Documentary selling points are key features or aspects that make a documentary appealing and marketable to its target audience, investors, and distributors. These points highlight what makes the documentary unique and why it's worth watching, supporting, or distributing.
Unique Perspective or Angle
- Description: Offering a new or rarely seen perspective on a familiar topic.
- Example: "Hidden Worlds" - Revealing the secret life of urban wildlife in major cities.
Timely and Relevant Content
- Description: Addressing current events, trending topics, or issues of immediate public interest.
- Example: "The Age of Disinformation" - Exploring the impact of fake news in today's society.
High Production Values
- Description: Featuring top-quality cinematography, sound design, and editing.
- Example: "Visions of Earth" - A visually stunning documentary about the world's most beautiful landscapes.
Compelling Storytelling
- Description: A strong narrative that keeps viewers engaged.
- Example: "Lost and Found" - A gripping tale of survival and rescue in the wilderness.
Critical Acclaim or Awards
- Description: Recognition from film festivals or awards bodies.
- Example: "Echoes from the Deep" - Award-winning documentary about deep-sea exploration.
Expert Contributions
- Description: Inclusion of reputable experts, scholars, or celebrities.
- Example: "Mind Matters" - Featuring renowned psychologists discussing mental health.
Educational and Informative
- Description: Providing valuable insights or educational content.
- Example: "The Science of Nutrition" - A documentary that educates viewers on the importance of diet and health.
Social Impact and Call to Action
- Description: Addressing social, environmental, or political issues that inspire action.
- Example: "Green Tomorrow" - A documentary focusing on environmental activism and sustainable solutions.
Emotional Impact
- Description: The ability to evoke emotions and create a lasting impression.
- Example: "Voices of Hope" - Personal stories from survivors of natural disasters, evoking empathy and resilience.
Audience Engagement
- Description: Interactive elements or supplementary content.
- Example: "History Uncovered" - Accompanied by an interactive website where viewers can explore historical artifacts.
Access to Exclusive Content
- Description: Offering behind-the-scenes access, rare footage, or exclusive interviews.
- Example: "Inside the Studio" - Exclusive interviews with renowned artists and access to their creative process.
Wide Appeal or Niche Interest
- Description: Catering to a broad audience or targeting a specific niche.
- Example: "Cosmic Wonders" - A documentary about space exploration appealing to a wide range of viewers interested in science and the universe.
Distribution Potential
- Description: Showing promise for wide distribution on various platforms.
- Example: "Life in Motion" - A nature documentary with potential for distribution on major streaming platforms.
Cross-Platform Opportunities
- Description: Potential for extending content across multiple platforms.
- Example: "The Art of Music" - Parallel release of a documentary with a podcast series discussing each episode's content.
Conclusion
These selling points with examples are vital in distinguishing a documentary in a competitive market. They enhance the appeal of the film and demonstrate its potential for impact, both socially and commercially.
Acid Cannes Submission
Directors' Fortnight Submission
ODMedia
ODMedia is a content aggregator for leading digital entertainment platforms such as Netflix, iTunes (AppleTV), Google Play, Amazon, Roku, Plex and many other global platforms.
Indieflix
We like docs, narratives, TV, shorts and features from anywhere in the world. Our primary goal is edutainment.
Mubi
MUBI is an ever-changing curation of beautiful, interesting, incredible films.
AppleTV+
Apple TV plus showcases very high production quality, high budget films and documentaries, award-winning series, compelling dramas, groundbreaking documentaries, kids’ entertainment, comedies, and more.
Google TV
Google TV is a streaming platform for Android devices that combines content from multiple streaming channels into one searchable interface.
Vimeo on Demand
Make more money from your videos by selling directly to your fans.
Films for Action
If your film was made to encourage positive social change, Films For Action is one of the best places to sell your film.