Docusoaps are long-running documentary series that follow individuals or groups in detail, displaying their lives. They emerged in the 1990s and attracted many viewers by challenging soap operas. Reality TV emerged in 1989-1999 and combines authentic material and serious information with entertainment through magazine programs. It involves an element of observation through camera work.

1. DOCUMENTARY

2. DOCUSOAPS
Observational, hybrid genre. It is a long running documentary series that follows
individuals/groups of people. Docusoaps started in the 1990s – because they were
new they challenged soap operas and therefore attracts millions of viewers. They
have a central protagonist and follow particular groups – displaying their lives in
detail. The audience get to know the character(s). For example, The Family, Big Fat
Gypsy Wedding and One Born Every Minute.

3. REALITY TV
Is factual television – can also be known as ‘Infotainment’ (Information and
Entertainment), that emerged in 1989-1999. Factual information is shown in the
form of entertainment, for example, Magazine programmes. Reality TV is a mix of
authentic material with serious information with commercial content. When we
watch reality TV there is an element of observation and commentaries through
the use of camera work.

4. FLY ON THE WALL
The camera is hidden or unseen and records the vents that unfold. For example,
Big Brother and Educating Essex.

5. MIXED
Combination of interviews, observation, actuality footage, archive material and
narration.
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Links everything together and advances the argument and the narrative.

6. SELF REFLEXIVE
People are aware that the camera is following them and so often purposely talk to
the camera. For example, The Secret Millionaire.

7. DOCUDRAMA
Contains reconstruction and re-enactments showing events that happened at the
time. For example, Crimewatch.

8. FULLY NARATED
Has a narrator for the whole of the documentary. A voiceover is used to display
the exposition (argument) and to make sense of what the audience can see. For
example, Planet Earth and Human Planet.

9. DOCUMENTARIES & CURRENT AFFAIRS
Current Affairs are journalistic lead, based on things that affect society, and aim to
address the news and political agendas in more depth than news bulletins.
Current affairs often argue a case or prove something wrong. Reporters frequently
appear in vision, but there may be a voiceover. For example, Tonight with Trevor
McDonald. Current affairs are mid way between documentaries and news, that
explore important social developments. For example, Newsnight and Dispatches.
A documentary may take longer to produce. Current affairs get stories together
much quicker.