A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Three Act Structure in Documentary Films

Written By Habiba Abdou

Documentary filmmaking has become widely popular over the years, and for good reason. Documentaries serve as a powerful medium of in-depth storytelling, explaining complex issues and telling the stories of those who may not have a voice.

While storytelling has always been an essential aspect of filmmaking, documentary filmmakers face unique challenges in terms of presenting factual information while still keeping their audience engaged. The 3 act structure film is an excellent approach to keep audiences engaged through the entire narrative.

In the world of documentary filmmaking, the three-act structure is an essential element that brings a sense of coherence, progression, and a well-structured narrative to the storyline. The three-act structure, a storytelling principle that originated in theatre, has been adapted to film production. It involves dividing the overall narrative into three parts, namely, the setup, the confrontation, and the resolution. In this blog post, we will discuss the three act structure in documentary films, its benefits, and tips on how to apply it effectively.

Act One: The Setup

The first act sets up the story, introduces the characters, and establishes the central theme. In this act, the filmmaker’s primary focus is on gaining the audience's attention by creating an emotional connection between the audience and the story.

Typically, the filmmaker tends to employ various techniques like a hook, question, or statement, playing on the audience's curiosity, raising the stakes, and building suspense. The setup not only introduces the premise, but also provides some context that helps viewers understand the conflict or problem the documentary addresses. An excellent example of this act is the documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi.”

The film sets up the story by establishing Jiro as a world-renowned sushi chef with an unprecedented work ethic, and how he is consistently striving for perfection.

Act Two: The Confrontation

The second act is the largest and most critical act in the three-act structure. This is where the documentary's central conflict is introduced, and the protagonist attempts to solve the problem.

In this act, the filmmaker needs to focus on keeping the audience engaged by adding twists and turns, building suspense, and introducing new characters and information. The confrontation keeps the audience emotionally invested in the characters and the story.

The filmmaker should also ensure that the narrative flows smoothly, with a clear sequence of events and themes that build up the tension towards the climax. An excellent example of this act is the documentary “Blackfish.” This highly-rated documentary introduces the central conflict by exploring the mistreatment of orcas by SeaWorld, and how it impacted not only the orcas' lives but also humans who interacted with them.

Act Three: The Resolution

The third act is where the conflict is resolved, and the documentary film comes to a sense of closure. The filmmaker needs to ensure that the resolution is emotionally satisfying and aligns with the story's tone and themes.

The filmmaker should also avoid rushed endings that do not build on what has already been established. The resolution should provide viewers with a new perspective on the problem or conflict addressed in the documentary. It should also inspire viewers to take action or make changes in their beliefs or behaviour.

An excellent example of this act is the documentary “Won't You Be My Neighbor.” This well-received documentary ends with the narrator explaining how Fred Rogers’ philosophy influenced generations of children and adults, inspiring them to be kind and compassionate.

In conclusion, the three-act structure is a powerful tool that can benefit documentary filmmakers. By dividing the narrative into three parts, the structure provides a clear framework for the story to flow logically, build momentum, and engage the audience's emotions. The benefit of adopting this structure is that it helps the filmmaker create a clear and effective storyline that is easy for the audience to follow.

Incorporating these three acts effectively and efficiently requires great attention to detail, careful planning, and continuous revision. By utilising the three act structure, documentary filmmakers can craft compelling and emotionally resonant stories that captivate and inspire viewers.

Summarizing the Three Act Structure in Documentary Films

In the world of documentary filmmaking, the three act structure is an essential element that brings a sense of coherence, progression, and a well-structured narrative to the storyline.

The three-act structure, a storytelling principle that originated in theatre, has been adapted to film production. It involves dividing the overall narrative into three parts, namely, the setup, the confrontation, and the resolution.

Act I: Setting the scene

  • This act is where the audience meets the protagonists and establishes a connection with them.

  • This act is also where the filmmaker lays the groundwork for the documentary's central theme or focus.

  • A compelling opening scene is important to grab the audience's attention.

  • A common element in the first act is the introduction of an initial conflict that the protagonist needs to resolve or address.

