Why Netflix Doesn’t Have a ‘Corporate Documentaries’ Category
(Spoiler: They’re Usually Boring)
You need to engage your stakeholders, win trust, and show the impact of your work - so naturally, someone suggests a “corporate documentary.”
Cue the beige visuals, stock music you’ve heard before, heavily scripted interviews, and that familiar voice saying something like: “We’re committed to excellence…”
Let’s be honest, most corporate docs are made to tick boxes, not to move hearts. But relevance alone isn’t enough to build connection. People (whether they’re community members, staff, or investors) are hardwired to respond to emotion, not just information. That’s why Netflix doesn’t have a ‘corporate doco’ category - they offer stories that engage, surprise, and feel real.
The irony is, businesses and organisations have some of the most human stories to tell - about change, values, impact, and people. But too often, those stories are told like a press release.
The problem isn’t just execution, it’s mindset. Authenticity is undervalued and even worse, it’s become a buzzword: “We need to make it really authentic!” In an age of deepfakes and generative everything, realness is becoming a premium. It’s okay to be imperfect, to be passionate, to be specific. That’s what connects.
Fortunately, there’s a smorgasbord of filmmaking approaches to nurture emotional impact; fly-on-the-wall, journalistic, cinematic, poetic, reactive. The art is choosing the right approach to suit the audience and purpose.
So, what do you think?
Have you ever struggled to get a stakeholder or community film to feel… human?
Have you found creative ways to make a corporate story actually engaging?
We’d love to hear your thoughts.