Planning scientific documentary production for social impact, a practice-based approach

Abstract

This practice-based research explores the ways in which science is communicated through documentary practice, drawing an overview of creative strategies, narrative styles and modes of spectatorship that potentially increase the social impact of scientific documentaries. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the aim is to delineate effective ways of communicating scientific knowledge through documentary for broadcast television, increasing audience engagement while promoting awareness of sociocultural and biodiversity issues, specifically in the region of San Carlos, Tamaulipas in Mexico. This research proposes a model for production planning based on the Balance Value Impact Model (BVI) by Tanner, Simon [2020. Delivering Impact With Digital Resources: Planning Your Strategy in the Attention Economy. Facet Publishing]. This research is part of an interdisciplinary project titled Valuation and Resignification of the Cultural and Biocultural Heritage of the Mezcal Region of the Sierra de San Carlos, Tamaulipas, a national project encompassing the work of 29 scientists affiliated to the Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas in Mexico.