The document discusses the theory and history of documentaries. It explains that documentaries document real events and use techniques like voiceovers and interviews to create meaning and emotional responses for audiences. It introduces John Grierson, considered the father of British documentaries, who coined the term "documentary" and used the form to bring important social issues to viewers. John Corner is also discussed and he identifies key elements of documentaries like observation, interviews, dramatization, and exposition. Finally, different types of documentaries are outlined such as expository, poetic, and observational modes.

1. The Theory of
Documentaries

2. Documentaries
 The purpose of a documentary is to document and report on a
significant event.
 Evidence produced in a documentary has to be supported, it has to be
based on real events.
 A voice over anchors meaning to the audience which helps to create
emotional responses.
 Some documentaries are more controversial than others and many
television companies are hesitant to broadcast them on television.
 Current affairs programmes are half way between a documentary and a
news programme and often explore weighty subjects that involve
controversial topics and social issues.

3. John Grierson
 John Grierson was a pioneering Scottish documentary maker, often considered the
father of British and Canadian documentary film.
 Created documentaries about war, housing problems and poverty
 In 1926 he coined the term documentary which he described as creativity of reality
 “creative treatment of actuality (reality)”
 His documentaries featured heavily during World War 2 and where often screened in
cinemas which allowed viewers to be exposed to current events
 He used documentaries to try and persuade the audience to feel emotional and
passionate about the subject

4. John Corner
 John Corner is a professor at the University of Liverpool
 5 key elements of a documentary
 Observation- Most documentaries include observations. This is usually done by placing the camera as if it is unseen and
the audience becoming a part of what is seen, almost from their POV.
 Interview- All documentaries include interviews, this is because a documentary relies on interviews to support or contrast
with the topic/argument. The film maker has the option to cut up an interview or just let it run as one piece, which is key in
delivering the right message to your audience.
 Dramatization- A documentary maker will do this through observation. It is used to build arguments and create conflict.
 Mies-en-scene- This a major element of any documentary. This is done to make reality for the audience so it has to be
relevant. Mise En Scene includes; set, props, costume, makeup, lighting and colour.
 Exposition- This is the part of the documentary which explored the argument/theme of documentary. This can be done in
many ways one being interviews and another being commentary (voiceovers). This can be approached in multiple ways.
 “what distinguishes documentaries is the portrayal of images and recorded sounds of actuality”
 “Technology only records traces of physical reality of the physical world. These traces can be used as evidence f actuality or
reality. This evidence then supports the exposition”

5. Types of documentaries
 Expository mode- the voice of god
 Poetic mode- subjective, artistic, expression
 Observational mode- window on the world
 The participatory mode
 The reflexive mode- awareness of the process
 The performative mode- film maker as participant