Documentary Production for Broadcast, Education, and Online Platforms

How Our Documentary Production Process Works

We keep the process straightforward. It starts with a conversation about your story, your audience, and what you want the documentary to achieve. From there we move into scripting, location scouting, and production planning.

During filming, our crew captures interviews, observational footage, and ambient sound. We create a comfortable environment for the people on camera, so their stories come across naturally.

Post-production is where everything comes together. We edit the footage, design the sound, colour grade the picture, and add any motion graphics or archival material the story needs. You review a rough cut, give feedback, and we refine from there.

Once the documentary is finished, we help you work out the best way to get it in front of your audience, whether that’s online platforms, broadcast, educational channels, or film festivals.

Documentary Production for Every Budget

Documentary production doesn’t have to mean a massive budget. We work with clients ranging from small NGOs to large corporates and government departments. What matters most is a clear brief, a compelling subject, and a production team that knows how to tell a story.

Our Documentary Work

Here’s a sample of our documentary productions:

Who’s African Three girls, one white, one black, and one coloured, explore what it means to call yourself African. The film follows their friendship from school into adult life, asking whether their different backgrounds will pull them apart or keep them together.

To Serve and Protect Told through the families of police officers killed in the line of duty, this documentary puts a human face on South Africa’s crime crisis and the people who face it every day.

African Music A journey through the roots of South African music, from the original rhythms of native tribes through to the places where that music can still be heard today. Includes interviews with musical researchers and cultural custodians.

Our Two Dads A look at what it’s like for a gay couple to adopt children in South Africa, and what it means for a white couple to raise black children. The film tracks down the birth family of the two adopted girls and includes their perspective.

GET IN TOUCH ABOUT YOUR DOCUMENTARY

Frequently Asked Questions About Documentary Production

What is documentary production?

Documentary production is the process of creating a factual film that tells a real story. It covers everything from the initial concept and research through to scripting, filming, editing, and distribution.

What types of documentaries does Astral Studios produce?

Astral Studios produces educational documentaries, corporate documentaries, social issue films, and factual content for online distribution and broadcast. We work with NGOs, corporates, government departments, and educational institutions.

How long does documentary production take?

The timeline depends on the complexity of the project, the number of filming days, and the post-production requirements. A straightforward corporate documentary can take six to eight weeks. More complex social issue films or broadcast productions take longer. We’ll give you a clear timeline at the start of your project.

How much does documentary production cost in South Africa?

Cost varies depending on the length, number of shoot days, locations, and post-production requirements. Contact Astral Studios for a quote based on your specific project.

Does Astral Studios handle the full production process?

Yes. We manage the full documentary production process in-house, from concept and scripting through to filming, editing, sound design, colour grading, and delivery.

Can documentaries be distributed online?

Yes. Astral Studios can produce documentaries for online platforms, YouTube, e-learning systems, and broadcast channels. We can also advise on film festival submissions.

Do you work with NGOs and educational institutions?

Yes. We have experience producing documentaries for NGOs, schools, universities, and government departments across South Africa.

Where is Astral Studios based?

Astral Studios is based in Lone Hill, Johannesburg, and has been producing documentary content since 1991.