  • A good example of this is the 2013 documentary, Blackfish, which opens with a 911 call about a killer whale attack, setting up the story of the documentary and the conflict that needs to be resolved.

Act II: Confrontation and conflict

  • The second act is where the documentary filmmaker puts the protagonist into the central conflict, providing the audience with a deep insight into the issue.

  • With a strong foundation and conflict laid out in Act I, it’s time to expand the narrative and dive in deeper.

  • Here the filmmaker reveals more information and presents varying perspectives. Therefore, it is essential to have a strong original idea while filming Act II to keep the audience engaged.

  • A perfect example of Act II is the Oscar-winning documentary, Free Solo, where the audience follows Alex Honnold's journey as he attempts to conquer the El Capitan, one of Yosemite's most treacherous mountains.

Act III: Resolution

  • In this act, the filmmaker provides a resolution to the conflict introduced in the first act.

  • This act is where you pay off all the elements introduced in Act I and II.

  • It is not always a resolution in the traditional sense, but a conclusion or an outcome to the story.

  • In the 2009 film The Cove, the filmmaker reveals how the issue presented in the second act can be resolved.

  • The resolution does not need to be positive or negative, but it should conclude the story with a sense of closure, giving the audience a deeper understanding of the issues presented in the film.

The three-act structure is not a steadfast rule for every documentary film, but more like a guideline that can help the filmmaker creates a coherent and engaging narrative. However, it is not necessary for documentaries, where the focus is more on the subject and not on a traditional story structure.

Nonetheless, the three-act structure is effective in presenting complex issues and guiding the filmmaker in telling the story. Therefore, as a documentary filmmaker, it's essential to consider the three-act structure and make your best decision how to use it in your film. Ultimately, the key is always to make a compelling documentary that engages, informs, and makes its way into the audience's hearts and minds.

Why is The Three Act Structure In Documentary Films important?

Documentary films have become incredibly popular over the last few decades. They have the ability to tell stories about real-life events, people, and places in a way that is both informative and captivating. One of the key components to creating a great documentary is the use of the three-act structure. But why is the three-act structure important in documentary films and how it can make all the difference in telling a compelling story?

The three-act structure is a storytelling technique that is commonly used in Hollywood films. However, this structure is not just reserved for fiction films, it can also be used in documentaries. The three-act structure is made up of the setup, confrontation and resolution. The setup introduces the topic, characters, and setting, the confrontation sets up the conflict and builds tension, and the resolution provides a satisfying conclusion to the story. This structure can be adapted to fit a wide variety of documentary topics.

One of the reasons why the three-act structure is important in documentary films is that it helps to keep the audience engaged. With so much information being presented in a documentary, it can be easy for the audience to become overwhelmed and lose interest. However, by structuring the film in a way that builds suspense and tension, the audience is more likely to remain engaged and invested in the story being told.

Another important aspect of the three-act structure in documentary films is that it helps to create a clear and cohesive narrative. Without a proper structure, a documentary can feel disjointed and difficult to follow. By using the three-act structure, filmmakers can ensure that the story flows smoothly from beginning to end, making it easier for the audience to follow and enjoy.

The three-act structure also allows for the creation of well-rounded and dynamic characters. By introducing characters in the setup, filmmakers can give the audience a chance to get to know them and their motivations. In the confrontation, these characters are put to the test, and their true nature is revealed. Finally, in the resolution, the characters must face the consequences of their actions, leading to a more satisfying conclusion.

Finally, the three-act structure can be used to create a sense of emotional resonance with the audience. By building tension and suspense throughout the film, the audience becomes emotionally invested in the story and its characters. This can lead to a powerful emotional payoff in the resolution of the film, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

The three-act structure is a crucial component of documentary filmmaking. It helps to keep the audience engaged, creates a clear and cohesive narrative, and allows for the creation of well-rounded and dynamic characters. By using this structure, filmmakers can create documentaries that are both informative and emotionally resonant. Whether you are just starting out in documentary filmmaking or are a seasoned professional, the three-act structure is a technique that should not be overlooked.

 
Habiba Abdou
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