John Grierson defined documentary as the creative treatment of actuality that aims to document reality such as cultures, events, and people in order to inform, educate, and sometimes entertain audiences. There are several types of documentaries including voiceover narration, observational "fly on the wall" films, reenactments, and interviews. Documentaries utilize techniques such as narration, actual footage, archive material, observations, and interviews to convey their message and purpose.

1. John Grierson defined documentary as “The
creative treatment of actuality”
The aim of documentary is to document
reality such as cultures, events and
people.
Documentary informs, educates
and in some cases entertains.
John Grierson defined
documentary whilst
filming in the 1930’s.
There are 6 different types
of documentary, each
portraying different areas of
documentary.

2. A voice over the documentary explaining
current events, you cannot see the person who
is talking over, creating a sense of authority
and often uses direct address.

3. An unannounced observer of a particular situation.
There are different types of fly on the wall
documentaries, these include;
Direct cinema, from
the USA
Cinema verité which is french,
this is based on the truest form
with no commentary or
narration, this was based on just
observing, however this is still
edited.

4. This is a television film based on
real events which is reanacted.
This is usually over
exaggerated and
dramatised to add effects
to the audience viewing.

5. Mixed documentaries include a range of
different features;
actuality footage
narration
archive material
observations
interviews

6. This is when the camera is acknowledged by
those who are being filmed, often they speak to
the film maker or camera.

7. A documentary following people in a particular
occupation location over a period of time, can
be seen as eavesdropping and is usually
aimed at entertaining the audience.

8. This is usually when the camera is ignored
or unseen by those filmed.
The audience are then in the role of being a
witness in events, providing them with
evidence.

9. This can be seen or unseen and an
interviewee can be questioned but not
directly to the audience.
Experts usually relevantly question those
who are being interviewed.
Often cutaways are used to show other
footage that are evident to points made.

10. This is adding to the footage with dramatic
events.
By doing this it allows people to be conveyed
in events that cannot be accessed or filmed
in real life.

11. Carefully composed shots that include
images that they want the audience to see.
This creates different meanings to the
audience including information with particular
angles and shots, lighting and setting, which
can make the audience interpret and
understand in different ways.

12. The point that is trying to be put across and
the purpose of what the document is trying to
say.
These can be conveyed directly and
indirectly.