What is a documentary?By Emily Thompson

What is a documentary?

Consisting of or based on original documents. Using pictures or interviews with people involved in real events to provide a factual

report on a particular subject. A film, or television, or radio programme that provides this factual report.

What makes a documentary good?

Voiceover Real footage of events spoken about Interviews with experts on the particular subject Use of texts and titles Sound Set ups Visual coding (mise-en-scene)

Different types of modes

Reflexive: In which the filmmaker acknowledges their presence – they are in front of the camera and give maximum narrative guidance. The documenter attracts the viewers whilst informing and entertaining them.

Observational: Being there as events unfold. Tends to follow an event or person by documenting their journey as it occurs. The camera remains as unseen as possible, allowing the audience to make their own mind up about the subject.

Expository: An analysis of an exposition of an event or person. Argues and tries to persuade the audience to have a certain opinion – the same one as them. Can be a risky type of documentary.

Participatory: Welcomes directing engagement between the filmmaker and subjects. Filmmaker becomes apart of the events being recorded. Filmmaker has the same opinions and experiences as the audience.