I stopped using AI-generated images for documentaries about real events. They can look convincing while still being historically wrong. So I rebuilt the workflow around real archives, documents, maps and custom motion graphics instead.
In this post, I’ll break down the basic workflow so you can understand how to build something similar yourself. I also linked a detailed walkthrough on my channel and packaged the full version into a free Documentary Director skill at the end.
By “free,” I mean the workflow itself is free. You’ll still need a basic ChatGPT or Claude subscription to run it.
1. Research first
Before making visuals, the agent checks the script, flags anything that needs clarification, and searches for relevant archive material like photographs, maps, newspapers, documents and other source assets.
2. Plan the visuals
The script is then broken into visual beats. Instead of turning every line into an image, the agent decides what each section actually needs: archive footage, a map, a document treatment, typography, or motion graphics.
3. Generate custom motion graphics
When a scene needs graphics, Claude/ChatGPT creates them around the actual context of that scene rather than pulling from the same template pack every time.
I also keep the motion fairly restrained. The script should carry the story. The visuals are there to explain or reinforce it, not constantly fight for attention.
4. Narration
The free skill uses the open-source Kokoro TTS for narration, so you can run the complete workflow without needing another paid service.
That said, I strongly recommend using ElevenLabs or another premium voice provider if narration quality matters to you. The voice in my sample is called Altair, which is hosted on our platform and is the one I currently prefer for this documentary style.
5. Keep human checkpoints
The research, scene plan, graphics and narration are all reviewed before the final video is assembled. AI proposes the direction, but I still want the creator making the editorial decisions.
I recorded a full walkthrough where I build a documentary from scratch, including the setup, research process, scene planning, corrections, narration and final render.
The walkthrough is on my channel, and the skill is linked in the video description.
Happy to answer any queries regarding the workflow or if you need any help in customising it further.
