

Not only that, but they get to say exciting things like action and cut and use one of these.

I mean, I will say dressing up in the 1930’s clothes is optional, but I'd recommend it.

Oh, I don't think I'll ever get Clapper bored of this.

Just a little director joke for you there.

So the first thing every good director needs to ask themselves, and every bad one for that matter too, is what time's lunch.

And the second and arguably more important thing is what kind of film do I want to make?

It's up to the director to be the creative lead of the project, making final decisions about the content, style and overall vision of the documentary.

Having a good imagination is key, as the director needs to be able to envisage what the whole film will look and sound like before it's been made.

Oh, and being flexible does help too, as things don't always go quite as you'd planned.

So you've got your vision and in your head it's the best film that's ever been made.

The next step is to make that vision a reality.

You need a style.

I call this look Director Chic.

Oh, not that kind of style.

Filming styles are unique to each director and characterise the look and feel of what they create.

Some directors go gritty, some go flamboyant and some go for a more naturalistic style.

One of the world's greatest directors, Martin Scorsese, only aims to film a few seconds worth of footage a day.

Although seeing as you only have 40 minutes to record everything, I'd perhaps suggest a slightly speedier approach.

That looked a bit expensive.

It wasn't, was it?

Oh well, I'm sure it's nothing a bit of gaffer tape can't fix.

Now, whilst filming styles can vary hugely from director to director, there are some simple techniques that almost all directors will employ to help them create visually interesting films.

So whether you're shooting on the latest piece of multi million pound camera equipment or on one of these, spoiler alert, you're using one of these, you'll be able to achieve the same effect.

If we're talking about simple techniques, they don't come much more straightforward than the good old fashioned walk and talk.

No they're not code words, a walk and talk is exactly what it sounds like.

Instead of having your presenter stood rooted to the spot whilst delivering their lines, direct them to walk and talk whilst the camera tracks their movement.

It adds energy and dynamism to a shot and it's so simple almost anyone can do it.

A voice over track allows you to show things other than the presenter's chiselled features and dashing quiff all the time.

What? OK yes, I may have had a hand in writing this script.

What of it?

You could also use panning shots like where static camera moves across an object or scene to offer more complete picture and moving the camera closer or further away from subject provides more detail or perspective.

Hey, we panned over a pan for the panning shot.

Nice.

And now back to me for a high shot, a low shot, a mid shot, a close up, an extreme close up.

Oh, that's too close.

Cut, cut, cut.

I'm sorry kid, but you're just not going to cut it in the film biz.

Now.

You're probably thinking if creative visions and filming style are what directing is all about, then why not call directors a creative visionary or something which actually has quite a nice ring to it.

I might start referring to myself as that from now on.

Ben Shires, creative visionary and tank top enthusiast.

Anyway, where was I, ah yes.

Why do we call directors, directors?

Well, because they get to direct things, of course.

One of the director's most important roles is to direct or instruct their presenter and camera operator as to what they should be doing.

After all, you want to make sure they do your brilliant ideas justice.

So don't be afraid to get stuck in and tell people what you want.

It's your vision.

Don't forget.

That's a wrap.

Oh, and that's a sandwich.

As we've seen, good directors have many roles.

Oh, not that kind of roll!

They're creative, focused, punctual, and able to get the best out of their team.

If the film's a success, they take all the plaudits.

And if it's not, well, you blame the presenter, don't you?

So dream big, take some risks, and if all else fails, just have loads of fun playing with one of these, cut!"

Activity 4

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In groups, think of some stories you have heard about the area you live in. Each pick one which you find interesting and imagine how you would a documentary about it. Where would you go to film it, what would you film, and what would you say?

Now you know a bit more about the skills used to make documentaries we hope you feel ready to make your own documentary. It’s your turn to try the Documentary Challenge at Imperial War Museums, good luck!

Not booked yet? Find out more

School children taking part in the Documentary Challenge session

Age 9 to 11 (KS2), Age 11 to 14 (KS3), Age 14 to 16 (KS4)

Documentary Challenge London

Which stories are too important to be kept inside the museum? What deserves more attention from the wider world? Who is telling the story and why?

Students taking part in the Documentary Challenge session in the museum galleries.

@IWM

Age 9 to 11 (KS2), Age 11 to 14 (KS3), Age 14 to 16 (KS4)

Documentary Challenge North

Which stories are too important to be kept inside the museum? What deserves more attention from the wider world? Who is telling the story and why?

Two school children on gallery in the American Air Museum. One boy is performing with a microphone, whilst the other records him on a mobile phone.

Age 9 to 11 (KS2), Age 11 to 14 (KS3)

Documentary Challenge: American Air Museum

New location for sessions from September 2025! Which stories are too important to be kept inside the museum? What deserves more attention from the wider world? Who is telling the story and why?

Getting ready for Documentary Challenge

What is a Documentary?

Activity 1

Have you ever seen a documentary?

The importance of storytelling

Activity 2

What stories have you been told about the area you live in?

How to be a Presenter

Activity 3

What skills does a Presenter use?

How to be a Director

Activity 4

What makes a good director?

Not booked yet? Find out more

Documentary Challenge London

Documentary Challenge North

Documentary Challenge: American Air Museum