Shape the story
Develop the idea, approach and scope together: who the film is for, whose story it follows, and what the production needs to achieve.
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Documentary
Documentary film production in Ireland.
From the first idea to the finished film. Based in Kilkenny, working across the south east and throughout Ireland.
Old Mill Pictures
We develop, film and edit documentaries for commissioners and producers, alongside our own independent films and series. Our work follows people, rural life, art, heritage and the places that shape them.
Founder Shane Hatton leads each production, with camera, location sound and specialist crew planned around the project. Whether you have an initial idea or an established brief, we can take the production through to delivery.
Our Kilkenny base connects us with projects across Waterford, Wexford, Carlow and Tipperary, as well as productions elsewhere in Ireland. The filming schedule, locations and travel are planned around the story, not a fixed studio package.
The complete production
Development, filming and post-production.
Plan and film
Plan the filming and crew around the story, combining interviews, observational footage and a sense of place.
Edit and deliver
Carry the footage through editing, colour correction, audio mixing, graphics and final exports, with delivery requirements agreed for the project.
Selected work
Documentaries and series.
Planning your production
Before we start.
A few practical answers to help you shape the brief.
Can I approach you with an idea rather than a finished brief?
Yes. Start with the people, subject or place you want to explore and who you hope will watch the film. We can discuss the documentary approach, access to contributors, likely scope and the next development steps before planning a shoot.
What does a complete documentary production involve?
A complete production can include development, research and planning, interviews and observational filming, location sound, editing, colour correction, audio mixing and final delivery. We agree which stages you need and the intended screening or distribution requirements at the outset.
How much does a documentary cost, and how long does it take?
There is no single price or schedule for every film. Access to contributors, filming days, locations, crew, archive material and the complexity of the edit all affect the scope. Tell us your intended audience, any available budget and deadline so we can discuss a realistic production plan and quotation.
Can you join a documentary led by another producer?
Yes. Alongside complete productions, Shane works in direction, cinematography and field production within other teams. Let us know the role you need covered, the locations and dates, and the crew already involved.
Start a project
Developing a documentary or factual series?
Talk to us about development, direction, cinematography, field production or carrying the complete film through to delivery.
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