Sixty seconds is the right scope for a first documentary. Long enough to tell a real story. Short enough that students actually finish it.
See it on Teachers Pay Teachers — $9.59
This 32-page project walks them from finding a subject to submitting a final cut — interviews, b-roll, audio, editing, permissions, and copyright — in two to three weeks, using whatever devices your school already has. What's Included: Teacher Guide (4 pages) — project overview, suggested 3-week daily timeline, platform-agnostic technology notes, implementation tips, copyright and permission guidance, and three assessment options Student Materials (16 pages) — video analysis guide, complete 7-step project packet, story pitch form, interview question planner, shot list template, filming checklist, permission form template, editing checklist, and a music and audio resources guide with legal copyright-free sources Three Assessment Rubrics (4 pages) — Basic (20 points), Standard (30 points), and Detailed (100 points) — choose based on class level and grading preference How to Use It:
Platform-agnostic by design — works with iMovie, Canva, CapCut, DaVinci Resolve, or any editing software. Students can shoot on smartphones or iPads; no special equipment required. The video analysis component builds visual literacy before students pick up a camera.
Flexible scheduling guides allow for 2-week intensive or 3-week standard pacing. Works in journalism programs, ELA multimedia units, media literacy courses, and intro video production classes. This project is part of the Complete High School Journalism Curriculum Bundle — 69 resources covering a full year of journalism instruction including writing, photography, ethics, and multimedia storytelling.
If this resource saved you prep time, please leave a rating under My Purchases Provide Feedback. Every review earns you TpT Credits toward future purchases — roughly $1 in credits for every $10 reviewed. Follow Starmaker English & Journalism Tools to be notified when new resources launch or go on sale.
Keywords: documentary project high school, video journalism assignment, 60 second documentary, mini documentary classroom, video journalism grades 8-12, multimedia journalism project, documentary filmmaking lesson, ELA video project, journalism video production, student documentary project, iMovie classroom project, CapCut school project, video storytelling high school, journalism multimedia, documentary filmmaking rubric
Designed for grades 8-12.
Starmaker English and Journalism Tools 
Leave a comment