2. THE HISTORY OF DOCUMENTARY'S
The term documentary was first used in 1926 by John Grierson,
he is considered and known as the farther of British as well as
Canadian documentary film. Although ‘documentary film’
originally referred to movies shot on film stock, its has expanded
to a wider range to include digital as well as video productions
which can be either directed into a direct video or a television
series. Documentary's is a arranged piece of work that identifies
and targets a specific topic which includes film making practice
and a mode of audience reception.
“Throughout history, documentary film has
encompassed a broad category of visual expression that is
based on the attempt, in one fashion or another, to "document"
reality.”
3. WHAT IS THE MEANING
AND PURPOSE?
A documentary presents several forms of information's, mainly
factual based on a real life event or a important topic. This can be
produces by actual footage from the scene/time/event or
reconstruction done by actors to re create the scene/time/event.
Documentary's include a voice over which is known as the
narrator, this helps anchor the meaning behind the documentary
which benefits the audience. Throughout the documentaries
interviews can be features as this can help express personal
opinions on the highlighted topic.
4. FEATURES OF A DOCUMENTARY
A documentary includes fives main features, which are:
Observation
-This is an outside view almost as it is an unseen and undirected
camera that picks up on extra information.
Interview
-Interviews are done to involve opinions and personal facts, also are
used to contrast against other footage.
Dramatization
-Documentary's use a scene of drama this is done specifically to portray
people or events. Although in archived footage this isn't able to be
involved.
Mise-en-scene
-What the directors and producers purposely or naturally involve in the
scene, for example lights, costume, props etc.
Exposition
-The line of argument in a documentary.
5. TYPES OF DOCUMENTARY'S
Fully narrated
-This type of documentary is where the narrator is talking
throughout the documentary to convey the argument and to help
the audience understand the situation. The narrator is all knowing
and has the authority on the documentary. An example of this may
be a nature documentary.
Docudrama
-This type of documentary features reconstructions of a certain
event as though they have just happened, this gives the audience
and idea of the atmosphere and feelings surrounding the event. An
example of this would be crime watch.
Self reflective documentaries
-This type of documentary is where the person is aware of the
camera following them and sometimes have direct mode of address
with the camera.
6. TYPES OF DOCUMENTARY'S
Fly on the wall
- This type of documentary is where the camera is unseen or
ignored. Fly on the wall shows real events which take place with
very little or no narration. The camera is unobtrusive and is used
to allow the audience to come up with there own conclusion. For
example Big brother.
Docusoap
- This type of documentary is where the camera follows certain lives
of individuals and a set community. They are often long running as
they go into detail on places and people, and are cheap to make.
mixed documentaries
- This type of documentary is where they have a combination of
interviews, observations and narration. They also include archive
footage of certain events or issues. A narrative links the
documentary together. An example is ‘the devil made me do it’.
7. STRUCTURE OF A DOCUMENTARY
The structure of a documentary follows the basic begging,
middle and end. The beginning section includes the central
question that is posed. Alternatively the most dramatic piece of
action footage or some quick interviews cut in conflict with teach
other are done to get the audience instant attention. The middle
is known as a more interesting and complicated stage as it often
examines the issue of the topic posed, and focuses largely on
peoples opinions and known facts. The conflict strengthens at
this point and provides blockages for the fulfilment of the
exposition. All complications must support the exposition. The
end makes exposition fully apparent as this is the resolution
stage and the audience should have no doubt in understanding
the message and point the documentary is portraying.
