The document discusses several key aspects of documentary theory: 1) It defines documentaries as using actual footage and evidence to report non-fictional events, though some elements may be staged. 2) Documentaries deal with a variety of issues from religious to political topics, and different styles prioritize facts versus aesthetics. 3) There is no consensus on the "truth" that documentaries capture, as reality is impacted by the filmmaking process and different people have different perspectives.

1. A2 PRELIMINARY TASK-
DOCUMENTARY THEORY
Adam Wareing

2. WHAT IS A DOCUMENTARY TERM COINED 1926-JOHN GRIERSON
Purpose: Document and report non fictitious events by incorporating actual
footage, evidence, reconstructions and narrative to anchor meaning.
JOHN HORNER
‘WHAT DISTINGUISHES DOCUMENTARIES
IS THE RECORDED SOUNDS OFD IMAGES
OF ACTUALITY’
(Distinguished by audio/visuals recorded
at the time by people who were there)
However, Some types
of footage can be
staged…
Eg.
Reconstructions could
exaggerate to increase
drama.
People still directed in
interviews, mise en
scene therefore forced.

3. ISSUE DEALT WITH AND CREATED BY
DOCUMENTARY
Issues dealt with: Religious, historical, social, artistic, political and cultural.
Current affairs is closely related to
documentary however Current affairs
is topical and sensational.
There is conflict between which style of documentary is best
Art Reportage
Looks good mise en scene Hard hitting facts focused
focused
Target Audience issues:
Scheduling (Time, channel and surrounding programmes) must be taken into
account
Eg. Panerama: Demands prime time
Principles:
John Grierson 1930’s
Eg.
• Persuasion
• Boost national
moral
• Give insight into
other people’s lives
• Establish national
identity
Coal Face 1925

4. ISSUES DEALT WITH AND CREATED BY
DOCUMENTARY
John Grierson’s definition: ‘Creative treatment of actuality (reality)’
Arguments raged regarding how ‘creative’ documentaries should be to ensure the truth
remains…
Many Film makers argue that all film is faked, it is impossible to capture raw events
therefore reconstruction is inevitable which leads to creativity.
Eg. Any event is impacted by the crew present.
DIANNE TANNES
‘EVERYONE WHO MAKES A
FILM IS PUTTING THEIR OWN
TRUTHS ON SCREEN’
(someone’s version of the truth
is always presented)
Recently documentaries have
evolved and have become harder to
define….
Some even believe a change in
name to ‘Non Fiction Programming’
should take place.

5. WHAT ARE THE PROPOSED ELEMENTS OF DOCUMENTARY
The 5 central elements- John Corner, university of Liverpool
• Observation: Where the camera is ignored and the audience is placed as an eye witness. This turns participants into objects
.
• Interview: Accounts from people knowledgeable on the matter. They can be seen or unseen and ma contrast the
observation.
Eg1. Sometimes images can be used to anchor the meaning of the account and develop a further understanding.
Eg2. Uninterrupted interviews can be used without the above if the account is particularly important.
• Dramatisation: Perhaps through observatory reconstruction providing two different accounts a dramatic conflict may be
created to increase interest. Although many believe a focus on this could lead to a lack of truth.
• Mise en scene: Purposefully created to advance the argument of the exposition and increase relevance
• Exposition: The documentary must have a reason for it’s creation such as a point of argument that will be conveyed
through narration or reconstruction for example.

6. ARGUMENTS CREATED BY DOCUMENTARY
Fact: High evidence-Weak Exposition What actually happened
It is believed that people struggle comprehending the difference between TRUTH and REALITY
DENNIS O’ROURKE People have different truths
‘It is critical that filmakers be rid
of the fantasy that documentary
can be an unproblematic representation
of reality and that the truth can
be conveniently dispensed and
received like valium’
Varying truths lead to counterclaims !
Many believe evidence is the
best way to support an exposition
However , John Povner argues: ‘Experts are
adequate to support the view’

7. REACTION TO DOCUMENTARY
Fact: Documentaries , generally, are not good ratings boosters
The most successful documentary subjects are SEX, VIOLENCE and LAW & ORDER
They are normally very controversial due to audience disagreements with the exposition
Advertisement companies don’t want to be tied to a controversial documentary- They don’t invest
THEREFORE THEY ARE NOT POPULAR WITH TV BROADCASTERS
Complex relationships!
• Public’s right to know e.g they have a
right to be presented with the truth.
• Rights of people being filmed e.g
privacy.
• The producer has to assume what the
audience wishes to know.
Issues with relationships
• Exploits humans by using them
as evidence.
• Sometimes documentaries can
present people how they don’t
wish to be presented.
STEVE BARNETT- Uni of Westminster
- Claims ratings drivers are causing
the quality of documentary to decline
because of their sensationalism
-He calls this ‘Dinseyfication’

8. CONVENTIONS OF A DOCUMENTARY
BEGINNING:
Central question/Exposition made clear – Produced to intrigue – Followed by quick conflicting interviews
MIDDLE:
Makes the complication clear- Examines the issue – Focuses on personal opinion – The conflict strengthens –DEVELOPS
CONFLICT TO PROVIDE BLOCKAGES TO THE CLOSING OF THE ISSUE
END:
Point out issues still remaining- Draw exposition to a close
DIALOGUE
- Remains sincere
- Interviewees incorporate question into
answer for flow.
LIGHTING
- Authentic. Needs to be realistic to allow
the audience to come to their own
conclusions.
CINEMATOGRAPHY
- Handheld (adds realism)
- Fixed Point close up for interview (Ensures focus on speaker)
SOUND
- Vital to elicit emotional response
- Music beds used to match mood of section of documentary