When you think about the most compelling documentaries you’ve watched on Netflix, you probably remember the feeling they left you with, not just the facts they presented. Whether it’s Our Planet, The Last Dance, or Chef’s Table, the best documentaries don’t just convey information, they pull you into a story that you can’t stop watching.

And here’s the thing: the same techniques that hook millions of viewers can (and should) be applied to brand storytelling.

At Two Doors Down Productions, we recently launched a dedicated documentary division called TDD Films. We already have three long-form documentary style films in production: Tide and Table, Heartwood, and A Way With Murder. While it’s a different division of TDD Productions, the skills we use to craft documentaries translate directly into both our commercial and branded work.

It’s All About the Human Element

Great documentaries rarely start with products or statistics , they start with people. In The Last Dance, the heart of the story isn’t basketball. It’s the personalities, rivalries, and sacrifices of all of the players (not just Michael Jordan).

For brands, the takeaway is clear:

Feature real people, not just your logo.
Showcase employees, customers, or community members as the hero.
Let their voices carry the narrative.

We build entire campaigns around authentic voices, leveraging real interviews, exact quotes, and unscripted moments to make a brand feel alive.

Build a Narrative Arc (Even in Short Form)

Every great documentary has a beginning, middle, and end. The stakes build, challenges arise, and something changes by the conclusion.

Each Chef’s Table episode follows a simple arc: the chef’s early journey, the challenges they overcame, and the artistry they’ve achieved.

Brands can use the same approach, even in a 60-second spot:

Beginning: Present a relatable challenge or moment of curiosity.
Middle: Show the process, struggle, or transformation.
End: Deliver resolution with emotional impact.

This is exactly how we structure our branded series work, whether we’re filming a finance executive in New York or a chef in rural Alaska.

Let the Visuals Do the Talking

Our Planet is a masterclass in visual storytelling. Entire sequences are told without narration, letting the imagery speak for itself.

For brands, this means:

Invest in cinematic quality. The audience will surely notice.
Use visuals to show your values, not just tell them.
Avoid overloading with text or voiceover. Let moments breathe.

Our team uses Sony Cine Line cameras (FX3, FX6, FX9) for those reasons listed above.These cameras give us the depth, color, and detail needed to tell visual stories that resonate on a subconscious level.

Consistency Creates Connection

Netflix does an amazing job with all of their documentary series. They keep audiences hooked because viewers know exactly what to expect, as tone, pacing, and quality are consistent across episodes.

In many cases a video series can outperform a single video. For brands, consistency builds recognition, trust, and anticipation.

Our new documentary division, TDD Films, applies this principle not just to feature-length films, but also to serialized branded content. It’s the same craft, just adapted for different lengths and platforms.

Emotional Resonance Lasts Longer Than Facts

Viewers are likely to forget the statistics shared in 13th or American Factory, but they’re less likely to forget how those stories made them feel.

Brand videos that aim for lasting impact should:

Prioritize emotional beats over corporate jargon.
Use music and pacing to amplify mood.
Leave the audience with a sense of connection, not just information.

It’s the emotional layer that transforms a video from something viewers scroll past to something they share.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re making a feature-length documentary or a 90-second branded video, the rules of great storytelling are the same:

Put people at the center.
Build a clear narrative arc.
Let visuals carry weight.
Be consistent.
Prioritize emotional impact.

At Two Doors Down Productions – and now through TDD Films – we bring documentary-level storytelling to every project. From global brand campaigns to local stories with worldwide resonance, it’s always all about the audience. We understand deeply that whether you’re streaming on Netflix or scrolling on your phone, one truth remains: the best stories always stick.

Storytelling Secrets Brands Can Learn from Netflix & Hit Documentaries