Docu-soap

1. “Docu-soap”
“Documentary was simply the recording of
events that would occur whether or not the
cameras were present”
“Do YOU think this is the case?”

2. Aims of the lesson:
• Establish what “docu-soap” is and when it
became a popular medium.
• What conventions are associated to docu-soap
through 2 examples
• How docu-soap can be seen as a “modification”
of the Observational documentary
‘Direct engagement with the everyday life of
the subject(s) through an ‘Unobtrusive
camera’

3. Task – 5 minutes
Chat amongst yourselves and write down at least 2
expectations of what a docu-soap might be and 1
example as well
?

4. What is docu-soap?
• Docu-soap can be defined as to what it
combines – Documentary and soap –
which basically means the shift away from
reality is evident due to the relaxation
between the boundaries that separate
Documentary and fiction
• Society’s demands for realism has
ultimately resulted in ourselves
questioning what is real.

5. Society’s demand for docu-soap
• Today’s demand for new documentaries
has paved the way for a significant ‘step
forward’ for the Observational mode of
documentary – “fly-on-the-wall”
• This advance, which will be shown in the
examples later on, uses an extensive
camera crew to document peoples lives
with little interference

6. What are the associated
conventions to docu-soap?
• Fast paced editing
• Voice over
• Dramatic re-constructions
• “Obtrusive camera”
• Personalities who enjoy performing for the
camera
• Focus on the “real” or “everyday life”

7. ‘Airport’
AIRPORT
(1996 – 2005)
Chris Terril describes docu-soap as “a passive sort of exploitation”
(1998), as he believes Observational documentary has shown it has
the capabilities of articulating issues through editing and the words of the
interviewees rather than through direct engagement with the subject
matter.
Task: - Watch the 10 minute sequence from ‘Airport’ and make notes on
the following areas:
- Editing
- Voice over or “Voice of God”
- Focus on everyday life rather than social issues – Is this possible?
Address each of these areas as to what impact they have on the
spectator and do we question its “realism”

8. “The focus of Documentary is the interaction
between subject and audience”
Do you agree this is the case with docu-
soap?

9. Why are Docu-soaps so popular?
- Easy to relate to because they are 'real‘
- Makes viewers feel better about themselves?
- Exciting and involving
- Inspiring because they connect directly to
viewers The Osbournes

10. Reality TV
• The continuing demand for documentary
that engaged with the viewer on a
dramatic and ‘soap opera’ level resulted in
the most successful realty tv show of all
time
Big Brother
- 70 different countries have their own ‘Big Brother’ show or format

11. What have you learnt?

12. Lesson 2
Docusoap worksheet