Fly-on-the-wall documentaries have become immensely popular over the years. In 2022, Netflix’s Harry & Meghan topped the charts with the “highest viewed documentary premiere,” with a debut that resulted in an impressive 81.55 million hours watched. Characterized by a natural and intimate look at the subject, a fly-on-the-wall documentary is the perfect way for viewers to gain coveted behind-the-scenes insight. Whether the subject is a person or a special topic, filmmakers can achieve the right result via key approaches — from simply stepping back to using the right equipment.
Taking a step back is essential to success
Natural and authentic moments are essential to an observational documentary. Not only does this put the focus on the subject, but captures genuine actions, reactions, and emotion. As such, it’s critical that documentarians take that step back in order to remove any aspects that could be construed as ‘manufactured.’ While traditional documentaries often include on-the-fly interviews (which are typically prompted), a true observational documentary will exclude such moments in favor of candid shots. The 2002-2005 MTV reality show The Osbournes, which followed the day-to-day life of heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne and his family is the perfect example of a fly-on-the-wall ‘docustyle’ show. While cameras were constantly present, the show was unscripted and focused on the family’s activities — without interruption from the filmmakers. This resulted in a truly unique outcome that prioritized natural moments (from the good to the bad and everything in between), so much so that it would even go on to set the stage for reality shows to come.
From equipment to location
While techniques like stepping back can set the stage for a fantastic observational documentary, it’s important to recognize the equally valuable role that equipment can have. Classic examples of this can be seen with the shoulder mounted camera, which facilitates smooth and versatile filmmaking. Today, however, documentarians may opt for smaller and even more versatile pieces of equipment, which accommodate various situations and climates for the sake of simplicity (without compromising quality). One Y.M. Cinema Magazine article details the cameras used in 2025’s Sundance documentaries, which range from the iPhone to GoPro and several Sony models, such as the Sony FX9, FX6, and FX3 (to highlight just a few).
It’s important to note that the right equipment can also work to facilitate easier filming, especially when going from location to location. While nature-centered docs can find greater benefits with a compact solution like the versatile GoPro, others may find that a Sony camera is sufficient for their needs. If your goal is to film the day-to-day of your subject, for instance, it’s important to keep in mind that this will likely require trips to various locations — another valuable aspect of a successful observational documentary.
Special entry to locations can further showcase your subject in an authentic way, and can add further depth to the film. The Frontline documentary titled Aging in the U.S. is just one great example of this, which provides an up-close and personal look at what it’s like to grow older in the United States. While narration and on-the-fly interviews are featured prominently throughout the doc, the film nevertheless showcases first-hand footage of individuals in various situations, like nursing homes. When the goal is to film a documentary about aging in other parts of the world, filming an individual in search of the right care home in the UK can provide a behind-the-scenes look into the process that not many would otherwise get to see. With various care homes throughout the country that cater to different specializations, documenting an individual’s journey can provide an up-close and intimate experience for viewers.
Deeper dives for an alluring film
Following around a subject can make a fly-on-the-wall documentary sound simple enough, though these types of documentarians must go deeper in order for the film to be successful. One way to set your documentary apart is to go into the project with an objective that centers on a unique aspect of the subject. One popular example of this includes documentaries about talented musicians, in which documentarians work to unveil the behind-the-scenes activities and personality that goes into ‘the making of the icon.’ Another prominent example includes the natural progression of an individual’s life, such as a focus on an upcoming life-changing moment in time, or a provocative ‘behind the scenes’ look at an industry that society deems a bit illusive.
Capturing the deeper meaning can appear difficult when the goal is to remain as uninvolved as possible for an observational film, though there are several great documentaries that have proven that it can be done. The Alpinist (2021), for example, which follows the climbing career of Canadian Marc-André Leclerc, focuses on both the climber’s awe-inspiring ascents while also drawing attention to his deep connection with (and remarkable talent for) the sport. While the footage of peaks and mountains alone is enough to leave the viewer wonderstruck, the intensity of Leclerc’s talent in action coupled with his connection to the sport makes it a documentary that naturally draws the viewer in.
Filming a fly-on-the-wall documentary can seem like an impossible feat, though there are several tricks of the trade that aspiring documentarians can lean on. This includes the value of simply stepping back to the role of your equipment, and even the power that a deeper meaning can bring to the project.
Find out more about making documentaries at the Raindance Documentary Filmmaking Foundation course.
Briana spent seven years working in independent film production before taking a step back to start a family. She has since returned to her first love of writing and enjoys contributing to a range of publications, both printed and online.
