Documentary video production companies provide filming and editing services for streaming platforms, NGOs, and broadcasters. They specialize in capturing authentic human and nature experiences that are thought-provoking and inspire action. The core idea behind this cinematic format is to understand the people behind the story, their philosophy and drive, and bring the topic closer to the audience.  

The main services of documentary production companies can be segmented into three tiers: 

• Pre-production services: Conceptualization, research, scheduling, location scouting, and budgeting 
• Production services: Filming, directing, interviews with subjects, audio recording, and cinematography 
• Post-production services: Editing, archival footage insertion, adding subtitles, voiceover, sound design, and color grading 

Some agencies also produce historical, social impact, educational, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) documentaries, and assist with festival submissions and distribution.   

Documentary production companies create non-fiction films that inform, educate, and inspire. Common subjects they cover are nature, true crime, social justice, and corporate stories, presented in a range of formats, including long-form features, episodic series, short-form content, and branded content for streaming platforms and television.  

Common types of documentaries include:  

• Social impact and advocacy: Aimed at prompting public debate or activism for social justice and environmental issues 
• Investigative and crime: In-depth research into true stories, profiled crimes, historical events, or unsolved mysteries 
• Biographical and historical: Detailed explorations of influential individuals or historical events 
• Nature and science: Wildlife films and environmental documentaries 
• Branded documentaries: Create documentaries about a brand’s mission, impact, milestones, or corporate journey 
• Observational: Capturing real-life events as they unfold with minimal intervention from the filmmakers 
• Docuseries: Serialized stories that cover lifestyle, sports, food, or travel topics 

Documentary movies can cost between $10,000 and $1 million per production. The final price is determined based on the type of documentary, location, production quality, the size of the crew, the equipment needed, and the post-production process. In general, documentaries fall within the following brackets: 

• Low-budget documentaries: $10,000 to $50,000 
• Mid-range documentaries: $50,000 to $200,000 
• High-end documentaries: $200,000 to $1 million or more 

On the lower end, many documentaries done by emerging filmmakers have budgets that are even lower than the industry threshold. These crews raise only enough to cover basic hard costs, relying on volunteer labor and in-kind contributions of goods and services. 

On the higher end, documentary budgets can go far above $3 million and are usually allocated to high-profile projects supported by studios, broadcasting networks, and global streaming platforms. 

Besides filming costs, the final budget should also consider the following expenses: 

• Location permits and insurance 
• Crew salaries 
• Rental expenses for lighting, shooting, and sound equipment  
• Travel and accommodation for the crew 

Typically, the contract determines ownership, but it is standard for the production company to own the raw files until final payment, after which the client receives the finished, edited content.