Documentary Film-making Evaluation Rubric
Documentary Elements
Category
4 (Great)
3 (Pretty Good)
2 (Needs Work)
1 (Poor)
Score
Main Idea
The pitch presents a creative, clear
theme, point and message.
The pitch has a main idea, but some
information doesn’t fit.
The pitch has a weak or unclear
main idea.
The pitch does not present a main
idea.
Narrative
Narrative has a clear organizing
structure and flows logically. Premise
or issue is up front and introduced
powerfully
Narrative has an organizing
structure but needs some
improvement. Premise or issue
being investigated is clear
Narrative is disorganized.
No attempt at an organizing
structure is in place.
Documentary
Format
Documentary style is clear and easily
identified.
Documentary style can be identified. Documentary style is difficult to
identify.
No documentary style apparent.
Information
Information used is accurate,
authenticated and well researched.
Information is adequately
researched but needs improvement.
Information is not well researched
and authenticated.
No apparent research of
information.
Sources
A range of source material is
identified and reliable sources are
cited.
Uses only one or two reliable
sources.
Uses mostly questionable sources.
Does not use outside sources.
Production Elements
Category
4 (Great)
3 (Pretty Good)
2 (Needs Work)
1 (Poor)
Score
Storyboard
Storyboard is logical and well
organized. Shots match narrative.
Illustrations convey information
clearly. Each panel indicates the type
of shot. Eg CU (Close Up)
Storyboard matches shots and
narrative. Illustrations are clear but
could improve.
Storyboard does not match shots
and narrative.
No storyboard apparent.
Camera Work
Shots are in focus, well framed and
exposed. Tripod or monopod used for
steady shots.
Shots are quite well framed and
steady, but some improvement
necessary.
Shots lack clarity and at times are
out of focus o