Documentary film production
in Manchester.
Documentary filmmaking for brands, charities and cultural organisations across Greater Manchester. Patient, interview led storytelling that gives a subject the time it needs, made by a small crew from our studio in Altrincham. Recent documentary work includes a film for Manchester Art Gallery on mental health and challenging art, and A Band Of Brothers. Documentary projects are quoted bespoke, from £350 per day.
- Service
- Documentary Film Production in Manchester
- Studio
- UNDERFOUND Studio, 11 Oxford Road, Altrincham, WA14 2DY
- Pricing
- Quoted bespoke, from £350 per day
Long form storytelling, made properly.
Brand documentary
Films that follow a real story rather than a script. Useful when the point is trust and depth, not a thirty second hook.
Charity and social impact
Sensitive, contributor first filmmaking for causes and campaigns, with proper consent, safeguarding and time given to the people on camera.
Cultural and arts films
Work for galleries, venues and cultural organisations, including our documentary for Manchester Art Gallery on mental health and challenging art.
Interview and archive
Multi camera interviews, archive research and integration, subtitles and access versions for broadcast and online.
Series and short form cutdowns
One long film rarely does every job. We plan cutdowns, trailers and social edits into the shoot so the material works everywhere.
Post production
Edit, colour grade, sound mix, music and titles in house, so the story keeps its shape from rushes to final master.
Selected long form and story led work.
Brief to delivery in four steps.
Documentary work is quoted bespoke. Day rates start from £350, with the final figure pinned to the brief, shoot days and edit length before we begin.
- 01
Research
We start with the subject, not the shot list. Conversations with contributors, a rough narrative spine, and an honest view of what the film can carry.
- 02
Plan
Contributor agreements, locations, access, schedule and a treatment you sign off before we film anything.
- 03
Film
Small crew, low footprint, enough time in the room for people to relax and say the real thing.
- 04
Edit
A story assembly first, then picture lock, colour, sound and music. Two rounds of revisions as standard, plus cutdowns for social.
Questions, answered.
How much does a documentary cost in Manchester?
Every documentary is quoted bespoke against the brief. Day rates start from £350, and the total depends on research time, number of contributors, shoot days and edit length. We quote a fixed figure before any work begins.
How long does a documentary take to make?
Longer than a brand film, because the story has to be found rather than written. As a guide, research and access usually take two to four weeks, filming happens across several days or visits, and the edit runs three to six weeks depending on length.
What length should our documentary be?
It depends on where it will be watched. A film for a website or a screening usually sits between eight and twenty minutes. We normally plan a long version plus shorter cutdowns and a trailer, so the same material works on social and in press.
Do you work with contributors who have not been filmed before?
Often. Most people in our documentaries are not performers. We brief contributors properly, keep the crew small, and give them time and control over how they are represented.
Have you made documentaries before?
Yes. Recent long form work includes a documentary for Manchester Art Gallery on mental health and challenging art, and A Band Of Brothers. You can see both in our work section.
Where do you film documentaries?
Across Greater Manchester and the North West as standard, from our studio in Altrincham. We travel UK wide and internationally where the story needs it.
Based in Altrincham, on your doorstep.
Our studio is at 11 Oxford Road, Altrincham, eight minutes by tram from Manchester city centre, with free parking on site. Come in for a coffee and talk the story through before you commit to anything.
WA14 2DY, United Kingdom
0161 698 1650
info@theunderfoundstudio.com
Find us
11 Oxford Rd, Altrincham
Documentary across Greater Manchester
Got a story that needs more than a thirty second film? Tell us about it.