Documentary Mini task

Documentary Mini Task
(All images acquired from Google Images)
https://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/6-types-of-documentary-film/

Introduction
• What is a documentary? / How would you define ‘documentary’?

A documentary is a film that uses pictures or interviews with people involved in real events to provide a factual report on a particular subject. This could be things such as nature, to true crime stories. I would define them as a video that gives information about a subject, with suitable images, soundtrack, voice-over etc. The term documentary was coined by John Grierson CBE,  In 1926, Grierson coined the term "documentary" in a review of Robert Flaherty's Moana.

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• Identify the key features of expository documentaries

An expository documentary speaks directly to the viewer often in the context of an authoritative commentary, with a voice over giving a strong point of view. These often use male voices, that sound upper class, to express their point. Images are shown to further the argument. Historical documentaries in this mode deliver an ‘objective’ account and interpretation of past events.

Two examples of an expository documentary would be; Ken Burns’ The Civil War (1990) and Robert Hughes’ The Shock of the New (1980). Civil War is a perfect example of this, as there is a voice over that explains what is happening, as well as video and images that accompany the relevant

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• Identify the key features of observational documentaries

Observational documentaries make an attempt to simply and spontaneously observe lived life with a minimum of intervention. This meaning that there is no narrator to explain anything. It is simply just video, usually without music pieced together, showing either every day life, or a certain event. 

An example of this would be Titicut Follies (1967). In this documentary, Filmmaker Frederick Wiseman exposes conditions at a Massachusetts hospital for the criminally insane. It is simply clips of video and audio from a 'normal' day at the hospital, but exposes some of the harsh conditions there. Conversations between doctors and patients, and situations that occur.

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• Identify the key features of interactive documentaries

Interactive documentaries are all about how the presenter or director engages with the viewer. The film maker's presence will be evident. The interaction is primarily in-between interviewees, the audience and the presenter. There is usually an argument or agenda that will be addressed in the documentary. These documentaries are often questioned and accused of misinterpretation, due to the images being more important than the fine details.

There is another type of Interactive documentary, and they are a documentary production that differs from the more traditional forms, these being; video, audio, photographic.  The interactive multimedia capability of the Internet provides viewers with a unique way to create non-linear productions that combine photography, text, audio, video, animation based on real time content. Pretty much, they allow the viewer to navigate through the story by interacting. 

An example of this is You vs. Wild (2019) by Bear Grylls. As the film allows you to choose options for Bear Grylls to undertake, and allows you to shape his adventure. 


• Discuss how access and privacy can affect a production (releases & permissions)

Without the required talent and location releases, along with permission slips and recces, a production cant take place. If a production is taking place, all cast need to fill out releases, and all locations must be used with permission. This means that the cast are willingly partaking, and all locations are being filmed on legally without trespassing. This allows insurance to be applicable if something happens to a member of the cast on location. If a member of the cast doesn't sign a release, and still partakes; this is illegal and isn't allowed to be done, meaning that the film is breaking the law. 

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• Identify the key features of reflexive documentaries

Reflexive documentaries are a documentary that promotes truth and calls the viewers attention to the film making process. Reflexive and participatory modes of documentary both seek to create awareness from the viewers' perspective so that they can gain appreciation to the film making process. It shows how things are filmed, and how it was created. 

Driving me crazy by Nick Bloomfield is an example of this. Driving me crazy is a good example of this because it shows people in their element, it allows people to watch and see people expressing themselves, and allowing them to be proud of who they are. 

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• Identify the key features of performative documentaries

Performative documentaries are a documentary that is the direct opposite of the observational where unobtrusive observation of the subject is the director's aim. Performative documentary emphasizes the filmmaker's own involvement with the subject. In performative documentaries, the filmmaker gives a strong “what’s it like to be there” perspective on a world, a culture or an event in history that the audience would otherwise never know.

An example of this is “Tongues Untied” (1989) by Marlon Riggs. In this particular film, actuality, re-enactments and his personal account are used to shine a light on black gay American identity. 

Re-enactments are used to not only show what it would of looked like when it happened, but to also make it more "viewable" for the viewer, meaning it is more pleasing to watch, as it shows them what it was like.                                                               


Conclusion
• What is your documentary film making philosophy?

I think that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to making documentaries, there are a lot of things that happen, that the average viewer doesn't know about that are underappreciated.

• Do you think that a documentarist has a contract with the viewer to present them with truth and authentic information? E.g., do you believe that the ‘ends justify the means’ is an appropriate for documentary filmmaking?

Yes, i believe that the aim of a documentary is to inform the viewer on events, or a certain subject, and this should be done in absolute truth. The only exception to this is a 'Mockumentary' which is a parody at a documentary. 

My favourite type of documentary would be ones that are based on animals and the world around us, this could be an interactive one with david attenborough, or perhaps an expository documentary with a narrative voice over. I really like to learn about the wonderful world we live in. I also like these as they are accurate, giving nothing but facts.