What Makes an Idea Worth Developing?

Not every idea makes a good documentary. Some are better suited for blog posts, essays, or conversations. Documentaries require a level of endurance—and clarity—that few ideas are worthy of. You’ll live with this story for years: through research, writing, filming, editing, revision, and promotion. That means your idea needs more than surface-level intrigue. It needs weight. It needs staying power.

More often than not, it starts with a burden.

Something unresolved. Something personal. Something that won’t leave you alone.

Ask Yourself:

• What’s the question at the heart of this?
• What change or resolution am I hoping to capture?
• What’s at stake—for the subject, the viewer, or me?
  

These aren’t just intellectual exercises—they’re emotional gut checks. Documentaries are built around tension. If nothing’s in motion—if no change is possible or no question worth answering—the story stalls. And so will your motivation.

Subject vs. Story

One of the most common missteps in early-stage development is confusing a subject with a story.

• A subject is a person, place, or theme.
• A story is what happens to them—and why it matters.
  

A subject is passive. A story is active. It has movement, conflict, transformation, and stakes.

For example:

• Subject: The life of a missionary
• Story: Why one missionary stayed when everyone else left—and what that choice cost him and taught us.
  

This movement—from something happened to this is why it matters—is what gives your film depth and momentum.

Personal Connection

The final test: Why you? Why now?

Are you drawn to this idea because it’s timely—or because it’s true? Because it’s in the news—or because it’s in your bones?

Some of the most powerful documentaries come from a place of personal proximity—whether that’s lived experience, deep curiosity, or shared community. That proximity doesn’t guarantee a great film, but it often gives you the voice and vision the story needs.

Ask yourself:

• Do I care enough to still be passionate about this two years from now?
• Do I have access to this world—or know how to get it?
• Can I tell this story with integrity, curiosity, and care?

Using the Idea Evaluation Worksheet

To help you answer these questions with clarity and consistency, I’ve built an Idea Evaluation Worksheet you can use inside Google Sheets. It includes two main sections:

1. Scoring Matrix

This section helps you objectively evaluate your ideas based on weighted factors like:

• Originality
• Practical feasibility
• Budget impact
• Your skillset and network
• Passion factor
  
  

Each row is scored 1–3, and each factor is weighted based on importance (High ×3, Medium ×2, Low ×1). This gives you a total score that helps you compare multiple ideas side-by-side and avoid chasing stories that aren’t worth the cost.

2. Creative Fit Worksheet

This section helps you explore the heart of your idea with 10 open-ended prompts:

• What’s the burden?
• What’s the tension?
• Who’s involved and why does it matter?
• Can you access this world?
• What’s the one-sentence story summary?
  
  

This is where your instincts, convictions, and creativity come into play. It’s not about finding a good idea—it’s about finding your story. The one you’re willing to live with. Fight for. Finish.